Full Breakdown
Ric Flair Urges John Cena to Stay Retired After Final Matches
10/3/2025, 4:04:35 AM
John Cena's Retirement Tour
John Cena, a prominent figure in professional wrestling, is set to officially retire on December 13, 2025, concluding a farewell tour that began in January 2025. Cena has stated that once he hangs up his signature jorts, he will not return to the ring. His final match will take place at Saturday Night's Main Event in Washington D.C., although his opponent has yet to be announced. Cena's tour has included notable matches against Randy Orton, CM Punk, Sami Zayn, and Cody Rhodes, culminating in his recent victory over Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, where he captured his 17th World Championship.
Ric Flair's Perspective on Retirement
Ric Flair, a WWE Hall of Famer and a figure who has experienced multiple retirements, has expressed his hope that Cena will remain retired after his final match. Flair, who himself returned to wrestling after what was believed to be his retirement at WrestleMania 24, understands the challenges of stepping away from the sport. He commented, “John is making so damn much money in the movies right now. He doesn’t need to do anything else. I hope that he’ll walk away and stay away. Wrestling is very addictive. When you’ve done it as long as John has, over 20 years, it’s hard to change your way of life.”
Flair's own career has been marked by a series of comebacks, including a return to TNA Wrestling after his initial retirement. He has since reflected on the financial and emotional factors that led him back into the ring, emphasizing the difficulty of leaving the sport behind.
Cena's Future and Legacy
As Cena prepares for his final matches, speculation surrounds whether he might be tempted to return, particularly with WWE's plans for future events like WrestleMania 43. However, Flair cautions against such a move, drawing from his own experiences. He noted the importance of Cena's current success in Hollywood, which could provide a fulfilling alternative to wrestling.
Flair also highlighted the personal aspects of Cena's life, mentioning his happiness and stability, including his marriage and new home in Tampa. This personal fulfillment, according to Flair, could further motivate Cena to stay retired.
Criticism of WWE's Handling of Cena's Farewell Tour
While Cena's farewell tour has been celebrated by fans, it has not been without criticism. Some have pointed to WWE's management of the tour and Cena's brief heel turn as missteps that detracted from his legacy. Despite these challenges, Cena remains a beloved figure in wrestling, known for his dedication and memorable performances.
Verbatim Quotes
- “John is making so damn much money in the movies right now. He doesn’t need to do anything else. I hope that he’ll walk away and stay away. Wrestling is very addictive. When you’ve done it as long as John has, over 20 years, it’s hard to change your way of life.” — Ric Flair, WWE Hall of Famer
- “John is making so damn much money in the movies right now. He doesn’t need to do anything else. I hope that he’ll walk away and stay away. Wrestling is very addictive. When you’ve done it as long as John has, over 20 years, it’s hard to change your way of life.” — Ric Flair, WWE Hall of Famer
- “John is making so damn much money in the movies right now. He doesn’t need to do anything else. I hope that he’ll walk away and stay away. When you’ve done it as long as John has, over 20 years, it’s hard to change your way of life. I see John periodically, but I can’t say enough nice things about John Cena. He’s a wonderful person. And he is very happily married, his wife is lovely. They’re building a new home here in Tampa.” — Ric Flair, WWE Hall of Famer
As Cena's retirement approaches, the wrestling community watches closely, reflecting on his impact and the potential for his lasting legacy in both wrestling and entertainment.