John Cena draws 'line in the sand' on WWE retirement age

John Cena. Hali Tauxe/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: John Cena draws 'line in the sand' on when he'll retire from WWE

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 3/12/24

John Cena recently returned to the WWE for two months, his longest period with the company since moving into a part-time role in 2019. He was last seen in the ring during a loss to Solo Sikoa at Crown Jewel.

Throughout his tenure on WWE programming, Cena has made it clear that his retirement from wrestling was on the horizon.

While speaking to Kelly Clarkson during a recent episode of "The Kelly Clarkson Show," Cena revealed he has a hard stop regarding retirement age.

“You know what, 50 is my absolute line in the sand," Cena said (h/t to Fightful for the transcription). "I would like to try and do it before that, but at 50, I’m just gonna tweet out, ‘Peace out, see ya.’ That’s it, I’m good. I was very much driven where WWE was my passion 24/7 — and I’m very grateful — but I’ve grown and there’s a lot of other avenues I’m curious about in life, being a great husband and partner is one of those. I just want to try do what I can in those [years].”

Cena has emerged as a legitimate actor on the Hollywood scene. He never shies away from crediting the WWE for putting him on the map. However, he's achieved everything he's ever dreamed of in a wrestling ring. It makes no sense for him to stick around in that industry.

Of course, he can always return to do some mic work and promo events. It's the in-ring aspect that Cena is likely talking about when he mentions retirement.

When you've reached the peaks that Cena has, there's little incentive to continue operating on the fringes. Those moments can be given to young and upcoming wrestlers. Cena may choose to stay involved in the business as a mentor.

Whatever he chooses to do next, fans will likely hope that he remains in wrestling once he eventually calls time on a Hall-of-Fame career.

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