John Cena’s final WWE appearance and match is just under 10 days away – and he means it.
Over the years several WWE stars have retired, but that is seldom forever in this business.
Names like Ric Flair, Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart and many more have gone back on their word and eventually wrestled again.
Shawn Michaels was perhaps the most surprising to renege on retirement when the temptation of Saudi money proved too much.
For Cena, he’s been the horse that dragged the wagon for the past two decades. He has more miles on the clock than just about anybody and has been a constant face of the company.
Now, he is content to ride off into the sunset and concentrate on his Hollywood career at 48-years-old.
Speaking to Jimmy Kimmel, Cena remained adamant that after Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, he will never wrestle again.
“It’s been a crazy year. Just to bring everyone – except the three people in the audience who already know – up to speed, it has been a crazy year,” explained Cena.
“I announced my retirement about 15 months in advance, which has really never been done in WWE history. WWE Superstars don’t typically retire; they always seem to hang on for one more match.
“But I am absolutely, 100% done. December 13th on Peacock is my last in-ring match. I will never wrestle again. [What if you do wrestle again?] Then you’ll be able to show this clip. You can call me a liar.
“But there’s a lot of skepticism out there because this has never really been done before. I just hope people can come to grips with it.
“The reason I wanted to give everyone so much lead time is that performing for two decade – people allowing me into their living rooms week after week, 52 weeks a year with no reruns – you build a real connection.
“Touring the world this past year has been beautiful. Meeting fans and hearing their stories and connections has meant a lot to me. I wanted to give people a heads-up so they could process it, however they needed to. Whatever closure they want.
“This beautiful connection we’ve had – I’m ending it now. And if you’re one of those people saying, ‘You’re never going to retire,’ after the 13th it’s going to feel weird because you won’t have the closure you wanted.
“So I really hope everybody tunes in to Saturday Night’s Main Event. It’s the last one I’ve got.”
LA Knight and Gunther will face off on RAW next Monday to determine who gets the chance to face Cena in his final ever match.
Gunther has already retired Goldberg this year. Adding Cena to his resume could make him a monster heel in WWE for years to come, something like when Brock Lesnar snapped The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania.
It’s widely believed Gunther will win against Knight and then Cena.
