John Cena discloses the real reason behind his WWE retirement. Hear the real reason behind his exit straight from the WWE superstar himself.
John Cena Discloses Real Reason Behind His WWE Retirement: A Promise Kept to Fans
July 3, 2025, After 25 years as one of WWE’s most iconic figures, John Cena is preparing to step out of the ring for the final time this December. In a series of candid interviews, the 17-time world champion revealed the deeply personal reason behind his retirement: a decades-old promise to his fans that he would walk away when he could no longer perform at his peak.
John Cena’s Retirement Announcement That Shocked the Wrestling World
Cena first stunned fans at WWE’s 2024 Money in the Bank event in Toronto, declaring 2025 would be his final year as an active competitor.
He outlined a farewell tour spanning 36 dates across the U.S., culminating in a mid-December retirement match. At the time, he cited his physical limits, admitting he was “physically at [his] end” after a legendary career.
A Vow Made, A Vow Kept
The core of Cena’s decision traces back to 2004. As his career skyrocketed, he vowed to retire once he felt he had “lost a step” physically. Now 48, that moment has arrived.
In an emotional segment on Stephanie McMahon’s ESPN+ show Stephanie’s Places, Cena confessed, “My skills are on the regress. If I continue at a full-time physical capability… I’m not gonna run right, my partner’s not gonna run right”.
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Despite still “looking good” and feeling capable, Cena recognized the red flags. “I intrinsically know when my instinct says, ‘I’m a step slower,’” he told Good Morning America.
Prioritizing the next generation, he emphasized stepping aside to let younger talent shine, noting WWE’s roster is “in great hands”.
John Cena Retirement: Breaking the Retirement Mold
Unlike traditional farewell tours, where beloved stars bask in fan adulation, Cena shocked audiences by embracing a villainous persona. In February 2025, after winning a title shot at Elimination Chamber, he viciously attacked fan favorite Cody Rhodes.
Months later, he captured his record-tying 17th championship at WrestleMania 41 through underhanded tactics, aligning with longtime rival The Rock.
This bold move underscores Cena’s desire to “do something that’s never been done” in wrestling retirements.
“No Way” He’ll Return: Cementing His Final Bow
Cena has repeatedly stressed his retirement is permanent, rejecting wrestling’s trend of “ambiguous” comebacks:
A Sacred Promise: “I made a promise to the fans who’ve allowed me to be here for a quarter-century… I wouldn’t disrespect them,” he insisted to Good Morning America.
Returning would “ruin” his bond with fans for “selfish gain”.
“No WWE superstars ever really retired. So this is for sure the end for me,” he declared on This Morning.
The Farewell Tour: By the Numbers
- Total Dates: 36 appearances across U.S. states in 2025.
- Remaining Dates: 15 left as of early July, all building toward his mid-December finale.
- Fan Response: Initially supportive, audiences now buzz with anticipation and uncertainty as Cena’s heel persona dominates events.
Life After Wrestling: Home, Hollywood, and WWE’s Future
While leaving the ring, Cena will remain a fixture in WWE in a non-wrestling capacity, having signed a long-term deal to contribute “wisdom”. His Hollywood career also continues, with Heads of State (released July 2) and Peacemaker Season 2 (premiering August 21).
Reflecting on his journey, Cena shared a poignant truth: “I don’t feel more at home, besides in the arms of my wife, than I do on a canvas”.
The Final Countdown
As Cena’s retirement tour enters its final months, WWE audiences brace for an unforgettable conclusion. Will he revert to the hero who defined an era? Or will the villainous “Champ” solidify his legacy as wrestling’s most unconventional retiree?
One thing is certain: John Cena’s exit honors the fans who made his career possible, a testament to loyalty transcending the spotlight.