US actor and wrestler John Cena has retired from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) events. Cena surprised fans with the news during his appearance at the WWE Money in the Bank event in Canada.
The 47-year-old, who started acting 18 years ago, revealed that his final match will be in 2025 as part of a farewell tour. Cena is often considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers ever, having won the world champion title 16 times since he joined WWE in 2001.
“Tonight, I officially announce my retirement from WWE,” Cena told fans in Toronto. Surprised, The crowd reacted and later chanted, “Thank you, Cena.” He responded, “What an incredible gesture of kindness.”
Wearing a t-shirt with the words “The Last Time is Now” and his trademark denim shorts, Cena thanked WWE fans for “letting me play in the house that you built for so many years.”
In a press conference, Cena said he plans to remain part of the WWE family in some capacity, even though he feels “at my end” physically.
Cena began his acting career in 2006 with his role in The Marine. He has since starred in big-budget films like The Suicide Squad, Fast & Furious 9, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Since 2018, he has performed part-time in WWE due to his thriving acting career. This year, he made headlines by appearing nearly naked, with only a strategically placed envelope, during an Academy Awards skit.
Cena is also the most requested celebrity by kids with the Make-A-Wish charity and holds a Guinness World Record for the number of wishes granted to children with critical illnesses.
