Speculation is rife about the potential post-in-ring career role of the former 16-time WWE Champion, John Cena, following his defeat to Solo Sikoa at WWE Crown Jewel 2023.
Solo Sikoa secured victory over Cena in a dominant fashion with 11 Samoan Spikes, leading to Cena’s emotional farewell to fans post-match. Since then, Cena has been notably absent from WWE TV. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Cena discussed his future in the WWE and the ticking clock:
“As I celebrated my 47th birthday last year, I’ve been contemplating the limited time I have left in the WWE. Deciding when to close this chapter is something I’m actively thinking about.”
Cena, who credited the WWE for shaping both his professional and personal identity, expressed his commitment to making meaningful contributions:
“I owe a lot to the WWE, and I’ve vowed not to linger without purpose. Every performance should be a genuine gift to the audience. Turning 45 prompted me to start crafting an exit strategy, and that’s where my focus is now.”
On the possibility of transitioning into a mentor or coach role after retiring from active competition, Cena stated:
“With nearly two and a half decades of experience, I believe I can provide valuable mentorship. If I’m not part of the WWE family moving forward, it would be a missed opportunity for everyone.”
Cena conveyed his willingness to collaborate with WWE on an exit strategy, be it through a significant final match or another method to signal the end of his wrestling journey. In a related note, Cena also shared his thoughts on The Rock’s tease about a return match for Roman Reigns during the “Day One” edition of WWE Raw.
