John Cena offered a heartfelt speech of gratitude to his wrestling fans Saturday night as he announced his retirement from the ring, declaring next year’s WWE WrestleMania his final one.
Cena spoke in Toronto to a crowd that clearly did not want him to go. Fans booed as the wrestler-turned-actor told them of his “official retirement,” which will include a farewell tour next year.
“The 2025 Royal Rumble will be my last,” Cena said. “The 2025 Elimination Chamber will be my last. And I’m here tonight to announce that in Las Vegas, WrestleMania 2025 will be the last I compete in.”
Toward the end of a more than six-minute speech, the audience began a chant of “Thank you, Cena.” He called it an “incredible gesture of kindness.”
“Thank you so much for letting me play in the house that you built for so many years,” Cena said. “Thank you so much always for your voice because it’s really loud, and your honesty because it’s beautifully brutal.”
Cena is a 16-time WWE champion over the course of nearly 20 years with the wrestling franchise. In that time, he has also transitioned into Hollywood, starring in films such as “Barbie” and “Argylle” and making multiple appearances in the “Fast & Furious” franchise.
But even with his acting success, Cena has always kept up with his wrestling career and persona. The star tried to address why he was choosing now to step aside, referencing the WWE “Money in the Bank” event where he was speaking.
“Why now? Because it’s money in the bank, the ultimate symbol of opportunity,” Cena said. “And this farewell does not end tonight — it is filled with opportunities.”
He went on to note that WWE’s “RAW” Monday-night fights are moving to Netflix, making history for the franchise. And Cena will celebrate his many “lasts” along with these “firsts.”
Cena also seemed to tease eye-catching fights, calling out to WWE superstars. He told them, “If you want some, hurry up and come get some.”
“Because the last time is now,” Cena said.
In a post-show press conference, Cena said he will stick around WWE, and WrestleMania will not be his final fight. He said his farewell tour will hopefully include dozens of dates between January and December 2025, with his final in-ring fight at the end.
Cena told reporters that he proposed a plan that would keep him around the franchise in different capacities, even though he won’t be competing.
“I’ve always said to the audience that WWE is my home and I love it,” Cena said. “Just because I physically feel I’m at my end, doesn’t mean I need to distance myself from something I love.”
