Retirement is an odd word in professional wrestling and combat sports. It seems like it is a word that is used as a threat to fans, more than an action competitors willingly take. There's always going to be that enticement for one last run. At least for most. Undisputed WWE Champion, John Cena claims that once this run ends on December 31, he is hanging up the jorts and there's no chance he will come back.
"I still look good, I still feel good, I still feel like I can perform at a WWE level, but I also think it's time for me to step aside and let the young talent step forward," John Cena said while speaking on Good Morning America. "I made a promise to the fans who've allowed me to be here for a quarter of a centry. I wouldn't want to disrepect them like that."
That's quite the definitative statement from Cena. Especially when looking at the track record that professional wrestlers have had over the years when it comes to retirement. Too many names have walked away, just to come back through that curtain when their interest died down, they needed to refresh their image, or even worse, the money dried up. Examples like Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, or even Shawn Michaels stand out as performer who claimed they were going away into retirement, only to pop back up years later.
John Cena's final run may not have been all that it was expected to be. Much of that is due to the misguided journey of his heel turn, a moment that many fans have waited years to see. That blame should fall on the creative leadership in the WWE today. However, Cena deserves to be considered among the greatest WWE performers of all time. Fans should really enjoy this ride, because once it is over, it's truly over.
Who will replace John Cena and "step forward" as he retires
This is a big question heading into the end of 2025. As John Cena mentioned. It is time for young performers to step up and take over as the biggest face in the company. Who is going to fulfill that role? There are a few names who could do so.
Two names immediately jump off the page when it comes to being major attractions for WWE. Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley. Yes, John Cena should hand over his place as the face of WWE to two women leading the way as the top names in the women's division.
Rhea Ripley looks like an attraction. Her appearance immediately draws interest from non-wrestling fans and wrestling fans alike. Belair has her own level of aura, which is increased due to her being a Black woman in an industry that is typically not welcoming to Black women. And yet, still she rises. Ripley and Belair should be among the first thought of when it is time to "replace" John Cena.
On the men's side, WWE is doing great work with Bron Breakker. The son of Rick and nephew of Scott Steiner has certainly burst onto the scene to become an exciting member of the Monday Night Raw roster. Expect him to be a multiple-time champion when things are all said and done. Can he become the icon that Cena did for nearly 3 decades? That's the bigger question and one that will take careful curation to answer.
Everyone will retire at some point. Either intentionally or by accident. John Cena's time is winding down. He expresses that he will not return once December 31, 2025 passes. If that is truly the case, WWE may not have to look to far to see who will step up into a big role for the promotion.