There’s one unanimous poll among wrestling fans, and that is that retirement in wrestling is nothing but a myth. Nobody in this business stays retired. They all come back, sooner or later. However, the now 17-time world champion, John Cena, has a very different take.
After becoming the superstar with the most world title wins, “The Franchise Player” Cena sat down with Pat McAfee, Michael Cole, and the crew on “The Pat McAfee Show” to talk about what could be his final match.
And with full sincerity, the Leader of the Cenation confirmed that in December, he’ll wrestle his last match — ever.
John Cena Admits That He’s a ‘Step Slower’
Speaking on the panel, Cena said he made a promise to himself when he first got into wrestling. That once he felt his body slowing down in the ring, he’d hang up his boots — no exceptions.
“When I won my first title, I made a promise, and back then it was all mythical… when I’m a step slower, I’m gone.”
The Franchise Player also opened up about how his in-ring abilities have declined slightly over the last decade. Cena, thus, made it clear that when his retirement tour ends in December, he’s done for good.
“If you watch my stuff from 2015 and you watch my stuff from today, I’m a step slower. So you know what? I am gone. Because I made that a promise to these people behind me [fans],” Cena said.
Cena Throws Shade on Other Wrestling Promoters
One thing Cena has always done right during his 20+ years in WWE is manage his money. During the interview, he spoke honestly about his financial status and said he’s set for life.
In the process, he also took a swipe at casino owners, territory owners, and wrestling promoters, making it clear that no offer (no matter the size) would convince him to come back after his final match.
“You can’t write me a check to bring me back. In December, I’m done because of a promise I made to them [the fans]. Whether I like them or I don’t, at least I go out keeping my word,” he said.
For now, The Franchise Player is enjoying his newly won 17th world title and is ready to shake up the WWE Universe, especially those who never showed him the respect he felt he deserved.
Although this will be Cena’s final run in WWE, fans will get their next chance to see him on the Monday Night RAW after WrestleMania.