John Cena is approaching his retirement from wrestling with clear-eyed realism, refusing to sugarcoat or romanticize the transition. In episode #2423 of the Joe Rogan Experience, the WWE superstar shared that he doesn’t expect to remain in the spotlight long after his final match on December 13th. In his view, fans will quickly shift their attention elsewhere.
Cena acknowledged that WWE is a constantly evolving machine that moves forward no matter who is center stage. While he currently holds the spotlight, in just a couple of weeks, the focus will have shifted to new stars. By the time the Royal Rumble rolls around, roughly six weeks after his last bout, he anticipates the WWE Universe will be fully engrossed in new storylines and emerging talent. Cena explained that the excitement around WrestleMania and the buildup to it naturally takes precedence, leading to his retirement fading from immediate concern. He isn’t resentful about this—he understands it’s simply how the business operates. “In three weeks after I retire, no one will care,” he stated plainly. “That’s how it should be. The show moves forward.”
However, while Cena is right that WWE continues to evolve, some fans will undoubtedly continue to care deeply. Many will want to see dream matches that never happened before. Plus, with a likely WWE Hall of Fame induction coming—possibly as soon as 2026—Cena is far from being forgotten. He confirmed December 13th as his definitive retirement date and firmly shut down rumors of future returns. His final match will air live on Peacock, and he insists there will be no surprise comebacks, Rumble appearances, or last-minute WrestleMania returns.
Cena’s farewell tour was designed to give fans the closure they seldom receive in wrestling, allowing him to move on to new endeavors in Hollywood and other fields.
Fan Take: This announcement marks the end of an era for WWE fans who have followed Cena’s iconic career for years. His retirement not only turns the page for a new generation of wrestlers but also highlights the ever-changing nature of WWE, keeping the sport fresh and full of potential.
