John Cena Reaffirms Retirement Plans – As the December 13 edition of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event approaches, John Cena remains firm in his decision to step away from in-ring competition once and for all. With his final match now just days away, Cena made a promotional appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, using the platform to reiterate that he will not be returning to the ring after his farewell bout in Washington, D.C.
Cena is scheduled to face either Gunther or LA Knight, depending on the outcome of Friday’s SmackDown, where the two will meet in the finals of the Last Time is Now Tournament. Regardless of who earns the opportunity, Cena made it clear on late-night television that his retirement is absolute. He emphasized that, unlike many performers who find themselves drawn back for “one more match,” he intends to bring his 23-year WWE career to a definitive close.
In speaking with Kimmel, Cena reflected on the lengthy runway he gave fans when announcing his retirement plans. He said the decision to reveal it more than a year in advance came from a desire to create a meaningful farewell and allow the WWE Universe to enjoy a proper sendoff. “23 years of performing in WWE, and we’re down to our last date. It’s been a crazy year where I announced this like 15 months in advance that I’m going to retire. This has really never been done in WWE history. WWE Superstars don’t necessarily retire, they always kind of hang on for one more match. I am absolutely 100 percent done. The 13th of December on Peacock is my last in-ring performance.”
Cena hopes fans can accept that this will genuinely be the end of his in-ring run. He also shared that he expects his match to headline the SNME card, which will feature additional attractions, including main roster vs. NXT exhibition matches. Cena revealed that the concept was his idea, noting that he wanted the spotlight to shine on WWE’s rising talent as he exits the stage. “You’re going to see some, technically, minor leaguers step up to the plate and see if they can make an impact,” Cena said. “So I think that’s kind of cool. Like, on the way out, to give most of the programming to the future of the business. I’m really excited about that.”
With the identity of his final opponent soon to be decided, Cena’s farewell continues to take shape as one of the most significant retirement moments in WWE history, marking the end of more than two decades of championship success, crossover stardom, and enduring fan support.
John Cena Reaffirms Retirement Plans
WA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wrestlingattitude/
WA on Facebook (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.facebook.com/WrestlingDivas/
WA on X/Twitter - https://x.com/wa_wrestling
WA on Instagram (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.instagram.com/wa_wrestlingattitude/
WA on Google News - https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMJf3owsw2oG8Aw
WA on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlingattitude.bsky.social
