The WWE universe was left stunned when John Cena announced his impending retirement earlier this year, sparking a frenzy of excitement and nostalgia among fans worldwide. As part of his swan song, Cena embarked on a highly-anticipated retirement tour, which was initially rumored to consist of 36 dates. However, in a recent interview, the 16-time world champion revealed that the original plan for his farewell tour was significantly more extensive.
According to Cena, the initial plan involved a staggering 220 dates across the globe, covering every major city and venue. While the smaller, more intimate setting of the 36-date tour has been praised by fans and critics alike, Cena admits that he had initially envisioned a grander, more elaborate farewell.
“I always knew I wanted to go out with a bang, but I didn’t realize just how big of a bang I was planning,” Cena said in a recent interview. “Looking back, it’s crazy to think about how many cities and crowds I was originally going to visit. It would have been an incredible journey, but I’m happy with the way things turned out.”
Sources close to Cena’s inner circle suggest that the decision to scale back the tour was a personal one, driven by the desire to maintain a level of quality and intimacy with the fans. “John wanted to make sure that every stop on the tour felt special, and that he had the time and energy to connect with the people who had been supporting him throughout his career,” a source revealed.
The WWE Universe Reacts
While Cena’s retirement tour has been widely praised, some fans have expressed disappointment that the original plan was not implemented. However, others see the smaller tour as a blessing in disguise, allowing Cena to focus on the most important aspects of his farewell.
“I’m not sure I would have enjoyed the 220-date tour as much as I do the 36-date one,” said WWE fan Emily Wilson. “It’s been amazing to see Cena connect with the fans on a more personal level, and I think the smaller tour has really allowed him to shine in a way that wouldn’t have been possible with a larger schedule.”
The Business Side of Things
The decision to scale back the tour has also had a significant impact on the WWE’s business operations. Sources within the company suggest that the original plan would have required a massive logistical effort, involving a large crew, extensive travel arrangements, and significant venue rental fees.
“Scaling back the tour has allowed us to focus on other areas of the business, like developing new talent and creating more engaging storylines,” said a WWE insider. “It’s been a challenging but ultimately rewarding decision for the company.”
Looking Ahead
As Cena’s retirement tour continues to make its way around the world, fans are left to wonder what the future holds for the WWE. Will other superstars follow in Cena’s footsteps, embarking on their own farewell tours? And what does the future hold for the company as a whole?
One thing is certain: John Cena’s retirement tour will go down in history as one of the most memorable and beloved in WWE history. Whether it was the original 220-date plan or the smaller, more intimate 36-date tour, one thing is clear: Cena’s farewell has been a gift to the WWE universe, and fans will be talking about it for years to come.
In the words of Cena himself, “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to say goodbye to the WWE in the way that I wanted to. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for the company and its fans.”