John Cena Forming 'Exit Strategy' To Finish WWE In-Ring Career

John Cena’s in-ring WWE career has been winding down steadily for several years at this point, and despite a return in 2023 for a few months, he has been talking more and more about eventually hanging up the boots. Cena looked solemn in his last defeat at the Crown Jewel 2023 PLE to Solo Sikoa, taking in the applause from fans when he walked down the ramp after being definitively beaten clean in the match. 

Cena spoke in an exclusive interview to People, and talked about how since turning 45, he has been assessing an exit strategy when it comes to his time as a professional wrestler. 

“I turned 47 this past year and I don’t have much time left in the WWE… 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 went on to say that he is looking to do whatever is best for the company, whether that be one big farwell match or something more under the radar. Despite his acting career, Cena stated that he believes it would be a waste if he is not involved in some way as a mentor to the next generation of upcoming talents in WWE.