How long has John Cena been in WWE?

The WWE Universe came to a staggering halt when John Cena announced his retirement on July 6, 2024, at Money in the Bank. The Toronto PLE saw the 16-time World Champion announce the year 2025 as his final ride with the Stamford-based promotion. But how long has Cena been a part of WWE?

John Cena started his pro wrestling training in 1998 by moving to California with the legendary Hulk Hogan as his inspiration. Beginning his career in 1999 with Ultimate Pro Wrestling, he originally started with the ring name The Prototype.

He was later signed by WWF in 2001 for its developmental brand, Ohio Valley Wrestling. Following this, he fought his first match on June 27, 2002, in a losing effort against Kurt Angle.

Interestingly, he transitioned to the main roster of WWF from Ohio Valley Wrestling alongside Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, and Dave Bautista. By the late 2000s, John Cena stood in complete contrast with WWE’s Attitude Era, as he played the ultimate babyface role for the company. This turned many older fans against him, but his popularity continued to skyrocket.

Cena shares the record with Ric Flair for the highest number of World Championship reigns recognized by WWE at 16. Notably, his popularity extends outside pro wrestling as well. He holds the world record for being the one to grant the most wishes by patients of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Now, as the leader of Cenation prepares for the final leg in his career, here is how he will make his exit.

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The final year of John Cena with the WWE

John Cena has confirmed that he will be present at the first episode of Monday Night RAW’s streaming on Netflix. Notably, while addressing the WWE Universe in Toronto, he mentioned several big events that he will be a part of in the coming year.

“We are gonna build so many unforgettable lasts. The 2025 Royal Rumble will be my last. The 2025 Elimination Chamber will be my last. And I'm here tonight to announce that in Las Vegas, WrestleMania 2025 will be the last WrestleMania I compete in,” said Cena.

The announcement of retirement has ushered several of his longtime rivals to express their wish to fight him once again. Thus, fans may get to see a sequel to several of John Cena’s legendary rivalries. This list also includes The Best in the World, CM Punk.

Notably, Cena has also said that he is open to thinking about winning the WWE Championship for the 17th time. It would be interesting to see how the final year of the company’s biggest babyface unfolds.