WWE legend John Cena announced his retirement at the Money in the Bank premium live event in Toronto on Saturday, but the retirement is not immediate.
The 47-year-old Cena made a surprise appearance at the event announcing his intention to retire after his retirement tour starting next year.
“Tonight I will officially announce my retirement from WWE,” Cena began, and the crowd began chanting “NO! NO! NO!”
The 16-time WWE Champion said he will compete at the 2025 Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, noting that this will be his final time as a wrestler at all of those events.
“We’re going to create a lot of unforgettable endings,” Cena said.
After his initial announcement, the crowd, which had let out an audible roar, began chanting “Thank you, Cena!”
Cena is tied with the legendary Ric Flair for the most world title reigns in wrestling history with 16.
Best known by the nickname “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect,” the man is also known for his fierce rivalries over the years with other wrestling legends such as The Rock, Triple H, CM Punk and Randy Orton.
Cena’s announcement has already sparked speculation as to who his opponent will be in his final match, but Cena has never faced WWE legend Stone Cold Steve Austin.
“Thank you so much for letting me play in the house that you’ve built over the years,” a mixed bag Cena told the crowd. “Thank you so much for your loud voice and for always being brutally honest.”
Fellow WWE legend and current CEO Paul “Triple H” LeVeck posted a video of himself embracing Cena after the announcement.
“The best ever” He wrote to X.
Cena said he would answer further questions about his retirement at the post-Money in the Bank press conference.
