US wrestling star John Cena has announced he is retiring from competing in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) events.
Speaking at the Money In The Bank event in Toronto, Canada, the 47-year-old said his last appearances will be at the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, in 2025.
He said he had been doing WWE for over two decades and over the course of his career had seen “incredible prosperity” and “tremendous hardship”.
The star’s announcement was met by a cheering crowd who went on to chant “Thank you Cena”.
“What in incredible gesture of kindness,” Cena said in response to fans in the arena. “I wanna say thank you, thank you so much for letting me play in the house that you built.”
He ended his speech by inviting other “WWE superstars” to “hurry up and come get some… because the last time is now”.
Cena has been signed to WWE since 2001 – when it was known as WWF – but has performed part-time since 2018. During his time in the ring he has become 16-time world champion.
He is regarded within WWE as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
He has also appeared in numerous films including 2015 comedy Trainwreck, written and starring comedian Amy Schumer, 2021 film The Suicide Squad – based on the DC Comics team – alongside Margot Robbie and most recently Matthew Vaughn’s spy action comedy Argylle.
Having moved to California in the late 1990s to pursue a bodybuilding career, Cena switched to professional wrestling in 1999.
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Cena with his wife Shay Shariatzadeh at the premiere of Argyll in January. Pic: AP
He quickly became a breakout star in the WWE, portraying both villainous and heroic characters.
In 2005 he released his only album You Can’t See Me, named after his popular catchphrase, which reached number 103 on the UK albums chart.
Cena also made headlines earlier this year after presenting the Oscar Award for best costume in the buff at this year’s ceremony.