The professional wrestling world was sent into a frenzy when 16-time World Champion John Cena made a surprise appearance at WWE Money in the Bank on July 6, 2024. With the passionate Toronto crowd hanging on his every word, Cena delivered the news that fans have dreaded for years – he’s officially announcing his retirement from in-ring competition, with WrestleMania 41 set to be his final match.
For over two decades, Cena has been the face of WWE, transcending the world of professional wrestling to become a Hollywood star, philanthropist, and cultural icon.
His “Never Give Up” mantra has inspired millions of fans worldwide, making his impending departure from the squared circle a truly emotional moment for the WWE Universe. As Cena prepares to embark on his final run, fans are already speculating about how his legendary career will conclude.
The announcement that shook the WWE
Can you believe it? In a moment that will go down in WWE history, John Cena stood center-ring at Money in the Bank and addressed the packed Toronto crowd with the gravitas that only a legend of his caliber could command.
With his trademark hustle, loyalty, and respect on full display, Cena looked back on his illustrious two-decade career with the company.
WWE is the hottest ticket in town, no doubt. Thank you so much for letting me play in the house you built for so many years,
Cena proclaimed to thunderous applause.
He reminisced about enduring hardship throughout his career, acknowledging the most hardcore fans who stood by his side through thick and thin. The Leader of the Cenation made a point to credit Canadian fans specifically,
In all those years, one of the most important, impressive things that I learned was whether the WWE was hot or cold, Canadians always show up,
making Toronto the perfect backdrop for this monumental announcement.
Cena highlighted that Money in the Bank, as the symbol of opportunity in WWE, was the perfect event to share his plans for the future. His words carried weight as he laid out his retirement timeline, culminating in what promises to be an emotional farewell at WrestleMania 41. The crowd hung on his every word, knowing they were witnessing a pivotal moment in wrestling history.
Cena’s final retirement tour
Let’s talk about Cena’s farewell tour, shall we? The 16-time World Champion’s retirement plans are now much clearer, and it’s going to be quite the extensive goodbye! According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer, Cena’s WWE retirement tour for 2025 will feature a whopping “35, 40 dates” across different markets.
He’s going to run 35 different markets during 2025. Most of those 35 are going to be ‘John Cena’s last time in…’ San Francisco, Seattle, Dallas, whatever. That’s what the year is going to be — a whole bunch of farewells.
This isn’t just a quick goodbye – Cena is setting aside significant time away from his hectic Hollywood filming schedule to properly thank the WWE Universe, who supported him for over two decades.
The farewell tour is already underway! So far, Cena has made five appearances in 2025. His first one was at the Raw on Netflix debut. But Cena has had only two matches: the men’s Royal Rumble match and the men’s Elimination Chamber match.
Of course, WrestleMania 41 is also almost here, which will mark Cena’s final appearance at WWE’s showcase of the immortals. But here’s the interesting part – WrestleMania won’t actually be the complete end of Cena’s relationship with WWE.
While it will be his last WrestleMania as an in-ring competitor, Cena is expected to remain part of the WWE family in some capacity for years to come.
This carefully crafted retirement tour ensures that fans across multiple major markets will have the chance to witness history as one of wrestling’s greatest superstars prepares to hang up his jorts and sneakers for good – at least as a full-time performer. It’s going to be emotional, folks!
Cena vs. Rhodes: The heel turn nobody saw coming
Talk about a plot twist! The speculation is over, folks. Cody Rhodes and John Cena will meet at WrestleMania 41, with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line, and the entire pro wrestling world is watching very carefully.
In a shocking turn of events that nobody saw coming, Cena won the men’s Elimination Chamber match and then aligned with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to become the antagonist in this story with Rhodes.
Yes, you read that right – John Cena turned heel! His cheap shot of Rhodes kick-started the Massachusetts native’s quest for a record-breaking 17th world title, setting up what promises to be an explosive main event.
For over two decades, Cena has been the beloved baby face of WWE. He cultivated a massive fan base with the younger audience, and never once during the height of his career did he turn the other cheek.
Sure, there were certainly times fans booed him and ridiculed him (remember the “Cena Sucks” chants?), but his character was always that of “hustle, loyalty, and respect.” But now, his heel turn has presented a completely new storyline in what is supposed to be his final year in pro wrestling. It’s like watching an alternate universe version of Cena, and fans are absolutely here for it!
SPEECHLESS. 💔
JOHN CENA just viciously TURNED on CODY RHODES at #WWEChamber! pic.twitter.com/jSyaCud7Wz
— WWE (@WWE) March 2, 2025
Rhodes himself told Fox News Digital before the most recent episode of Monday Night Raw in London that it feels like he’s squaring off against Cena for the first time:
I look at a lot of stuff now, like John and my match at WrestleMania 41. I really look at it like it’s the first time ever,
The American Nightmare didn’t hold back in his assessment of Cena’s impact:
John was somebody who came in and, not right away, but he did find his footing quickly in terms of who John Cena was going to be, and he waved that flag and carried his brand very firmly, very in a disciplined manner for as long as he did. Really helped pull the wagon at WWE during a transitional period as well. I feel like he’s always been that John for me – good guy or bad guy. You needed to work as hard, if not harder, and you need to get to his level, otherwise he was going to step over you and then leave you in the dust.
As the WWE Universe processes this unprecedented turn of events, one thing is certain – John Cena’s final match at WrestleMania 41 against Cody Rhodes will be an emotional, unforgettable moment in professional wrestling history, capping off one of the most influential careers the industry has ever seen with a storyline twist nobody could have predicted.
And honestly, we can’t wait to see if Cena breaks Ric Flair‘s record or if Rhodes manages to defeat the legend in his final bow!
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
