US actor and wrestler John Cena has announced his retirement from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). John Cena, 47, revealed his decision at the WWE Money in the Bank event in Canada, stating his final match will be in 2025 during a farewell tour. Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers, Cena has been a 16-time world champion since joining WWE in 2001.
Wearing a t-shirt reading “The Last Time is Now,” he thanked fans for their support. Despite feeling physically “at my end,” Cena intends to remain involved with WWE in some capacity.
Born on April 23, 1977, Cena began his wrestling career in 1999 with Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW), but his big break came when he joined WWE in 2001.
Cena quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the most popular and successful wrestlers in the company’s history. He has captured the WWE Championship at least 16 times, tying the record set by Ric Flair, and has headlined numerous major events, including WrestleMania, the company’s flagship annual show. Cena’s persona as the “Doctor of Thuganomics,” known for his freestyle rapping and charismatic mic skills, endeared him to fans, while his later transition to the “Never Give Up” mantra and heroic character solidified his status as a beloved figure in the wrestling world.
In addition to his wrestling career, Cena has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. His acting career began in earnest in 2006 with his debut in the action film “The Marine,” produced by WWE Studios. While his early film roles were primarily action-oriented, Cena demonstrated his versatility as an actor over the years.
He garnered critical acclaim for his performances in comedies such as “Trainwreck” (2015), where he showcased his comedic timing, and “Blockers” (2018), which further highlighted his ability to handle diverse roles. Cena’s role as the antagonist in “F9,” part of the popular Fast & Furious franchise, and his portrayal of the titular character in the HBO Max series “Peacemaker,” a spin-off from “The Suicide Squad” (2021), cemented his status as a legitimate Hollywood star.