John Cena has further detailed his mindset behind the decision to ultimately call time on his WWE career at the end of the year.
Back at Money in the Bank 2024, Cena appeared live and made the announcement that 2025 would be his last as an active competitor. Officially kicking off the tour at the Raw on Netflix premiere, Cena has since appeared at multiple Premium Live Events, turned heel at Elimination Chamber and now reigns as the WWE Champion for a record-breaking 17th time.
Speaking with Stephanie McMahon on Stephanie’s Places, Cena was asked why he made the decision to bring his career to an end. Speaking in his gym, Cena admitted that he is not as strong as he used to be and feels that his in-ring skills are also not up to scratch:
“By continuously coming here and being disappointed. Then asking myself the question, This place makes me feel good, why do I feel bad? It was because I am surrounded by pictures, numbers… I can’t do those lifts anymore because my body is so beat up. As soon as I got over that jagged pill of I’m never going to overhead press 374 pounds ever again, but let’s work to see what the best I can today is. It’s a very similar course in WWE.”
Continuing, the WWE Champion stated that he was no longer able to run as a full-time wrestler and acknowledged that it is time to write the final chapter:
“My skills are on the regress. If I continue at a full-time physical capability or involvement, I’m not gonna run right, my partner’s not gonna run right and our relationship’s not gonna run right. Sorry kid, it’s time to close this chapter. I wish I was 18, I wish I felt great because I don’t feel more at home, besides in the arms of my wife, than I do on a canvas. I had pitched this idea, a real wrestling farewell, and hoping that they would see the business of it. They were like yes! This is going to be good.”
John Cena To Return To The Ring At Money In The Bank
Cena last competed at the Saturday Night’s Main Event special with a quick victory over R-Truth. Later in the night, Cena attempted to help Logan Paul defeat Jey Uso before being chased away by a returning Cody Rhodes. When order was restored, Rhodes made the challenge for him and Uso vs. Cena and Paul, which was later made official.
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Featured image: WWE
