John Cena on WWE retirement tour: ‘We’re going to do it as big as we can’

John Cena answered questions about his retirement tour during the WWE Money in the Bank post-event press conference.

Cena announced on the pay-per-view that he is retiring from WWE, although his end date is still some time away. He clarified at the press conference that his retirement tour doesn’t end at next year’s WrestleMania.

“It’s not going to end at WrestleMania. That WrestleMania will be my last WrestleMania but hopefully, if everything goes according to plan, we’re going straight through from January to December,” Cena said.

“We’re going to try to do a long list of dates. I think right now, tentatively, it’s hovering in the mid-30s to 40s cause I’m still going to try to juggle a lot of stuff that’s going on. And that will be the end of my in-ring competition.”

Cena then stated he plans to stay involved with WWE after he retires from in-ring competition.

“Part of this business plan that I proposed and they accepted was me remaining in the WWE family in some capacity for an extended time to come. I’ve always said to the audience that WWE is my home and I love it. Just because I physically feel I’m at my end, doesn’t mean I need to distance myself from something I love.”

“I feel I have some wisdom locked up here that could be of some value. I look forward to ending my participation in the ring in the best way I possibly can and being a member of the extended WWE family for quite some time to come.”

When asked if he has a message for fans regarding his retirement tour, Cena responded:

“I think this is the best way to do it. Have a bunch of events all across the world where we can all get together for that one last time, go crazy, have fun, scream at the top of our lungs.”

“I’m done. This is it. But the reason I’m saying that is not because I’m over it, I’m done, I just want to send the message to our fans that if you ever wanted to be a part of this one last time, we’re going to do it as big as we can and we’re inviting everybody and we hope you come and join the fun and enjoy the show.”

Our own Dave Meltzer addressed Cena’s retirement tour on today’s episode of Wrestling Observer Radio.

“If he’s going to do 30 to 40 matches, he’s ain’t going to be acting all year. He can do his acting things, maybe for two months, three months, or whatever but this would appear that he’s not spending 12 months acting in 2025 if he’s going to be doing all these different shows,” Meltzer said.

“If he’s going to do the dates he says he’s going to do, he’s going to have to cut back on his acting to a degree,” he continued.

More John Cena notes from the press conference:

Cena was asked about possible opponents for his retirement tour. However, he responded that he’s not in a position to handpick his opponents.

“I don’t and have never put much stock in expectations that are beyond my control. I’ve tried to lead an existence where I can control what I can and I’m in no position to handpick opponents. I’ve always had a wonderful time challenging myself, telling stories with whatever hand I was dealt.”

Regarding possibly going heel during his retirement tour, Cena felt fans would see through it.

“I don’t know how much impact that would have,” Cena said about turning heel. “That goes heavily against what I value. I think you would see through it. Our fans have a great bullshit meter.”

Cena was asked by Post Wrestling’s John Pollock about the allegations and lawsuit against former WWE executive chairman, Vince McMahon.

“Surely an uncomfortable question,” Cena responded. “And man, I really would much rather talk about what’s ahead of us. That’s really important. I’ve been pretty honest in my opinion to answer that question. And if you didn’t see it, I know you can dig it up somewhere.”

“Again, I think if you want that information, you dig hard enough you can find it. Thank you, though, appreciate the courage.”