John Cena explored the psychological difficulty of retiring from professional sports during his interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet. Cena referenced a profound quote he heard from sports journalist Tom Rinaldi to explain why so many athletes struggle to walk away from their careers.
“Tom Rinaldi once said, like, I heard a quote, athletes die twice. They die when they stop playing sports and they die when they put you in the ground,” Cena stated.
Cena interpreted this concept as “the inability to face closure.” He noted that for many performers, the wrestling ring is where they feel most comfortable, making the loss of that outlet feel like a death of identity.
“A lot of folks, it’s tough to turn off the switch. It’s where they feel most at home, and they’re at a huge loss without it,” Cena observed.
Preparing for the End
Cena contrasted this struggle with his own mindset, revealing that he has been mentally preparing for this transition for years. He emphasized that he does not define his self-worth solely by his wrestling career.
“I’ve been thinking about this for like, at least three years, like, I’m just ready to do life,” Cena said. “I love wrestling with all my heart, but it is not who I am. It doesn’t define me as a person.”
He argued that having a clear identity outside of the ring is “proof positive” that he will be able to honor his retirement and not return out of a need for validation.
“If you view me as as a wrestler, and that’s how you know me… That’s great… But I think it’s important that I know that just because I don’t have this in my life, that’s not it’s not all that I am,” Cena explained.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Chris Van Vliet with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
