John Cena confirms shock WWE return just months after retirement

John Cena has confirmed a shock return to WWE just months after retiring from wrestling.

Cena, who has become a huge movie star in Hollywood, called time on his decorated in-ring career back in December.

He concluded his year-long retirement tour by tapping out to Gunther in his final ever match at Saturday Night's Main Event in Washington, D.C.

The 17-time world champion left his sweatbands and sneakers in the ring and rode off into the sunset.

However, the WWE legend's hiatus from WWE is not lasting for all that long. On Monday afternoon, Cena posted a video on his official X account and confirmed he will be in attendance at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In the caption, Cena wrote: "Since retirement, my “road” has looked a little different… but now I can officially say I’m headed to WrestleMania!!!! See you in Las Vegas!"

In the video, Cena explained that he has been working on a new film with Netflix but said that where he is shooting is close to Sin City and then effectively announced he will host the two-night event.

He stated: "The rumour around this town is WrestleMania needs a host. Well, I'm already on that road so I will see you at WrestleMania."

WWE followed up by making an announcement on their socials, writing: "Las Vegas are you ready?! The GOAT @JohnCena will be the host of WrestleMania 42. See you there!"

Cena main evented last year's WrestleMania 41 event at the Allegiant Stadium, defeating Cody Rhodes to win a record-breaking 17th world title.

He then lost the belt back to Rhodes at SummerSlam before capturing the Intercontinental title from Dominik Mysterio and finally complete the set to become a Grand Slam champion.

The 48-year-old, who has headlined six WrestleManias, ended his glittering 22-year run with a valiant display in a loss to the dominant Gunther.

Cena hinted at new WWE role

Though his in-ring career is done and we will no longer see him rocking the jorts, Cena has confirmed that he will still remain involved in WWE. But in a recent appearance at MegaCon Orlando 2026, Cena revealed that he believe he was "cracked the code" regarding what his new role in the company will be.

Cena stated: "I am fully retired now. We always talk about, like, these panels are great, because I always give one piece of information that the world catches, and then it makes the headlines the next day. This is that moment.

"I am working diligently to try to figure out my next path as a contributing, useful member of WWE. 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."