John Cena Announces Retirement from WWE
American wrestling legend John Cena has announced his retirement from the WWE, marking the end of an illustrious career that has spanned over two decades. The 47-year-old wrestler broke the news at the Money in the Bank event in Toronto, Canada, where he addressed an enthusiastic crowd. Cena confirmed that his final appearances will include the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 41, scheduled for April 2025 in Las Vegas.
Cena reflected on his journey, stating, "I've been on the WWE circuit for over 20 years. Today he is more successful than ever, but I had times when no one knew my name, when no one wanted to be friends with me." The wrestler expressed gratitude towards his fans, saying, "Thank you very much for letting me play in the house you built."
A Storied Career and Future Endeavors
Cena has been a part of WWE since 2001, back when it was known as the WWF. Over the years, he has become a 16-time world champion and is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. He has also transitioned into acting, with notable roles in films like Trainwreck, The Suicide Squad, and the series Peacemaker.
Cena plans to participate in 40 events leading up to his retirement, including WWE Raw starting January 2025, which will be broadcast on Netflix. He has also been involved in other ventures, including releasing a rap album and making memorable appearances at events like the Oscars.
- Cena's transition from wrestling to acting has been met with great success. He starred in the 2023 film Barbie and has been the lead in the series Peacemaker since 2022. His versatility as an entertainer has earned him a diverse fan base.
- Cena's announcement was met with a heartfelt response from fans, who chanted 'Thank you Cena' during his speech. He responded by inviting other WWE Superstars to seize the moment, emphasizing that 'the last time is now.'
- In his early days, Cena moved to California in the late 1990s to pursue a bodybuilding career before turning to professional wrestling in 1999. He quickly rose to fame in WWE, playing both villainous and heroic characters.
- Cena's influence extends beyond wrestling and acting. In 2005, he released a rap album titled You Can't See Me, named after his famous catchphrase. His multifaceted career has made him a household name across various entertainment platforms.