John Cena to retire from WWE after 2025

John Cena announced Sunday his impending retirement from pro wrestling, saying that 2025 will be his last year in a WWE ring.

Cena made a surprise appearance at Saturday’s “Monday in the Bank” Premium Live Event to make the announcement, saying next year’s “Royal Rumble,” “Elimination Chamber” and “WrestleMania” would be his last. Cena clarified in a news conference after the show that he will have around 30 or 40 dates from January 2025 through December, and then that would be it.

“I approached the WWE with this idea, and they initiated the talks that this would be a great span of time if we were ever going to do it,” Cena said. “The business is at incredible heights of popularity and awareness. There are some big things going on, especially the Netflix debut (in January 2025) and I take pride in being an individual WWE can call up and say, ‘Remember that idea? The time is now.’ Let’s do something that can bring all of us together. They’ll write the stories, and we’ll execute the best we can.”

Cena first wrestled in the WWE in 2000 and has been with the company since 2001. He’s one of the most successful pro wrestlers of all time. His 16 world championships in WWE are tied with Ric Flair for what the company recognizes as the most in its history. This last run could provide him an opportunity for No. 17, if the company so chooses.

Cena, 47, has long said he wouldn’t wrestle past 50 years old. Pro wrestlers are famous for not staying retired, but Cena said he will be. He won’t get physical again, he won’t even be a guest referee.

“People say they’re walking away, and two years later they come back. I want to set the record straight right now, I’m done. This is it,” Cena said. “If you ever wanted to be a part of this one last time, we’re going to do it as big as we can and we’re fighting everybody and we hope you come enjoy the fun.”

Cena has had a burgeoning acting career over the last decade as he’s slowly stepped away from pro wrestling. He joined the “Fast & Furious” franchise, and he took a break from filming the second season of “Peacemaker” this weekend to make this WWE appearance.

(Photo: WWE / Getty Images)