Cena knows his time is coming up.
The 16-time WWE World Champion John Cena last wrestled at the Crown Jewel Premium Live Event in November where he was bested by Solo Sikoa. That put a bow on Cena’s most recent run with the company.
He’s stated on multiple occasions that he does not know how much time he has left in the ring. He relayed to PEOPLE that he’s trying to figure out when to close that chapter. When he turned 45 years old, he began to think about his exit strategy and he’s trying to work on that.
I turned 47 this past year and I don’t have much time left in the WWE… I think it’s just the demand of age. You know, I’m trying to figure out when to close that chapter. 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. 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.
When it comes to how that exit may look, whether it’s a big final match, just a final match or however he can be slotted into the product, he wants to let everyone know that he’s done. Cena is open to hearing suggestions from the company.
I just want to do what’s best for the company. 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.
He added that he has a lot to offer to the next generation of wrestlers within WWE and thinks it’d be a waste to not pass that on.
I do have almost two-and-a-half decades of wisdom built up where I think I can offer a mentor perspective for sure. So, if I am not integrated with the WWE family moving forward and in perpetuity, then I think it’s a waste for everyone involved.
Before Cena returned to WWE for his latest run, he received permission from the Screen Actors Guild to do so.
He is starring in the movie ‘Argylle’ which hits theaters in the USA on February 4th.
