John Cena Shares Truth Behind Retirement Decision

Why is John Cena really retiring?

At Money in the Bank 2024, John Cena shocked the world. While springing surprises is something he’s prided himself on, even by his own standards, this one was huge.

Cena announced that he would be retiring at the end of 2025, and thus, WrestleMania 41 would be his last as an active performer. The veteran is determined to remain part of the WWE family, but his wrestling days will soon be over.

To up the stakes even further, Cena has since turned heel and will challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania. Crucially, victory would take him beyond Ric Flair on the all-time list and into a 17th World Title reign.

John Cena Aware Of Physical Decline

During a new interview with Daniel Cormier for ESPN, Cena looked ahead to his match with Rhodes and his decision to finally retire.

Throughout history, retirements in wrestling have been notoriously flimsy, with several big names unable to resist the lure of one more match. However, ever since making the announcement that he wants to walk away, Cena has remained adamant that he’s different.

While discussing his impending exit, Cena revealed that he promised himself he’d retire when he lost a step, and he feels that’s exactly what’s happened.

“So I’ve had a whole lot of time to think about this. I kind of weaned off the full-time schedule in 2017, it’s 2025, so we’re talking over a half-decade to contemplate like ‘oh man, this is kind of where it’s at.’

I also made a cemented promise even in my 20s to the audience, when I am a step slow, I’m out of the door, understand when your run is over and bow out gracefully. I feel like I’m a step slow, I’m there.

“If you look at the performers today, it’s extremely physically demanding and I don’t ever want somebody to buy a ticket and feel robbed.”

Ahead of WrestleMania 41, John Cena found himself at the centre of a social media storm after declaring his love for Vince McMahon. Cena acknowledged that his comments would make people angry, but that doesn’t change how he feels.

The disgraced former WWE Chairman has been absent from the company since January 2024. Just prior to his exit, McMahon was named in a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse and sex trafficking alongside John Laurinaitis and WWE.

H/t to WrestleTalk