World Wrestling Entertainment icon John Cena says he is calling it quits in 2025 after a momentous 20-year profession.
Cena — who gained the WWE championship belt a whopping 16 instances — made his startling announcement throughout Saturday’s Money within the Financial institution occasion at Scotiabank Area in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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As he stood within the ring with a mic in hand, Cena addressed the packed crowd, telling them, “Tonight, I officially announce my retirement from WWE.”
Abruptly, the viewers started chanting, “No!” whereas flashing hand gestures to replicate their disappointment earlier than going silent.
Cena continued, saying he’d been with WWE for 20 years and had seen all of it. He stated WWE was at present going via its most affluent interval – however he additionally recalled some dangerous instances when “nobody wants to be your friend and only the most dedicated fans stand by your side.”
Cena then gave props to the Canadian followers for “always showing up” and serving to construct the WWE into what it’s at present. He additionally pointed to a historic first – Netflix’s unique partnership with WWE Uncooked, which can launch in 2025.
After promising to be concerned in that enterprise, Cena informed everybody that subsequent yr’s Wrestlemania 41 in Las Vegas would mark his last WWE look. Then he thanked his many supporters, who clapped and shouted, “Thank you Cena.”
After the Money within the Financial institution occasion, Cena took questions at a press convention, considerably clarifying his place on why he retired. He stated it was less than him, however he approached WWE executives with the thought. He additionally stated the WWE initiated talks, pondering “this would be a great span of time if we were ever gonna do it.”
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However, Cena did not go into specifics so his message was a bit muddled, though he did go away the door open to come back again to WWE sooner or later.
Lastly, Cena refused to debate former WWE CEO Vince McMahon, who has been dogged by allegations of intercourse trafficking and sexual assault.