Earlier this year, we learned that John Cena will retire from WWE next year. He's planning to work an entire year of dates before hanging up his boots for good, with the 16-time WWE Champion expected to be part of RAW when it moves to Netflix.
Cena has confirmed he'll compete at Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania, but in an interview with Collider, he clarified the exact number of dates WWE has him slotted in for.
"I can probably confirm that Peacemaker will take us to the end of 2024, and I can say that with the utmost conviction because I have given the calendar year 2025 to WWE," Cena explained. "I am retiring in 2025, and I start that farewell tour in January."
"I’ll end it in December, and it’s going to be right around 36 dates around the world to pay thanks and gratitude to the WWE audiences around the world. So that’s what I’m doing in 2025," he confirmed.
That lines up with what Cena has said in previous interviews and, as we'd hoped, it won't just be the United States he competes in (which would have been very limiting given how many international PLEs WWE now holds).
During a separate conversion with ComicBook.com to promote his Amazon film, Jackpot, Cena was quick to point out that when he retires, he's well and truly done with pro wrestling.
"There isn’t a check writer with enough money to change my mind when I hang it up in December," he said. "I don’t want to continue for ego or financial gain. I built a relationship of trust and authenticity over the years with the WWE, and that’s people who think I suck and people who believe in me, they know that I shoot them straight and I’m trustworthy."
"I mean what I say: when I’m done in December, I am done. It is the last time I will perform in a ring."
Last month, Cena was asked whether he has any specific opponents in mind for his final run and it appears he's happy to leave his fate in WWE's hands.
"I am in no position to handpick opponents. I have always had a wonderful time challenging myself, telling stories with whatever hand I was deal," he admitted. "So I think that is part of the allure and part of the excitement of what we are about to embark is the stories we can tell and hopefully who will show up."
Stay tuned for updates on Cena's WWE future as we have them.