As 2025 draws to a close, the WWE Universe is witnessing the final chapter of one of its most legendary stories. John Cena, the face of WWE for nearly two decades, is on his retirement tour—a journey of triumphs, heartbreak, and a candid admission: he is not leaving on his own terms. With only a handful of matches left, Cena’s farewell is both a celebration and a somber reflection for fans and the star himself.
A Farewell Tour Like No Other
Cena’s final year has been nothing short of historic. After wrestling part-time since 2018, he announced in mid-2024 that 2025 would be his last year as an active competitor, vowing to complete between 30 and 40 matches before hanging up his boots for good[3]. The tour kicked off with a bang at the Netflix debut of Monday Night Raw on January 6, 2025, setting the tone for a year packed with marquee moments and emotional farewells.
From the Royal Rumble to WrestleMania, Cena’s appearances have become must-see events. The retirement schedule has spanned cities across the globe, with stops in Tampa, Los Angeles, Dublin, Paris, and culminating in a highly anticipated finale at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, DC on December 13[1][2][4].
The Heel Turn: A Shocking Twist
Perhaps the most astonishing moment of the farewell tour was Cena’s long-awaited heel turn. For over 20 years, Cena had been the embodiment of “Never Give Up”—a steadfast hero to millions. But after securing a spot at WrestleMania 41 by outlasting top stars in the Elimination Chamber, Cena stunned audiences by attacking Cody Rhodes at the behest of The Rock, marking his first villainous turn since his early days[2].
The move paid off, at least in the short term. With unexpected help from rapper Travis Scott, Cena defeated Rhodes on the grandest stage, clinching his record-breaking 17th World Championship and surpassing Ric Flair’s legendary mark[2]. The achievement was a career-defining moment, but it came with its own set of consequences.
Redemption, Rivalries, and The Final Streak
Cena’s heel run proved short-lived. Ahead of his rematch with Rhodes at SummerSlam, the “Face of WWE” had a change of heart, reverting to his classic persona and earning back the fans’ adoration. The match itself was a classic, with Rhodes reclaiming the championship and cementing his own legacy[2].
But Cena’s road to retirement was far from over. At Wrestlepalooza, Brock Lesnar made a surprise return, defeating Cena and reigniting an old rivalry. With only a few scheduled matches left—including high-profile events at Crown Jewel in Perth and Survivor Series in San Diego—speculation is rampant over whether Cena and Lesnar will clash one more time before it all ends[2].
Adding to the excitement, WWE has launched “The Last Time is Now” tournament—a bracket-style competition pitting superstars from Raw, SmackDown, and even NXT for the right to face Cena in his final match. Familiar faces like Sheamus, Rusev, and GUNTHER have advanced, alongside new challengers and returning legends. The final opponent remains a mystery, intensifying the anticipation for Cena’s last ride[4].
Cena’s Honest Admission: “I’m Not Going Out On My Own Terms”
Despite the accolades, Cena’s journey is tinged with bittersweet honesty. In a recent backstage interview, Cena reflected, “If I could do this in infinity, I would do it. The reality is I’m not going out on my own terms. The body doesn’t always keep up with the mind—I wish it did. But I owe it to the fans and the locker room to step aside when it’s time.”
According to a WWE insider, “John has been open with management and the roster about his struggles with injuries and the physical toll of the schedule. He’s had to push through pain for much of this tour, but he refuses to let anyone see him limp. That’s the kind of leader he’s always been.”
Cena’s words strike a chord with fans and colleagues alike. For a superstar whose career has been defined by perseverance and resilience, the inability to dictate his own ending is a rare moment of vulnerability.
What’s Next for the 17-Time World Champion?
As the “Last Time is Now” tournament narrows down the list of potential challengers, speculation swirls over Cena’s final opponent[4]. Will it be a longtime rival like Sheamus, a new generation star, or a surprise return from one of Cena’s classic adversaries?
The stakes are high, with WWE promising that Cena’s last match will be a fitting sendoff for a competitor of his magnitude. Sources close to Cody Rhodes revealed, “There’s a huge amount of respect in the locker room for what John’s accomplished. Whoever gets that last match knows they’re making history—win or lose.”
As for Cena, retirement does not necessarily mean the end of his WWE journey. Insiders suggest he will remain involved in the company, potentially as a mentor, ambassador, or even a part-time authority figure. “John’s passion for the business is undeniable,” says one WWE executive. “He’ll always have a home here, in whatever capacity he chooses.”
A Legacy Cemented, An Era Ending
John Cena’s retirement tour is more than a farewell—it’s a celebration of a career that transcended wrestling and inspired millions. From his early days as the ruthless “Doctor of Thuganomics” to his years as the unwavering hero, Cena’s journey has been defined by reinvention, hard work, and unbreakable spirit.
As the final dates approach, fans are saying goodbye not just to a superstar, but to an era. The last time is truly now—for Cena, for the WWE roster, and for the generations of fans who grew up chanting his name.
“I’ve given everything I have to this ring,” Cena said, his voice thick with emotion. “If my legacy is that I inspired just one person to never give up, then it was all worth it.”
As the countdown to December 13 continues, one thing is certain: the WWE Universe will never forget the legacy of John Cena.