John Cena has confirmed a surprise return to WWE at WrestleMania 42 but he has already admitted that things will be a little different.
In 2025, Cena embarked on an unprecedented retirement tour which saw him claim a record-breaking 17th title at WrestleMania 41 in April before becoming Intercontinental champion in November and finally entering the exclusive 'Grand Slam' club.
The 48-year-old called time on his stunning 22-year career in WWE in December, retiring after his final match against Gunther at Saturday Night's Main Event in Washington, D.C.
Cena's in-ring career came to a sad end and he left both his sneakers and sweatbands in the middle of the ring before walking back down the ramp and saluting the fans who adored him one last time.
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However, just months on from that emotional send-off, Cena announced that he will be the host of the two-night WrestleMania 42 event in Las Vegas on April 18 and April 19.
Those watching at the Allegiant Stadium and around the world on Netflix will get to hear his iconic theme song once again but Cena has already said that this iteration of him will not be the same.
When he announced his retirement back in 2024, the Peacekeeper star confirmed that he had three self-imposed rules that he intended to adhere to in the event he came back to WWE in some capacity.
Cena said he would be sporting a suit rather than his trademark jorts and was adamant he would not serve as a special guest referee or end up involved in some kind of physicality.
Appearing to indicate an ambassadorial role, he stated: "My uniform will be retiring. You will see me in a suit and tie. I have no intention of being physical in any way... no guest refereeing, no falling through an accidental table. None of that stuff. I will be a fan and an advocate, and that's it."
As the host of WrestleMania, a show he has main evented six times, Cena will announce the attendance record on both nights and is expected to be involved in various segments.
Previous hosts include The Rock, The Miz, Hulk Hogan, Rob Gronkowski, The New Day and Alexa Bliss.
His appearance comes as he films a new project for Netflix in Hollywood, which is a short flight away from 'Sin City'. Cena has gone on record to state that he will have a future role in WWE and believes he has "cracked the code" as to what it might be.
"I am working diligently to try to figure out my next path as a contributing, useful member of WWE," Cena said, speaking at MegaCon Orlando 2026.
"I think I might’ve cracked the code here. I think we have something, and if the stars align and everybody signs off, I will be a whole lot more integrated in the system, and I’m very excited about the road ahead. I just cross my fingers that it works."
Josh Lawless