John Cena's retirement tour rolls on, and during an interview with Michael Strahan on Good Morning America earlier today, the Undisputed WWE Champion reiterated that this really is it for him.
While it's apparent that Cena is struggling with the in-ring aspect of professional wrestling, his heel run has led many fans to wonder whether he could extend his WWE return into 2026 (hopefully, as a babyface). According to the Peacemaker star, though, when he's done...he's done.
"Speaking to a retired athlete, I think you intrinsically know when your instinct says, 'I'm a step slower.' It's then just a battle of, 'How long do I fight those red flags before it could be counterproductive?'" Cena said. "I still look good, I still feel good, I still feel like I can perform at a WWE level, but I also think it's time for me to step aside and let the young talent step forward."
He added that, with his retirement tour, he "wanted to do something that's never been done," which is why he announced his retirement six months ahead of returning to the road as a WWE Superstar.
"I said for the year I'd perform in 36 states," Cena noted. "We're halfway through, and I think nobody thought I was serious. And now that we're halfway through and people really understand that my last match is in December and it's time for me to move on, the audiences have been electric."
As for whether he could eventually return for one more match, the 17-time WWE Champion didn't hesitate in making it clear that when he hangs up his jorts, there will be no surprise comeback.
"There is no way," Cena stated. "There is absolutely...I don't want to speak in absolutes, because I don't want to close any opportunity, but I made a promise to the fans who've allowed me to be here for a quarter of a century. They allowed me to sit with you today. I wouldn't want to disrespect them like that. This is an event — when people attend, it's very exclusive."
He concluded by reiterating that he "wouldn't want to ruin" the goodwill he's built with fans, so it seems we'll be waving Cena off into the sunset when December rolls around.
Survivor Series: WarGames typically takes place in November, meaning Cena's last match is likely booked for an episode of RAW or SmackDown. That seems fitting when it was on the blue brand that he first competed in a match with WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle.
Stay tuned for more on Cena's final year in WWE as we have it.