John Cena fell short by one spot in winning this year’s WWE Royal Rumble match as Jey Uso eliminated him.
While speaking at the WWE Royal Rumble Post-Show, Cena sent a message to the fans and the rest of the roster that he would go to the Elimination Chamber and win the bout to punch his ticket to a World Title bout at WrestleMania 41.
“In the 23 years I’ve been in this business, I know there are different perspectives about my path. The truth is, I’ve never used my opportunities for a spot that I haven’t earned. Tonight was special for many reasons. It has begun to sink it in that it was my last Royal Rumble. In Las Vegas, in looking at the sign, when it was to two, and I had a moment to let the energy sink in, I realized that Las Vegas is my last WrestleMania. The last time I main evented a WrestleMania was 2013. That’s a long time ago. The reason that hasn’t been at the forefront in my mind, I’ve been a gimmick, I’ve been the first match, I’ve been in the middle. I’ve shared beers with the fans. My truth, my perspective, is I’ve always done what’s best for business. Tonight, standing in that ring, I wanted this experience to be a tour of goodwill. I’ve openly admitted that I don’t know how much I have left in the tank and I just wanted to do something that would be nice for all of us to get together and have a good time. Unfortunately, tonight, it dawned on me that’s not best for business. What is best for business is I main event WrestleMania. What is best for business is that I confidently say that I’m going to win a 17th championship. I’m announcing tonight that I will compete in the Elimination Chamber.
Cena continued, “I’m saying that because after 23 years of loyal service to the company, I feel that opportunity is earned. Yes, I’m flying back to Hungary to film a movie. What I’m going to do is give my five other opponents one month to slander my name and bolster their self-confidence the best that I can. I told Toronto when I announced my retirement that I was grateful for the city and I would be back, and I would be back to kick ass. It is time to walk that talk and be who I say I am. I’m going to the Elimination Chamber to win, and I’m going to main event my final appearance in WrestleMania and win a 17th championship because that’s what’s best for my ego. It is not best for my business. I have built my existence here off of hard work, loyalty to this company, and respect for all of its branches. I will win 17, not for me. I will win 17 to someday shake the hand of the person who wins 18. Thank you very much.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit WWE Royal Rumble Post-Show with an h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
