John Cena, the 16-time world champion and face of WWE for over two decades, has officially announced his retirement, with his final match scheduled for December 2025. The announcement came during the Money In The Bank Premium Live Event on July 7, 2024, where Cena surprised fans by revealing his decision to step away from the ring . Since then, he has embarked on a farewell tour, revisiting iconic rivalries and delivering memorable performances, including a title defense against Randy Orton at Backlash 2025 .
Shawn Michaels Weighs In: “That’s John’s Call!”
WWE Hall of Famer and NXT executive Shawn Michaels, who famously retired after a storied career, recently shared his thoughts on Cena’s farewell tour. Speaking on the Good Karma Wrestling podcast, Michaels emphasized that the choice of opponents for Cena’s final matches should be entirely up to Cena himself. “That’s John’s call,” Michaels stated, highlighting the personal nature of such a significant career milestone .
Michaels, who ended his own career with a heartfelt speech after losing to The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26, understands the importance of a wrestler controlling their final moments in the ring .
A Look Back: Cena and Michaels’ Legendary Encounters
The careers of John Cena and Shawn Michaels have intersected in some of WWE’s most memorable matches. Their WrestleMania 23 main event showcased their chemistry, with Cena emerging victorious. However, it was their 55-minute non-title match on Raw in London that truly highlighted their in-ring prowess. Cena later reflected on this match, praising Michaels’ storytelling ability and the invaluable experience of sharing the ring with him .
Cena’s Final Matches: A Personal Journey
As Cena approaches the end of his in-ring career, he continues to participate in high-profile matches, including a recent defense of his Undisputed Championship against Randy Orton at Backlash 2025 . With appearances scheduled at major events like Money in the Bank and WrestleMania 41, Cena is crafting a farewell tour that reflects his storied career and personal choices.
Cena’s Notable Farewell Tour Matches
| Event | Date | Opponent | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Money In The Bank 2024 | July 7, 2024 | Announcement | Retirement Declared |
| Backlash 2025 | May 10, 2025 | Randy Orton | Title Defense Win |
| Upcoming: Money in the Bank 2025 | June 7, 2025 | TBD | TBD |
| Upcoming: WrestleMania 41 | April 2025 | TBD | TBD |
| Final Match | December 2025 | TBD | TBD |
Conclusion: A Legacy Cemented
John Cena’s farewell tour is more than a series of matches; it’s a celebration of a career that has left an indelible mark on professional wrestling. With the support of peers like Shawn Michaels and the freedom to choose his final opponents, Cena is ensuring that his exit from the ring is as impactful as his entrance.