“It’s Time” for Huge WWE Star To Retire After John Cena
John Cena will retire at the end of this year, in December. His last match will take place on Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
At Crown Jewel on October 11, Cena faced one of his greatest rivals in WWE, AJ Styles, and won the bout. Before the PLE, Styles sat down for the kickoff show, where he officially announced that he would retire in 2026. He stated that he wants to retire on his own terms before his body gives out inside the ring. He also stated that he’d like to focus more on his family.
On the recent episode of his Hall of Fame podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T shared his thoughts on AJ Styles’ retirement plans. He agreed with Styles’ decision to hang up his boots in 2026 as he believes the man has already accomplished everything in his successful and decorated career.
“Okay, you know what? It’s time to wrap it up. It is. For me, I said 40 was going to be my number. And just like AJ, I probably got to 40 and said, ‘Man, I’m still better than all these suckers’… and I pushed it for five more years.”
“For him to have lasted this long, props. It’s time to wrap it up, man, and live on the fruits of the labor,” he stated. “Seriously, he doesn’t have to do anything ever again.”
“One thing about AJ Styles, too, he’s one of those carpenters that we’re going to need in this business for many, many years. So when he retires, he’s still going to have a job doing something in this business, I would imagine, just because he’s one of those great minds that this business definitely can utilize.” h/t WrestlingNews.co
John Cena’s Crown Jewel Opponent, AJ Styles, Delivers an Emotional Promo on WWE Live Show
After his loss at the Crown Jewel event, AJ Styles faced El Grande Americano at the October 15 edition of WWE live show in Melbourne. He also addressed the local fans after the match and expressed his gratitude for their support through the years.
I don’t have a lot of time, and I’m not supposed to be on this microphone right now. But I just want to thank you guys for cheering, some of the best fans in the world. Here’s the truth: I’m probably not going to be seen again in a singlet like this anymore. So, I just wanted you to know from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much.
Styles will be in action next week on Raw, which will emanate from Sacramento. He will team up with Dragon Lee to face Finn Balor and JD McDonagh of The Judgement Day for the WWE Tag Team Championship.