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John Cena Reacts To Major WWE Star Officially Announcing Retirement

By John Canton • Published Feb 07, 2026 10:30 EST
John Cena WWE Survivor Series
John Cena at Survivor Series 2025 - Source: WWE.com

John Cena issued a comment after a former WWE Champion confirmed his retirement. 

The word “retirement” has been mentioned a lot over the last few months. That’s because John Cena’s retirement tour took place throughout 2025, with his final match taking place on December 13th at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

In that final match, Cena tapped out to Gunther’s dreaded Sleeper hold in a match finish that upset fans since Cena never tapped out in his career. However, it was likely the ending that Cena wanted.

At the Royal Rumble in Riyadh on January 31st, AJ Styles faced Gunther in a match where Styles put his career on the line. Styles, who is 48 like Cena, wanted ot retire while he could still produce good matches. Late in the grueling match, Styles passed out to Gunther’s dreaded Sleeper.

While Cena is likely done wrestling for good, there is speculation that Styles could wrestle again in WWE, TNA, or maybe even AEW if he’s contractually able to do so.

John Cena Reacts To Big E’s Retirement Confirmation Announcement

Writing on social media, former WWE Champion Big E announced that he has retired after suffering a serious neck injury in March 2022 when Ridge Holland gave Big E a belly-to-belly suplex on the floor. Big E broke his neck and was never able to wrestle again.

I entered the pro wrestling industry at age 23 with an injury history that included a Torn Left ACL, Torn Right ACL, Torn Left Pec, and a Broken Right Patella. At 39, I’m well aware, that I will one day have to pay the piper. I’ve put my body through a lot. And somehow, I feel great. I don’t battle daily pain. I’m able to function normally and healthfully.

I’m eternally grateful for the wonderful career I stumbled into. I pray for all of my fellow athletes and performers who have not had the same good fortune. A sincere thank you to everyone who has taken the time to follow my in-ring career. It was an immeasurable gift to get to perform for you all.

In a post on social media, John Cena thanked Big E for what he did in his career.

Thank you @WWEBigE for the moments and the memories. #Respect