John Cena has once again shut the door on the idea of a one-off in-ring return, telling TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle on Wednesday that his GUNTHER match in December 2025 was his physical best for WWE and that the promise he made to fans as a 20-something is now coming due.
Cena retired from in-ring competition with the loss to GUNTHER at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 2025. He has remained visible in WWE programming since, hosting WrestleMania 42 and appearing at Backlash to announce the John Cena Classic. The new WWE deal he signed includes a set number of appearances, along with a behind-the-scenes role that involves scouting WWE developmental talent and promoting the Club WWE service.
Speaking on TODAY, Cena was asked again whether wrestling was truly over for him.
“Just in a new role. In-ring performance, I will not fall down again. I’m 49, I have given my physical best to WWE. The product is so fast, and time’s undefeated. Rather than hang around and put out a product that I feel might be less to our consumer, I made a promise to our fans, when I was young, when I was in my 20s, I said, and I quote, ‘When I’m a step slower, it’s time to go.’ That’s happened, and it’s time to go.”
Cena’s stance is similar with that of AJ Styles, who retired roughly a month after Cena and has stayed with WWE in a behind-the-scenes capacity but has consistently said he won’t completely rule out an eventual return. Styles’ position is that his retirement means he’s done full-time, not that he won’t lace the boots up again if circumstances demand it. Cena has held the harder line throughout the year since his last match.
If you use quotes from this article, please credit TODAY and include a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
