5 things fans need to know about John Cena’s WWE retirement tour

John Cena is one of the most venerated names in the world of pro wrestling, having carried WWE on his back for decades. However, the 16-time World Champion sent the WWE Universe into a frenzy at Money in the Bank 2024 as he spoke about drawing the curtain on his illustrious WWE career.

In a poignant speech, The Cenation Leader confirmed that he will have one final run in the Stamford-based promotion next year before hanging up his boots and bidding adieu to his iconic pro wrestling career. He stood tall in the ring, his voice filled with emotion, as Cena shed light on the itinerary of his retirement tour.

The news of his announcement shrouded the entire arena in somber silence, leaving a sea of stunned faces frozen in disbelief and heavy hearts with the realization that an era was truly coming to an end. Let's look at five things fans need to know about John Cena's WWE retirement tour.

#5. John Cena approached WWE with the idea of a retirement tour

While speaking at Money in the Bank's post-show press conference, John Cena answered many queries from the WWE Universe. He stated that the time for his retirement was not up to him; however, the idea of doing a retirement tour was his. WWE initiated the talks of doing this in 2025 and had the potential reasons ready for it being the right time to do so.

A major reason why The Cenation Leader put forth the idea was because the business is at incredible heights in terms of popularity. As a result, this became the driving force behind his decision to end his career on a relatively high note. Moreover, the 16-time world champion took pride in getting a call from WWE, where the company told him that this would be the best time.

Furthermore, John Cena decided to hang up his boots in 2025 because he thought the plan would also carry out the idea of uniting and strengthening the fans globally, who have been there for him for a considerable amount of time.

#4. John Cena's retirement tour will span from January 2025 to December 2025

The news of John Cena's retirement came as a bolt from the blue, even if it was on the horizon. However, it is interesting to note that the 16-time World Champion will completely devote the next year to entertaining his fans, as it will be his final run in the Stamford-based promotion.

Cena's farewell tour will span the entirety of 2025, beginning in January and ending in December. He is scheduled to work in WWE for around 30–40 dates, being fixed for his segments/matches and whatnot. However, by the end of December 2025, The Franchise Player will have wrapped up his pro wrestling career.

However, the idea that he proposed keeps him intact with the WWE family for business purposes. The Greatest of All Time claimed that WWE is his home; thus, he cannot be distanced from them, even if he lacks the physical contribution. He promised a successful retirement tour that ends in the best way possible.

#3. John Cena will compete in his final Royal Rumble and WrestleMania next year

With next year being John Cena's final year in the squared circle, he would compete in some of the major premium live events for the last time. Kicking off the tour in 2025, he would compete in his last Royal Rumble on February 1st at Indianapolis.

Similarly, Elimination Chamber in the coming months and WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas would be the last time he wrestles in those big events. It is a poignant realization, as Cena has been the poster boy for WWE for over a decade and has left an indelible legacy.

His farewell would last the entire year and might feature some iconic moments, like capturing his 17th World Title. The speculations have already started about matches that will happen on his retirement tour. His final WrestleMania bout might see him compete against Randy Orton.

#2. WrestleMania 41 will not feature his retirement match

Although the news of John Cena's retirement is heartbreaking, it is not happening in the first quarter of 2025. WrestleMania 41 will not be the place where he hangs up his boots. However, it will be his last WrestleMania as an in-ring competitor. The Cenation Leader claims he wants to give his undivided dedication to his last run.

WrestleMania 40 also featured him in a cathartic manner as he came to the aid of Cody Rhodes. Cena was also on RAW after WrestleMania XL, where he wrestled a six-man tag team match alongside The Awesome Truth. A similar dream matchup might happen at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.

#1. John Cena's retirement tour will kick off with WWE's season premiere on Netflix

John Cena's retirement tour will begin with the inaugural episode of Monday Night RAW on Netflix in 2025. During his retirement announcement segment at Money in the Bank, The Franchise Player showed his excitement about being a part of the historic premiere episode RAW on Netflix. This will mark the beginning of his farewell tour, which will last the whole year.

With RAW kicking off under Netflix and the heralding of John Cena's retirement tour, it will start a new era. To that end, the 16-time World Champion has promised to deliver an unforgettable last run, as he is expected to appear regularly on television.

John Cena is one of the biggest names in the world of professional wrestling and has popularised WWE across the globe. His retirement will indeed mark the end of an iconic era, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.