For over two decades, John Cena has been the beating heart of WWE — the man who carried the company through the post-Attitude Era, became a global superstar, and somehow managed to make “You can’t see me” one of the most recognizable taunts in pop culture.
Now, after countless comebacks and farewell teases, Cena insists that this is really it. The 16-time world champion says his final WWE match will take place on December 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C., marking the end of an era for professional wrestling.
But fans have heard those words before.
Cena has ‘retired’ more times than most superstars have switched gimmicks. He’s taken long breaks to film movies, promised ‘one last run,’ and told audiences he’d ‘never leave them behind’ — only to make another surprise entrance months later.
Back in 2017, he first hinted that his in-ring career was winding down, citing age, injuries, and a growing Hollywood schedule. Yet within a few years, he was back, facing off against Roman Reigns in 2021, Austin Theory at WrestleMania 39, and even popping up at Money in the Bank 2024 in London. Each appearance fueled the legend that Cena could never truly walk away.
This time, though, there’s a different tone. In a recent Sports Illustrated interview, the 47-year-old superstar made it clear that his body simply can’t keep up with the demands of wrestling full-time.“I’ve been doing this for over 20 years,” Cena said. “I owe it to the audience to give them my best — and that means knowing when to step away.”
The farewell has been planned as a year-long ‘gratitude tour,’ culminating in that December main-event match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. WWE is reportedly filming a behind-the-scenes documentary chronicling the entire send-off — something they rarely do unless the curtain call is final.
To understand why Cena’s departure hits so hard, you have to remember what he meant to WWE. When The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin stepped away in the early 2000s, it was Cena who picked up the mic and kept the lights on.
From his 2005 breakout at WrestleMania 21 to a record-tying 16 world titles, Cena became the face of a generation — a clean-cut, never-give-up hero whose ‘Hustle, Loyalty, Respect’ mantra turned him into a role model for millions of kids.
He was booed and cheered in equal measure, but always respected.
While some stars fade when the cameras stop rolling, Cena only grew brighter. He transitioned into Hollywood, starring in Bumblebee, The Suicide Squad, Fast 9, and HBO’s Peacemaker — proving he could be both action hero and comic relief without ever forgetting where he came from.
Cena’s career is defined by championships and by consistency. He showed up. He worked hurt. He stayed loyal to WWE even when mainstream success might have tempted him to leave for good.
Behind the scenes, he’s also one of the most prolific Make-A-Wish granters in history, fulfilling over 650 wishes for critically ill children — a record unmatched by any celebrity. That, more than the belts or movie roles, might be his greatest achievement.
Still, this is wrestling. Fans know that “retirement” is often just another storyline beat. Ric Flair retired multiple times. Shawn Michaels swore off wrestling after 2010, then came back eight years later. The Undertaker had a cinematic farewell in 2020 — but even he appeared again in 2023 for a cameo.
Cena himself once joked, “If history’s taught us anything, it’s to never say never in WWE.”
And that’s the thing: no one doubts Cena’s sincerity. They just know his heart for performing. Even if he’s truly done with full matches, it’s hard to imagine a WrestleMania or Raw anniversary show without him appearing, saluting the crowd one more time.
Cena’s post-WWE life is already well underway. Season 2 of Peacemaker is set to release in early 2026, and he’s signed on for two upcoming films under the DC Studios and Amazon Prime banners. But he hasn’t ruled out a role within WWE — possibly as an ambassador, mentor, or part-time on-screen personality.
In his words, “I’ll always be part of this family. I just might not be stepping through those ropes anymore.”