WWE veteran guarantees John Cena is not retiring (Exclusive)

John Cena recently announced he plans to retire from in-ring competition in 2025. Dutch Mantell, formerly known as Zeb Colter in WWE, does not think the 47-year-old will stick to his word.

Throughout wrestling history, several high-profile names have retired before reversing the decision years later. A famous example of this came in 2018 when Shawn Michaels wrestled at Crown Jewel eight-and-a-half years after The Undertaker had originally retired him.

Mantell worked in the wrestling business as a booker, in-ring competitor, and manager for five decades. On Sportskeeda Wrestling's Smack Talk show, the 74-year-old said Cena will likely come out of retirement for the right price.

"These guys could say, 'Oh, I'm gonna retire,' until the cows come home, but I guarantee you he won't retire," Mantell stated. "We'll see him after 2025, and why not? If they say, 'Hey, we've got a shot for you, blah blah blah, and you'll make this,' [Cena will not say] 'Oh, no, I'm retired.' 'But you can make this.' 'Oh, well, maybe I can come out one night, maybe, just for my fans.'" [6:59 – 7:24]

Watch the video above to hear Mantell discuss Cena's possible last WrestleMania opponent with Rick Ucchino and Sid Pullar III.

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Details on John Cena's retirement plans

It has already been confirmed that John Cena's final WrestleMania match will take place at WrestleMania 41. The two-night event will be held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 19-20, 2025.

Cena gave further details on his Farewell Tour at a press conference after Money in the Bank on July 6. The 16-time World Champion revealed he wants to work 30-40 dates between January and December 2025 before retiring at the end of the year.

Cena is one reign away from becoming the outright world title record holder. He has jointly held the record of 16 with two-time WWE Hall of Famer, Ric Flair since 2017.

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Please credit Sportskeeda Wrestling's Smack Talk and embed the video if you use quotes from this article, with an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.