John Cena delivered an emotional farewell speech on Saturday night, announcing his retirement from wrestling and revealing that next year’s WWE WrestleMania will mark his final appearance in the ring.
Speaking to an adoring crowd in Toronto, Cena, now a successful actor, shared the news that his official retirement will include a farewell tour next year. Despite fans’ audible disappointment, he made his intentions clear.
“The 2025 Royal Rumble will be my last,” Cena announced. “The 2025 Elimination Chamber will be my last. And I’m here tonight to announce that in Las Vegas, WrestleMania 2025 will be the last I compete in.”
The audience responded with a heartfelt chant of “Thank you, Cena,” which the wrestler called an “incredible gesture of kindness.”
“Thank you so much for letting me play in the house that you built for so many years,” Cena said. “Thank you so much always for your voice because it’s really loud, and your honesty because it’s beautifully brutal.”
Cena’s career spans nearly 20 years, during which he has become a 16-time WWE champion. His transition into Hollywood includes roles in films such as “Barbie,” “Argylle,” and multiple entries in the “Fast & Furious” franchise. Despite his acting success, Cena has remained dedicated to his wrestling persona.
Explaining his decision, Cena referenced the WWE “Money in the Bank” event. “Why now? Because it’s ‘Money in the Bank,’ the ultimate symbol of opportunity,” he said. “And this farewell does not end tonight — it is filled with opportunities.”
Cena highlighted WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” moving to Netflix, signaling new opportunities for the company and his farewell tour. He also teased potential matches, challenging WWE superstars to face him before his retirement. “If you want some, hurry up and come get some,” he said. “Because the last time is now.”
In a post-show press conference, Cena assured fans that he will remain involved with WWE in different capacities beyond his farewell tour, which will span from January to December 2025, culminating in his final in-ring match.
“I’ve always said to the audience that WWE is my home and I love it,” Cena said. “Just because I physically feel I’m at my end, doesn’t mean I need to distance myself from something I love.”
Cena’s farewell tour promises to be a fitting tribute to a storied career, filled with opportunities for fans to celebrate his legacy.
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