John Cena Issues Statement on 'Speculation And Rumours' About Retirement
John Cena has issued a public statement on 'speculation and rumours' surrounding his upcoming retirement from WWE.
WWE have confirmed on Friday that Cena's final match will take place in Washington DC on Saturday, December 13.
According to Sports Illustrated's Jon Alba, there was initial hope that the match would be hosted in Boston, Massachusetts - Cena's home state - but that WWE and TKO decided for logistical reasons to move it to the US capital.
His final opponent has not yet been confirmed, though reports claim that WWE are planning for Cena to face off against two-time world champion Gunther.
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The first part of Cena's 2025 'retirement tour' - his final year as a professional wrestler - saw the 48-year-old turn heel before defeating Cody Rhodes to win his record-breaking 17th world title at WrestleMania 41.
In September, WWE Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley claimed that Cena should extend his retirement tour to WrestleMania 42, giving him the chance to take on even more opponents.
Cena himself noted in an interview that he would not be able to face everyone that he would like to during his final year as a wrestler, with his acclaimed Crown Jewel match against AJ Styles coming as a surprise to fans who were not expecting it to fit into his schedule.
Following WWE's announcement of his final match, however, Cena took to social media to state that he wants to be a person 'whose word has value'.
"Despite any speculation or rumours, on July 6, 2024 I announced I would retire from WWE in ring participation," he wrote.
"I am far from perfect but strive to be a person whose word has value. 12/13/25 will be my final match.
"I am beyond grateful for every moment WWE has given me. I am excited for 12/13 & look forward to seeing all of you one last time."
Cena has four dates remaining before he calls time on his in-ring career.
His next appearance will be on the November 10 episode of Raw in Boston - his final appearance as an active in-ring competitor in front of his home state crowd.
He will then appear on the following November 17 edition of Raw, and again at Survivor Series: WarGames on November 29.
Despite reports online, WWE have kept their cards close to their chest on whether Cena will wrestle on all four of his remaining dates - and who he will face if so - as he closes out his in-ring career.
Ryan Smart