WWE legend John Cena announces retirement and full tour plan after 'Money in the Bank'

In a moment that sent shockwaves through the wrestling world , John Cena appeared at "Money in the Bank" to announce his retirement tour, marking the end of a legendary 22-year wrestling career. The 13-time WWE champion stood in the ring, and the crowd roaring in disbelief and admiration, as he laid out his final plans.

Fans were already buzzing with excitement following Drew McIntyre's winning the first briefcase of the night, and Hall of Famer Trish Stratus took center stage as the night's host. But when Cena's iconic entrance music blasted through the speakers, the atmosphere inside Toronto's Scotiabank Arena reached a fever pitch as 19,000 fans junmped to their feet in an electrifying standing ovation with cheers reverberating throughout the venue.

Once inside the squared circle, Cena first called for a microphone, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the arena. The anticipation was electric, as fans knew they would witness a monumental announcement from the WWE legend. "Tonight, I officially announce my retirement from the WWE," Cena said to a groan from the crowd.

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"MY CHILDHOOD IS OVER," wrote one fan on the social media platform X. Added another: "This is truly the end of one of the greatest eras since the attitude era after Cena had taken Austin and Rocks place as the face of the company. And what a ride its been. Sad to see him go, but all the respect to him for doing what he did for the people for 20+ years."

Despite some fans initially worrying that Cena would finish his career on Saturday night, he went on to say that he would go on a tour of WWE events over the next year. "The 2025 Royal Rumble will be my last," he said.

Cena also promised a fun finale to his career in the ring, offering a challenge to others in the WWE. "If any WWE superstars in the back want some, hurry up and get some, because the last time is now," he said.

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Even after Cena concludes his work with WWE, his supporters can still expect him to show off his muscles in some capacity, perhaps through acting. He said just last month that he wants to be physically active until late in his life.

“At 47 now, my goal is to be physically active until I can't," Cena told PEOPLE recently. "I put a number in my head of like, I'd like to be physically active into my late 80s or 90s. To do a parallel squat in my late 80s."

Cena, 47, is wedded to Shay Shariatzadeh, and a permanent split from WWE could allow him to spend more time with his family and pursue other ventures. He'll still be beloved by WWE fans when he steps away; he was serenaded with “Thank you Cena” chants on Saturday night in a show of affection for his long career.

“I know my WWE journey is coming to an end, but fitness was a part of my life long before the WWE journey started," Cena declared. "Fitness will be a part of my life, hopefully as long as my heart's beating.

“So the WWE has been a great chapter in my life - it's year 23 for me - and the sun's setting on that chapter in the book, but fitness will never not be a part of my life.”

As an actor, he's appeared in blockbuster movies for the masses such as Trainwreck, Sisters, F9 and Bumblebee. He's also released rap music.