In the world of professional wrestling, retirements can often feel like mere plot twists in an ongoing saga. This seems to be the case with John Cena, the 16-time world champion whose retirement tour is drawing both excitement and skepticism. Fans and critics alike are questioning whether Cena’s farewell is genuine or just a setup for another dramatic comeback.
The WWE Universe Demands More
John Cena announced his retirement at the Money in the Bank event in Toronto, setting the stage for his final match at WrestleMania 41 in 2025. However, his sporadic appearances since then have not sat well with fans. As the WWE Universe clamors for him to “show up to work,” there’s a growing sentiment that Cena’s part-time presence is diluting the impact of what could be a historic farewell.
Cena vs. CM Punk: A Rival’s Perspective
Cena’s longtime rival, CM Punk, has openly commented on Cena’s dual career trajectory. In a recent episode of the Good Guy Bad Guy podcast, Punk reflected on Cena’s success in Hollywood and his sporadic wrestling engagements. “He’s John Cena. He can call his shot and he’s busy doing other stuff. But he’s spending more time here giving back on his way out and if that lines up with what he wants to do, I would feel fortunate if he picked me to do anything with me, promo, segment,” Punk said, as reported by ESPN.
Punk’s remarks highlight a mix of admiration and a candid acknowledgment of the transient nature of Cena’s current wrestling involvement. “I think there’s history there, I think there’s a story to tell there, and selfishly I just like being around John. I try to hang out with him as much as I could backstage at the Rumble, just because I know this is fleeting. I’m not going to get the time to spend with him. So I tried to spend as much time as I possibly could with him,” Punk added.
Hollywood vs. WWE: Where Does Cena’s Loyalty Lie?
Currently, Cena is balancing his WWE duties with a hectic filming schedule for a new action-comedy blockbuster in Los Angeles. This juggling act has led to doubts about where his loyalties truly lie. Is Cena more focused on building his Hollywood resume than giving his wrestling career the grand closure it deserves?
As we inch closer to WrestleMania 41, the pressure is on Cena to prove that he can still be a full-time performer in the ring. His response to the WWE Universe’s call will be crucial in determining how his wrestling legacy is remembered.
Watching Cena’s Next Move
The skepticism surrounding John Cena’s retirement is not just about whether he will truly hang up his boots, but also about how he chooses to conclude his wrestling career. With Hollywood pulling him in one direction and WWE in another, Cena’s final act in wrestling could either solidify his legacy or leave it with an asterisk. As the countdown to his last match ticks down, all eyes will be on Cena, a superstar who has never been far from the spotlight, yet now more than ever must decide where his final performances will lie.