In 2025, John Cena, a renowned figure in the wrestling world, is preparing for a year filled with final appearances. Spanning nearly twenty-five years, Cena has captivated audiences at some of WWE’s most prominent events.
Since his main roster debut in 2002, Cena has been a significant presence in WWE, eventually transitioning to part-time status as he pursued a successful film career. His contributions to wrestling and acting have left a lasting mark.
However, the end of Cena’s wrestling journey is approaching. Last summer, he announced his decision to retire from the sport permanently. In March, he surprised fans by adopting a ‘heel’ persona, targeting WWE champion Cody Rhodes and even engaging with a young fan in the audience.
Cena will face Rhodes once more at his final Wrestlemania event, scheduled for Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The match will see Rhodes defending his Undisputed WWE Champion title against Cena.
The news of Cena’s retirement was unveiled during WWE’s Money in the Bank event in Canada last summer. At a subsequent press conference, he explained his reasons for retiring, citing physical limitations but reassuring fans that he won’t completely step away from the sport.
Cena has endured numerous injuries throughout his career, including a torn pectoral muscle and a broken nose. In 2023, he underwent surgeries on both arms for an undisclosed injury.
Cena later told Collider, “I can say that with the utmost conviction because I have given the calendar year 2025 to WWE. I am retiring in 2025, and I start that farewell tour in January and I’ll end it in December. It’s gonna be right around 36 dates around the world to pay thanks and gratitude to the WWE audiences around the world.”
In an interview with Yahoo! Entertainment, Cena reflected on retirement: “The word ‘retirement,’ to me, simply means acknowledging and accepting that you’re closing a chapter and opening another one,” drawing inspiration from David Brooks’ book, The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life.
Cena elaborated, “This is a thing that a lot of folks go through, and it’s a normal progression in life,” he said. “It’s closing a chapter, continuing to be curious and finding that second mountain to climb.” He concluded, “If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years it is you can’t please everyone.”