During World Wrestling Entertainment’s “Monday in the Bank” event, the wrestler turned actor John Cena, 47, revealed his intention to retire from the WWE next year. Cena, a 16-time WWE world champion, made the announcement, which elicited boos from some members of the audience. He expressed gratitude, stating, “Thank you for letting me play in the house that you built for so many years.”

“WWE is filled with stories. It’s constantly a program of stories ending and new stories beginning,” Cena reflected at a press conference following the event. “I’ve never been too concerned with the word ‘legacy,’ and I don’t want to confuse anyone here: It doesn’t mean I’ve cut short any moment on the canvas. I wish I could continue indefinitely. Now, I want to try something special for a global audience to whom I owe everything.”

Cena outlined plans to wrestle in 30 to 40 dates through 2025 as a conclusion to his wrestling career, which began in 2000. While retirement has crossed his mind before, he asserted that the timing now feels optimal.

“The business is at incredible heights of popularity and awareness,” Cena remarked. “There are significant projects ahead, particularly the Netflix debut in January 2025, and I am honored to be someone WWE can call upon and say, ‘Remember that idea? The time is now.’ Let’s do something that can bring us all together.”

His 16 championships tie with legendary wrestler Ric Flair for the record. Despite others in the industry retiring and returning, Cena emphasized that next year will indeed mark his final departure.

“People often say they’re stepping away and return two years later,” he noted. “I want to set the record straight right now: I’m done. This is it.”

Since rising to fame in the WWE, Cena has achieved success on the big screen with roles in movies such as “Barbie,” “The Suicide Squad,” and the “Fast & Furious” franchise.

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