John Cena announces he will retire in 2025; WrestleMania 41 will be his last

John Cena is ending his WWE career − in the near future.

The 16-time WWE Champion and one of the biggest stars in wrestling history announced Saturday night that his time in WWE is coming to an end, and it appears WrestleMania 41 in 2025 will be his last match at the premier event. His announcement came during a surprise appearance in Toronto during Money in the Bank as the crowd erupted once his music hit. He held up his signature towel that read, "The last time is now," foreshadowing his announcement.

Cena took the microphone and abruptly said he would be retiring from WWE. However, his career was not ending on Saturday night.

Cena said Royal Rumble 2025 and Elimination Chamber 2025 would be the last times he would participate in the premium live events. He added that WrestleMania 41, set for April 19-20, 2025, in Las Vegas, would be his last WrestleMania, indicating that would be the last time he competes in the ring.

He explained why he decided to make the announcement now.

"In the vein of ultimate opportunity, I wanted to take advantage of one right here, right now with me I want to say thank you," Cena told the crowd.

He didn't say who any of his opponents would be − or if he would be in the men's Royal Rumble match − but he did warn the rest of the roster.

"If you're a WWE superstar, if you want some, hurry up and come get some," he said.

John Cena reveals why he is retiring, what's in store for 2025

Cena laid out the plan for next year in WWE, and while WrestleMania 41 will be his last WrestleMania, he said in the Money in the Bank post-show he is planning 30-40 appearances in 2025, and they will extend past WWE's premier event.

"It's not going to end at WrestleMania. WrestleMania would be my last WrestleMania," he said. "But hopefully, if everything goes according to plan, we're going straight through from January to December. We're going to try to do a long list of dates."

He added that 2025 will be the end of his in-ring status with the company, but he plans to work with WWE beyond that because of his love for the profession. And yes, the jorts aren't coming back.

"I look forward to ending my participation in the ring in the best way that I possibly can. And being a member of the extended WWE family for quite some time," he said. "I have no intention on being physical in any way. No guest refereeing, no falling through an accidental table. None of that stuff. I will be a fan and an advocate, and that's it."

There are no announced plans for his finale.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: John Cena announces he will retire in 2025; WrestleMania 41 will be his last