John Cena has admitted that if it were up to him, he would remain an active wrestler forever, but is aware that the time is now for him to wind down his legendary career.
Having now completed all of his TV appearances, as Cena’s final Raw was the November 17 broadcast, the 17-time World Champion now only has 2 appearances left at the time of writing, Survivor Series and Saturday Night’s Main Event.
One of the most popular stars in the company for more than 2 decades, many fans have posted online that they are not ready for Cena’s last match, especially as the year draws to a close. However, despite the calls from the fans to remain a part of the roster, Cena has elaborated on why he needs to call time on his in-ring career.
Appearing on the Raw Recap podcast, Cena stated that he was not retiring on his own terms, but acknowledged that he isn’t the performer he once was, meaning that it is time for him to walk away:
“I’m not going out on my own terms. If I could do this in infinity, I would do it. I made a promise to the fan base when I started that when I got a step slower, I gotta walk away. Yeah, I could probably squeeze out more matches, but at what cost? I do harm to myself, I do harm to the product, and you as a fan who’s allowed me the opportunity for over two decades to spend time with you, you leave feeling bad or sad.”
Cena’s final Raw appearance saw him, Sheamus and Rey Mysterio defeat Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor and JD McDonagh. Cena will put the Intercontinental Championship on the line against Mysterio at Survivor Series.
More Names Advance In John Cena The Last Time Is Now Tournament
Over the past couple of weeks, multiple stars have competed in a tournament to determine who will be Cena’s final opponent on December 13. The current names that have advanced are Sheamus, Rusev, Jey Uso, LA Knight, Solo Sikoa and Gunther. The remaining first-round matches will see Finn Balor face Penta, and Bronson Reed will face Carmelo Hayes.
H/t to Wrestling News.co for the use of transcription.
Featured image: WWE
