WWE legend John Cena announced his retirement during Saturday’s Money In The Bank premium live event in Toronto — but not effective immediately.
Cena, 47, began his surprise appearance at the event by announcing his intention to retire after a retirement tour that will begin next year.
“Tonight, I officially announce my retirement from WWE,” Cena began as the crowd started chanting “No! No! No!”
The 16-time WWE champion said he will compete in the 2025 Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber and then at Wrestlemania 41 in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium – noting that it will be his final time as a wrestler at all of those events.
“We are gonna build so many unforgettable lasts,” Cena said.
The live audience, which let out an audible groan after his initial announcement, broke out into “Thank You Cena!” chants.
Nevertheless, Cena clarified during the post-Money in The Bank press conference that his match at Wrestlemania 41 will not be his final bout.
“It’s not gonna end at Wrestlemania, Wrestlemania will be my last Wrestlemania,” he said. “Hopefully, if everything goes according to plan we’re going straight through from January through December.
“We’re going to try to do a long list of dates, I think right now it’s tentatively hovering in the mid-30s to 40s because I’m going to be juggling a lot of stuff that’s going on.”
Cena also confirmed he plans to be a part of the “WWE family” for an extended period once his in-ring career is over.
Cena is tied with legend Ric Flair for the most world titles in wrestling history with 16.
The man, who was best known by his “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect,” moniker, is also known for the great rivalries he has had over the years with other wrestling legends such as The Rock, Triple H, CM Punk and Randy Orton.
Cena — whose announcement already will be fueling speculation on who his final match will be against — never faced WWE legend Stone Cold Steve Austin.
“Thank you so much for letting me play in the house you built for so many years,” the polarizing Cena said to the crowd.
“Thank you so much for your voice because it’s really loud and for your honesty because it’s always brutal.”
Fellow WWE legend and current top executive Paul “Triple H” Levesque posted a video of him embracing Cena after the announcement.
“The Greatest of All Time,” he wrote on X.