John Cena calls time on WWE career

 

One of the WWE fans’ firm favourites, John Cena, is retiring from in-ring competition next year.

Cena made the surprise announcement to fans during an appearance at the WWE Money in the Bank event in Canada.

He says his last appearances will be at the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.

BREAKING NEWS: John Cena announced at #MITB he will retire from in-ring competition in 2025.#ThankYouCena pic.twitter.com/6TPnYI5iU2

— WWE (@WWE) July 7, 2024

The 47-year-old, who transitioned into acting 18 years ago, is often regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.

Cena has achieved world champion status 16 times since joining WWE in 2001.

His famous introduction song, “The Time Is Now”, became a favourite in households – especially for the young children.

Since 2018, Cena has performed in WWE part-time as his acting career took off.

He made headlines this year by appearing naked, except for a strategically placed envelope, during an Academy Awards skit.

He has influenced many people across the world, including South Africa’s own Sho Madjozi who wrote a song about him.

When Sho Madjozi met John Cena….this experience was so priceless and humbling for the young rapper.

Kabza. Adv mkhwebane. Zuma. Malema. Anc and eff. pic.twitter.com/od6F0nJG3q

— Best selling Author 🎖📚 (@MeshackBevhula) November 22, 2023

Fellow wrestlers paid tribute to Cena.

The Greatest of All Time. @JohnCena #MITB pic.twitter.com/2IXxYx3Y8Z

— Triple H (@TripleH) July 7, 2024

The news of @JohnCena’s impending retirement at #MITB yesterday was huge. Got to work with John early on & even got to lay down a track with him. A true @WWE GOAT, a true hard worker, a model employee & a great dude. Congrats on an extraordinary & unprecedented career, John! pic.twitter.com/pSJHhKnvso

— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) July 7, 2024

Legendary opponents @JohnCena and @CMPunk reunited backstage last night at #MITB, the event these two defined together. pic.twitter.com/bEGQG5TdYY

— WWE (@WWE) July 7, 2024

What A Cool Moment! A True Friend Is Like A Four-Leaf Clover; Hard To Find & Lucky To Have! WOOOOO! @JohnCena pic.twitter.com/XHXoV7O0xr

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) July 8, 2024

Many fans have taken to social media to thank him and reminisce on his best moments.

We grew up with you @JohnCena even tho you’re invisible, we see you 🖤 thank you for everything pic.twitter.com/j3T86xHVgn

— BossLogic (@Bosslogic) July 7, 2024

john cena retired from WWE. my childhood is dead #ThankYouCena 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Kw6H9mnuz2

— WORLD CUP FOLLOWER (@BiggBosstwts) July 7, 2024

John Cena is retiring in 2025.

I’ve been watching him since 2002.

Thank you, John. #MITB #WWERaw #JohnCena pic.twitter.com/Tr4Pif5ZXn

— CriticalOverlord (@CriticalOverlo3) July 7, 2024

me seeing john cena retire even tho i ain’t casually tune in since 2010: pic.twitter.com/6BDx4Syguu

— ⊹ (@htvzn) July 7, 2024

One of my favorite photos I’ve took of @JohnCena is with the late Connor ‘The Crusher’ Michalek at a @MakeAWish during #WrestleMania week @wwe this was a special moment for everyone in the room . #ThankYouCena pic.twitter.com/fNBBFSPNKj

— Mr. Wright Way (@SteveWrightJr) July 8, 2024