US actor and wrestler John Cena has announced his retirement from participating in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) events.
Cena made this surprising declaration to fans during an appearance at the WWE Money in the Bank event in Canada.
The 47-year-old, who began his acting career 18 years ago, disclosed that his final in-ring competition will occur in 2025 as part of a farewell tour.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers ever, Cena has attained world champion status 16 times since joining WWE in 2001.
“I officially announce my retirement from the WWE tonight,” Cena informed fans in Toronto, who responded with astonishment and later chanted “thank you Cena.” “What an incredible display of kindness,” he responded. Clad in a t-shirt bearing the words “The Last Time is Now” and his trademark denim shorts (“jorts”), John Cena expressed gratitude to WWE fans for “allowing me to perform in the house that you built over so many years.”
During a subsequent press conference, he indicated his desire to continue being involved with the WWE family in some capacity despite feeling “physically at my limit.”
Cena debuted in acting in 2006 with “The Marine” and has since secured roles in various major films, including “The Suicide Squad,” “Fast & Furious 9,” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” Since 2018, Cena has balanced part-time performances in WWE with his burgeoning acting career.
This year, Cena garnered attention for a comedic Academy Awards skit in which he appeared nude, save for a strategically placed envelope.
Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the most requested celebrity by children through the charity Make-A-Wish, and he holds a Guinness World Record for fulfilling the most wishes for Make-A-Wish children with critical illnesses.
