Cena Predicts Post-Retirement Reception
John Cena appeared on episode #2423 of The Joe Rogan Experience to discuss the conclusion of his professional wrestling career. During the interview, Cena provided a specific timeline regarding how long he expects to remain a topic of conversation among the WWE audience following his final match. Cena stated that he anticipates the fanbase will shift its focus to current storylines immediately after his departure.
“I’m gonna retire on the 13th. They will be moved on by the Royal Rumble. That is real facts,” Cena said.
“I will be forgotten,” Cena stated. “That is not a plea to sympathy like ‘Always remember me.’ By the Royal Rumble and the road to WrestleMania, nobody gives a f***, because they’re focusing on what the show is”.
The Royal Rumble takes place annually in late January, approximately six weeks after Cena’s scheduled final match. Cena noted that the “Road to WrestleMania” promotional cycle dominates the company’s programming during that period. He suggested that the necessity of building matches for the company’s flagship event will naturally displace nostalgia for his career.
“Three weeks after I retire, nobody’s gonna give a f***,” Cena added.
Confirmation of Final Match
Cena used the interview to clarify his intentions regarding his retirement status. While professional wrestling has a history of performers returning for additional matches after announcing their retirement, Cena stated that he will not follow that precedent. He confirmed that the December 13 event will be his absolute final performance as an active competitor.
“I am absolutely 100% done. The 13th of December on Peacock is my last in-ring performance. I will never wrestle again,” Cena declared.
He explained that the structure of his 2025 farewell tour was designed to provide a definitive conclusion. By announcing the schedule a year in advance, Cena stated he aimed to provide transparency to the audience and establish a clear endpoint. This approach differs from previous wrestling retirements that were often announced abruptly or later rescinded.
Cena is scheduled to face Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Gunther secured the match by winning the “Last Time Is Now” tournament on SmackDown.
