27-Time WWE Champion Confirms He Has Retired From In-Ring Action: “My Chapter’s Done”

A WWE legend confirmed that he has retired from the in-ring competition, saying his chapter is done. The legend in question is John Cena.

Back in 2002, John Cena made his WWE debut, and after a few years, he emerged as the biggest babyface of the promotion. During his legendary tenure in the Stamford-based promotion, Cena has been a 17-time world champion, 10-time United States Champion, 4-time tag team champion, and held the Intercontinental title once as well.

Throughout the year 2025, John Cena had his retirement tour, which ended with a final match against Gunther in December last year, where he shockingly tapped out. Although Cena has been making sporadic WWE appearances post-retirement, he has not been seen in his in-ring gear ever since the last match against Gunther.

WWE legend says his in-ring chapter is done

Before he made his blockbuster SmackDown debut in 2002, the WWE legend, John Cena was groomed in the class of OVW. Interestingly, Cena shared the locker room with veterans such as Batista, Randy Orton, and Brock Lesnar during his time in the developmental territory.

In an interview with CBS Sports, Cena highlighted the careers of the iconic OVW four, consisting of him, Batista, Orton, and Lesnar:

I don’t think one reason points in that direction. It could be someone like me who had an unprecedented stay of 23 years – keep in mind, that’s not the usual career length of a WWE Champion and Superstar. And alongside me, Randy Orton, side by side. Batista, a little bit of a shorter run, and Brock Lesnar in and out. But that class that you spoke of so highly, we had an anomaly of longevity and success, and that takes up time and spots.”

John Cena further confirmed that his in-ring chapter is done while talking about the up-and-coming talent:

So now you’re talking about, as we wane out, certainly my chapter’s done, Batista’s chapter’s done, Brock – Randy’s kinda the only one left. Now, new performers are gonna get those spots, and those are going to go to the most seasoned performers that connect with the audience, and they just happen to be a little bit of the older scale. That doesn’t mean I don’t think we’re ruling out the possibility of a young champion in the very near future, because we are loaded with youth, speed, and talent,” Cena stated. [H/T Wrestling Observer]

Meanwhile, Cena recently announced ‘The John Cena Classic’ competition for young WWE talents, after his in-ring career is done.