WWE legend John Cena is officially in the final stretch of his in-ring career, with just 20 scheduled appearances left before he hangs up his boots.
Having announced his retirement at Money in the Bank 2024, Cena has since taken fans on an emotionally charged farewell tour—marked not only by in-ring action but also by a dramatic heel turn, vowing to “ruin wrestling forever.”
In a revealing interview on Stephanie’s Places with Stephanie McMahon, the 17-time world champion shed light on the real reason behind his retirement, moving beyond speculation about his Hollywood commitments.
“My skills are on regress,” Cena said bluntly.
“If I continue at full physical involvement, I’m not going to run right. My partner’s not gonna run right. Our relationship isn’t gonna run right. Sorry, kid, it’s time to close this chapter.”
Cena admitted that age and physical wear have taken a toll:
“I used to do a clean and jerk with 330 pounds. That’s a 300-pound snatch. I can’t even do those lifts anymore because my body’s so beat up.”
Despite his physical decline, Cena expressed that the wrestling ring still feels like home—second only to being with his wife.
“I wish I was 18. I wish I felt great. But I don’t feel more at home, besides in the arms of my wife, than I do on the canvas.”
Cena’s next and possibly final high-profile match is set for Money in the Bank on June 7, where he’ll team up with Logan Paul against Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso. With this farewell run, Cena is not only bidding adieu to the WWE Universe but also redefining how wrestling icons exit the stage.
As he prepares to close the curtain on a storied career, fans around the globe are watching one of wrestling’s most iconic figures walk into the sunset—on his own terms.
