John Cena offered a heartfelt speech of gratitude to his wrestling fans on Saturday night as he announced his retirement from the ring, declaring next year’s WWE WrestleMania his final one.
Speaking in Toronto to a crowd that clearly did not want him to go, Cena was met with boos as he shared the news of his “official retirement,” which will include a farewell tour next year.
“The 2025 Royal Rumble will be my last,” Cena said. “The 2025 Elimination Chamber will be my last. And I’m here tonight to announce that in Las Vegas, WrestleMania 2025 will be the last I compete in.”
Toward the end of his more than six-minute speech, the audience began chanting “Thank you, Cena.” He called it an “incredible gesture of kindness.”
“Thank you so much for letting me play in the house that you built for so many years,” Cena said. “Thank you so much always for your voice because it’s really loud, and your honesty because it’s beautifully brutal.”
Cena is a 16-time WWE champion, having spent nearly 20 years with the wrestling franchise. During that time, he has also transitioned into Hollywood, starring in films such as “Barbie” and “Argylle” and making multiple appearances in the “Fast & Furious” franchise.
