Sad reason why John Cena is retiring from wrestling after 24 years

For wrestling icon John Cena, 2025 is to be a year of 'lasts'.

For almost two and a half decades, the 16-time world champion has stolen the spotlight one some of the biggest WWE stages.

From debuting on the main WWE roster in 2002, to controversially going part-time for a career on the silver screen years later, Cena is known for both his wrestling legacy and his Hollywood performances.

Yet, all good things must come to an end, and that's sadly the case for Cena's wrestling career.

Last summer, Cena confirmed he would be retiring from the sport for good - while in March, he shocked fans once more by transforming into a 'heel' - aka an evil character - as he took aim at WWE champion Cody Rhodes, singling out a young fan in the crowd while doing so.

Cena is set to face Rhodes once again at his final ever Wrestlemania, which takes place across Saturday April 19 and Sunday April 20 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Cena and Rhodes will clash as the latter attempts to defend his Undisputed WWE Champion title.

Cena dropped the bombshell of his retirement during WWE's Money in the Bank event in Canada last summer.

In a news conference after the event, he revealed the sad reason he was hanging up his championship belts.

The 47-year-old told reporters he feels 'physically at my end', but still, he reassured that he wouldn't be distancing himself fully from the sport.

John Cena debuted on WWE in 2002 (WWE via Getty Images)

Cena has racked up a whole host of injuries throughout his career, from a torn pec muscle to a broken nose.

Most recently, back in 2023, he underwent surgeries on both arms for an unknown injury.

Later, Cena told Collider: "I can say that with the utmost conviction because I have given the calendar year 2025 to WWE.

"I am retiring in 2025, and I start that farewell tour in January and I'll end it in December.

"It's gonna be right around 36 dates around the world to pay thanks and gratitude to the WWE audiences around the world.

John Cena blamed the crowd for his evil turn during March 2's match (WWE/WWE via Getty Images)

And in another interview with Yahoo! Entertainment, Cena said: “The word ‘retirement,’ to me, simply means acknowledging and accepting that you’re closing a chapter and opening another one," citing the book The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life by David Brooks.

He continued: “This is a thing that a lot of folks go through, and it’s a normal progression in life,” he said. “It’s closing a chapter, continuing to be curious and finding that second mountain to climb.”

He added: “If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years it is you can’t please everyone.”