The 17-time WWE World Champion and actor John Cena is in the final stretch of his wrestling career. In a recent interview, the DC hero reflected on stepping away from the ring after more than two decades, saying, “I’ll never wrestle again.”
John Cena confirms his WWE retirement is permanent
During his latest appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, John Cena opened up about his upcoming retirement from WWE. The Peacemaker star said, “23 years of performing in WWE and we’re down to our last day.”
He added, “It has been a crazy year where I announced this like 15 months in advance that I’m going to retire. This has really never been done in WWE history. WWE superstars don’t necessarily retire; they always kind of hang on for one more match. I am absolutely 100% done.”
The Heads of State actor shared that “13th of December on Peacock” is his last day in the ring, adding, “I’ll never wrestle again.” Kimmel then quipped, “What if you do wrestle again?” Cena responded, “Then you’ll be able to show this part of the show and call me a liar.”
The WWE SmackDown! star emphasized that a formal WWE retirement has happened before. He added, “I wanted to give people so much lead time because being able to perform for two decades and people allowing me into their living rooms week after week, 52 weeks a year, no reruns, you do feel a connection with people.”
“Touring the world in this last year, it’s really has been beautiful,” the 48-year-old continued. “Meeting audience members and them sharing their stories and connections, it’s been great. I wanted to give people a heads up so we could have, or people could process whatever closure they want.”
The Marine actor added, “I really hope everybody tunes in to Saturday night’s main event. It’s the last one I got.” He also admitted that he doesn’t know who he’s going to go up against in his final match.
Cena began his wrestling career in 1999 and signed his first WWE contract in 2001. He became a household name after debuting on SmackDown! in 2002. During his 23-year wrestling career, he has won the World Championship 17 times, the most anybody has ever won.
John Cena’s retirement will take place at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII, which airs on Peacock on December 13, 2025.
Originally reported by Harsh Panduranga on ComingSoon.
