UPDATE (7/7 4:05 p.m. Eastern)
According to Fightful Select, a good number of talents were unaware Cena was planning to announce his retirement. It was also said that those that knew ahead of time, played it all close to the chest.
The report also notes that there are talents already making pitches to creative to work with Cena during his final run with the company.
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UPDATE (10:37 p.m. Eastern): During the Money In The Bank Post-Show press conference, Cena clarified that 2025 will mark his final year of wrestling, with dates still being “worked out” beyond WrestleMania in Las Vegas.
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During the WWE premium live event Money in The Bank, guest host Trish Stratus introduced John Cena to the ring to a big pop from the crowd, allowing the 16-time world champion an opportunity to announce his retirement from WWE.
From Mike Tedesco’s LIVE coverage of the event:
Cena says he hears a mixed opinion out there. There are a lot of questions, like why here? Cena wants to talk about Toronto. Cena wants to talk about Canada and Canadians. Cena has been in WWE for over two decades. In those times, he’s seen incredible waves of prosperity like we have right now. WWE is the hottest ticket in town. Cena has also seen tremendous hardship when no one knows your name and wants to be your friend. Only the most dedicated, hardcore fans stand by your side. In all those years, one of the most important and impressive things he’s learned is whether WWE is hot or cold, Canadians always show up. Cena sounds emotional. A LOUD “Cena” chant fires up.
Cena says they need to be making noise for themselves. They built all this. That’s why this is the perfect place for him to say what he has to say. Why now? It’s Money in the Bank! It’s the ultimate symbol of opportunity. This farewell doesn’t end tonight. It’s filled with opportunity. Raw makes history when it moves to Netflix. Cena will be there. Along with that history-making first, they’ll build some unforgettable lasts. The 2025 Royal Rumble will be his last. The 2025 Elimination Chamber will be his last. Cena is here tonight to announce that in Las Vegas at WrestleMania 2025 will be the last WrestleMania he competes in. Cena will kick off the press conference after the show and will field all questions about his retirement. In the vein of ultimate opportunity, he wants to take advantage of one. Cena wants to thank them. A massive “Thank you, Cena” chant fires up. Cena looks moved by the reception. Cena is emotional as he refers to that as an “incredible gesture of kindness.” Cena thanks them for letting him play in the house they built for so many years. Cena thanks them for their voice and their honesty because it’s beautifully brutal. Most of all, he thanks them for allowing him to be here with them tonight. Cena says they’re planning something unforgettable, which involves him returning to Toronto to kick some ass. If you’re watching at home or one of the insanely loud in Toronto, Canada, or if you’re a WWE Superstar, if you want some, come get some! The last time is now! Cena’s music plays, and he gets out of the ring. Cena embraces his wife at ringside and heads to the back.