John Cena gave a heartfelt speech thanking his wrestling fans on Saturday night in which he announced his retirement from the ring, saying next year’s WWE WrestleMania will be his final event.
Cena addressed a crowd in Toronto, saying they clearly didn’t want him to go. Fans booed when the wrestler-turned-actor revealed his “official retirement,” which will include a farewell tour next year.
“The 2025 Royal Rumble will be my last match,” Cena said. “The 2025 Elimination Chamber will be my last match. And I’m here tonight to announce that WrestleMania 2025, in Las Vegas, will be my last match.”
At the end of the more than six-minute-long speech, the audience began chanting “Thank you, Cena.” He called it an “incredible gesture of kindness.”
“Thank you so much for letting me play in the house that you’ve built over the years,” Cena said. “Thank you so much for your voice always, because it’s really loud, and thank you for your honesty, because it’s just amazing.”
Cena has been a 16-time WWE Champion during his nearly 20 years with the wrestling franchise. In that time, he’s also ventured into Hollywood, starring in films such as “Barbie” and “Argyle” and making multiple appearances in the “Fast & Furious” franchise.
But despite his acting success, Cena has always maintained his wrestling career and persona. The star tried to explain why he decided to step away now, referencing the WWE “Money in the Bank” event where he was speaking.
“Why now? Because it’s ‘Money in the Bank,’ the ultimate symbol of opportunity,” Cena said. “And this farewell doesn’t end tonight — it’s filled with opportunity.”
He further explained that WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” is coming to Netflix, which is making history for the company. And Cena will celebrate these “first” accomplishments as well as his many “lasts.”
Cena also called WWE Superstars and showed them exciting matches. He told them, “If you need anything, come quickly and get it.”
“Because it’s the last time,” Cena said.
In a post-show press conference, Cena said he will remain in WWE and that WrestleMania will not be his last match. He said his farewell tour is expected to include dozens of dates between January and December 2025, with his final in-ring match coming at the end.
Cena told reporters that he has proposed a plan in which he would remain with the franchise in various capacities even though he would not be competing.
“I’ve always told the crowd that WWE is my home and I love it,” Cena said. “Just because I feel like I’m at my end physically doesn’t mean I should distance myself from something I love.”
