By Chris Grullon,Total Apex Entertainment
Copyright yardbarker
For those of us who grew up with Cena, this feels like the end of a chapter in our own lives. It’s like watching your favorite quarterback hang up his cleats or seeing a legendary slugger take his final at-bat. You know the day is coming, but it doesn’t make it any easier.
The announcement came straight from the horse’s mouth, or in this case, from the WWE corporate office and its Chief Content Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque. In a statement on WALB that felt both professional and deeply personal, Levesque said, “John’s contributions to WWE are immeasurable. There are no words that can truly relay how much he means to this business.”
He’s not wrong. For over two decades, Cena has been more than just a wrestler; he’s been the face of the company, a pop culture phenomenon, and, let’s be honest, a walking, talking merchandise machine. From his vibrant jorts to his “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect” mantra, Cena became a superhero to millions of kids and a strangely endearing villain to the older, more cynical fans who loved to boo him out of the building. And he embraced it all.
The final stop on this farewell tour will be at the Capital One Arena. Angie M. Gates, the President and CEO of Events DC, couldn’t hide her excitement, stating on Sports Illustrated, “Washington, D.C. is the Sports Capital and the perfect place to honor John Cena’s remarkable legacy.” It’s a fitting end for a career that has been nothing short of monumental.
What’s Next on Cena’s Farewell Tour?
Before he rides off into the Hollywood sunset for good, Cena still has a few dates left on his calendar. It’s a world tour of goodbyes that only a star of his magnitude could command. Here’s the remaining schedule for his last hurrah: October 11: Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia.
November 10: WWE Raw in Boston, MA
November 17: WWE Raw in New York, NY
November 29: WWE Survivor Series in San Diego, CA
December 13: WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C.
First up, he’s heading Down Under to face AJ Styles at Crown Jewel. This is a dream match fans have been begging for since Cena announced his retirement tour. It’s the kind of booking that makes you wonder if Triple H has been reading fan forums in his spare time. Both Cena and Styles wanted it, the fans wanted it, and now, we’re getting it. It’s a classic “phenomenal” vs. “super” showdown that promises to be one for the ages. Let’s be real, Cena’s career has been a rollercoaster of emotions.
We saw him debut in 2002 against Kurt Angle, a fresh-faced kid with more heart than skill. We watched him evolve into the “Doctor of Thuganomics,” spitting rhymes that were equal parts clever and cringeworthy. Then came the transformation into the “Leader of the Cenation,” the ultimate good guy who always overcame the odds.
Final Thoughts
As we approach December 13, the wrestling world will be holding its collective breath. Who will be Cena’s final opponent? Will he go out with a victory, or will he do what he’s always done best: put over a younger talent on his way out? The speculation is already running wild. Whatever happens, one thing is sure: there will never be another John Cena.
