Breaking Ric Flair's record, career-threatening match & more - 3 Ways John Cena can retire from WWE once and for all

John Cena was last seen in WWE in early April, appearing at WrestleMania 40 and RAW after 'Mania. Since then, he has been out due to his filming duties, and it is unclear when he will return.

During a recent interview with People, The Cenation Leader spoke about his time in the Stamford-based promotion. He said the sun is setting on his WWE chapter, hinting at his retirement.

"I know my WWE journey is coming to an end, but fitness was a part of my life long before the WWE journey started. 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," John Cena said. [H/T Ringside News]

With that in mind, let's take a look at three ways John Cena can retire from WWE once and for all.

---

#3. John Cena could suffer a career-ending injury

It would be a disappointing end to a legendary career, but it would make sense if WWE doesn't want John Cena to surpass Ric Flair's record.

It could happen during a match against one of the top heels, like AJ Styles or Gunther, or he could be the victim of an assault by Uncle Howdy's new faction, The Wyatt Sicks.

Following a beatdown either inside the ring or backstage, WWE could create a storyline where Cena will be forced to retire due to an injury.

---

#2. Career-threatening match

John Cena could make his return in one of the coming Premium Live Events, like Money in the Bank or SummerSlam. If he is getting closer to retirement, WWE could have him start a short-term feud, which would lead to a match where his career would be on the line.

This match would be against a heel, and such candidates could be superstars with a legendary wrestling career, like Shinsuke Nakamura, AJ Styles or the United States Champion Logan Paul.

Another likely scenario is a match against Solo Sikoa, which would put an end to their feud once and for all. Cena and Sikoa collided at WrestleMania 40 as well when the former took out the latter with Attitude Adjustments to help out Cody Rhodes in his match against Roman Reigns.

---

#1. Breaking Ric Flair's record

John Cena is tied with Ric Flair for the most World Championships in WWE. They have both won 16 titles. The Cenation Leader has yet to break this record, but the best way to retire would be to defeat either Damian Priest or Cody Rhodes and hold the title for a record 17th time.

In that scenario, this would be the shortest title reign in his career, as he would have to drop it very soon and then retire. However, it is possible that both Cena and WWE will consider this.

With that in mind, fans have to see whether the WWE legend will return soon and whether he will compete in one of the coming Premium Live Events.