John Cena, renowned for his 16-time reign as WWE Champion, shocked fans worldwide with his announcement of retirement from wrestling, effective 2025. The announcement came during a dramatic appearance at Money in the Bank in Toronto, where Cena, aged 47, addressed a packed arena.
Clad in a towel emblazoned with a modified version of his iconic catchphrase, “My Time Is Now,” reading “The Last Time Is Now,” Cena revealed his decision amidst chants of “No! No! No!” from the emotional crowd.
“Tonight, I officially announce my retirement from WWE,” John Cena declared, specifying that his retirement would culminate after participating in key events leading up to WrestleMania 41 in 2025. These events include the Royal Rumble, the Elimination Chamber, and the grand finale at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Having debuted in WWE in 2002, Cena’s illustrious career spans memorable rivalries with wrestling icons like The Rock, Triple H, CM Punk, and Randy Orton. His contributions to WrestleMania history include headlining five times, with his last victory alongside Nikki Bella in 2017.
Reflecting on his journey, Cena expressed gratitude to the WWE Universe, acknowledging their pivotal role in his career: “Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to perform in the house that you guys built for so many years.”
Cena’s journey began in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) before making his WWE TV debut in response to Kurt Angle’s challenge in 2002. His rise to fame saw him capture the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 21, marking the beginning of an era where Cena dominated the company for fifteen consecutive years.
Throughout his career, Cena achieved victories over every WWE heavyweight, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest. His contributions both inside and outside the ring have made him a beloved figure among fans worldwide.
As Cena prepares for his final chapter in WWE, fans and colleagues alike celebrate his accomplishments while eagerly anticipating his farewell tour leading to WrestleMania 41.