John Cena, the iconic WWE wrestler, announced his retirement from professional wrestling during the Money in the Bank event in Toronto on July 6, 2024. Cena, who has had a storied career spanning over two decades, revealed that he would embark on a nine-month farewell tour before officially retiring after WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas in 2025. His announcement came as a surprise to the fans at Scotiabank Arena, who greeted the news with a mix of disbelief and gratitude, chanting “No” and “Thank you, Cena.”
Sporting a “The Last Time is Now Tour” shirt, Cena confirmed that he would participate in next year’s Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 41, marking his final WWE appearances. Cena emphasized that these events would be filled with “unforgettable lasts,” creating a sense of anticipation for what promises to be a memorable conclusion to his wrestling career.
Since debuting in WWE in 2002, Cena has become one of the most celebrated wrestlers in history. He quickly gained popularity with his “Doctor of Thuganomics” persona, a brash, trash-talking rapper. Cena’s career highlights include his epic rivalries with wrestling legends such as The Rock, Triple H, CM Punk, and Randy Orton. Notably, Cena faced Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in back-to-back WrestleMania events in 2011 and 2012, losing the first but triumphing in the second.
Cena’s impact extends beyond the wrestling ring. He is tied with Ric Flair for the most world titles in wrestling history, holding 16 championships. His contributions to the Make-A-Wish Foundation are unparalleled, having granted nearly 700 wishes, more than any other celebrity. Cena’s involvement in Hollywood has also grown, with roles in major films like the “Fast and Furious” franchise, “Barbie,” “Daddy’s Home,” and “Trainwreck,” as well as starring in HBO’s “Peacemaker.”
During his retirement announcement, Cena praised Canadian WWE fans for their unwavering support, even during the company’s challenging times. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunities and experiences he has had in WWE, thanking the fans for their “beautifully brutal” honesty and their role in his journey.
Cena’s retirement marks the end of an era for WWE, and his final matches are expected to be highly anticipated events. WWE fans around the world are already speculating about potential dream matches and the legacy Cena will leave behind. As Cena prepares to hang up his wrestling boots, he remains a symbol of perseverance, dedication, and passion in the world of professional wrestling.
