John Cena, the renowned WWE superstar, is considering bringing his nearly 25-year wrestling career to an end as he approaches the age of 50. Cena recently appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on August 13 to discuss his imminent retirement plans and the reasons behind his decision.
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During the interview with Fallon, Cena expressed that his body is sending him clear signals to conclude his wrestling career. The 48-year-old wrestler acknowledged his age and the toll that wrestling has taken on his body, admitting, “My body is screaming at me to close the chapter.” Despite looking younger than his years, Cena revealed that he will be turning 49 next year and feels grateful for the opportunities that WWE has provided him over the years.
Cena highlighted his desire to step back from the spotlight to allow the younger generation of wrestlers to shine. He reminisced about his own humble beginnings and the challenges he faced in pursuing his wrestling dreams. Cena emphasised the importance of giving emerging talent the chance to thrive and grow within the industry by stepping aside at the right time.
Reflecting on the fast-paced nature of life in the WWE, Cena likened it to Fallon’s hectic late-night schedule. He mentioned that he rarely had the opportunity to pause and reflect on his successful career due to the constant demands of wrestling. However, Cena intends to take some time to look back on his achievements once he completes his farewell tour, focusing on gratitude and introspection.
Having announced his retirement plans at the WWE’s Money in the Bank event in July 2024, Cena has set his final performance for December this year. In a recent cover story with PEOPLE, Cena opened up about the impact of age on his wrestling career and his anticipation for the next phase of his life. He spoke about prioritising his health and his relationship with his wife, Shay Shariatzadeh, an engineer he met in 2019.
As Cena prepares to bid farewell to the WWE ring, he shared his commitment to giving his all in his remaining matches while recognising the importance of stepping away at the right time. He expressed his dedication to supporting the next generation of wrestlers who share his passion and drive. Cena’s decision to retire marks the end of an era in WWE history but opens the door to new opportunities and experiences in his life beyond wrestling.
For Cena, the transition from wrestling superstar to retirement symbolises a shift towards a more focused and balanced life, centred on his health and personal relationships. As he looks ahead to the future, Cena remains grateful for the career-defining moments and the unwavering support of his fans throughout his journey in the WWE.