Beloved WWE Superstar planning 'exit strategy' from company

John Cena, 47, is planning his exit strategy from WWE. He is one of the most decorated professional wrestlers of all time. He hasn't been full-time with the company in multiple years, as he transitioned into more Hollywood roles courtesy of his immense success in the wrestling ring. However, toward the end of 2023, he made a six-week return and proved he hadn't missed a step. 

Cena made the admission during an exclusive interview with People. 

“I turned 47 this past year and I don’t have much time left in the WWE," Cena said. "… I think it’s just the demand of age. You know, I’m trying to figure out when to close that chapter. I wouldn’t be who I am — professionally or personally — without the WWE, and I promised myself that I would never simply just be there for my own sake. Every time I perform, I want to give my all to the audience. And I’ve got to admit when I hit the 45 mark, I had to begin to try to form an exit strategy and I’m trying to work on that currently.”

Cena has held the WWE Championship on 13 occasions. He's also a three-time World Heavy Weight champion. His in-ring production and promo work are both some of the best WWE has ever had to offer. There's a reason why he's widely known as "the greatest of all time."

Regardless of how his on-air tenure with WWE ends, Cena did admit that he would like to remain with the company in the form of a mentorship role. His experience at the highest levels of the sport would make him the ideal role model for the next generation of talent to learn from. 

“I do have almost two-and-a-half decades of wisdom built up where I think I can offer a mentor perspective for sure. So, if I am not integrated with the WWE family moving forward and in perpetuity, then I think it's a waste for everyone involved.”

Given his Hall of Fame status and the millions of fans he has around the world, it's highly unlikely WWE will let Cena ride off into the sunset with little fanfare. Instead, he will likely have one last hoorah, where he can go out on top and create one final moment of history in his storied career. From there, he should absolutely be part of the company's talent development system. 

Cena has earned the right to go out on his terms. WWE usually does well in honoring its stars. It's going to be a fun last ride, however it all plays out.