John Cena: ‘I don’t have much time left in WWE’

John Cena knows his time with WWE is coming to a close. 

The 47-year-old spoke with PEOPLE recently about the end of his wrestling career. Cena said he’s trying to determine when it’s time to close “that chapter.”  

“I turned 47 this past year and I don’t have much time left in the WWE,” Cena said. 

“You know, I’m trying to figure out when to close that chapter,” he continued.

“I wouldn’t be who I am — professionally or personally — without the WWE, and I promised myself that I would never simply just be there for my own sake,” Cena says. “Every time I perform, I want to give my all to the audience. And I’ve got to admit when I hit the 45 mark, I had to begin to try to form an exit strategy and I’m trying to work on that currently.” 

In terms of how Cena wants to end his career, the 16-time World Champion says he’ll listen to what WWE wants to do and how he can best help the company. 

“I just want to do what’s best for the company,” Cena continued. “If it’s a big final match or if it’s just a final match, or however I can be integrated into the product to let everyone know that this chapter is over, I’m willing to listen to what WWE has to say.”

Cena was voted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame Class of 2012 in his first year on the ballot. He won several awards from this publication during his career as well including Best Gimmick (2003), Most Charismatic (2006-2010), Best Box Office Draw (2007), Best on Interviews (2007), Feud of the Year with CM Punk (2011), Match of the Year vs. CM Punk at Money in the Bank 2011, and Wrestler of the Year in 2007 and 2010. He was also voted Most Charismatic of the Decade for 2000-2009.