A 17-time WWE Champion has hinted at stepping away from wrestling as John Cena continues his WWE retirement tour. This speculation about wrestling retirements is gaining attention amid scheduled matches and ongoing career reflections.
Akira Tozawa Signals Possible Retirement
Akira Tozawa, a seasoned WWE competitor known for his work on 205 Live and participation in the Cruiserweight Classic tournament, recently suggested that his wrestling career may be nearing its end. The Japanese star, who reached the quarterfinals of the Cruiserweight Classic before falling to Gran Metalik, first made a name for himself by capturing the Cruiserweight Championship on August 14, 2017, defeating Neville. However, he lost the title back to Neville at SummerSlam less than a week later.
Tozawa has had rivalries with Drew Gulak and Hideo Itami during his career and became a prominent figure in the WWE 24/7 Championship scene after the title’s inception in May 2019. He captured the 24/7 Championship 16 times until the title’s retirement on November 9, 2022. Currently in his 40s, Tozawa trains under Natalya as part of the Hart Academy and is a disciple of the Hart Dungeon, further honing his skills.
On September 26, 2025, Tozawa took to X (formerly Twitter) with a reflective comment about his physical limits:
“I wonder how many more matches my body can handle. pic.twitter.com/YKWbdo9oYQ”
— Akira Tozawa (@TozawaAkira)
John Cena’s Upcoming Match Announced
John Cena, the 17-time WWE World Champion, is nearing the conclusion of his retirement tour with just five appearances left. His next match has been officially confirmed for WWE’s Crown Jewel event in Perth on October 11, where he will face fellow veteran AJ Styles. Cena had engaged fans on X, asking their thoughts about wrestling Styles, and later urged WWE CCO Triple H to heed fan interest and arrange the match, leading to the official announcement.
AJ Styles, another prominent figure nearing retirement, shared his plans in an interview with Tokyo Sports ahead of WWE’s visit to Japan in October. He described his excitement for what may be his final match in Japan and confirmed his intention to retire within the next year. Styles also mentioned the possibility of appearing at WrestleMania the following April in Las Vegas, though details remain undecided.
Styles expressed his desire to retire while still performing at his peak, saying:
“I’m really excited. This will probably be my last fight in Japan, so I’m really looking forward to it. I’m planning to retire soon, so I may not come back to Japan before I retire.
I will probably appear at WrestleMania (April next year in Las Vegas, USA), but it’s not confirmed yet. The details are still undecided, but I will definitely retire within the next year.
I don’t want to show my fans a side of me that isn’t AJ Styles. That’s the main reason. I’ve decided to retire before my body can no longer move.”
Ongoing Developments and WWE’s Future Plans
As retirement discussions grow louder, WWE is also preparing for several high-profile returns and events. Reports indicate that Brock Lesnar, a major WWE star, is in discussions regarding appearances at significant upcoming shows. Additionally, a former WWE Champion has been confirmed for a special match set to take place in Japan, signaling WWE’s continued international engagement.
While John Cena’s retirement tour progresses, there is some discontent among former champions who are displeased with their exclusion from headline matches. This dynamic illustrates the competitive atmosphere surrounding the final chapters of Cena’s storied career.
Beyond the ring, Vince McMahon’s recent 80th birthday party has sparked rumors of further developments within WWE, though specific details remain under wraps. Meanwhile, Drew McIntyre is crossing into acting with a new movie opposite Henry Cavill, highlighting how WWE stars continue to build multifaceted careers.
The Rock’s Evolving Role Beyond Wrestling
The Rock, known affectionately as WWE’s “Final Boss,” has diversified his career well beyond wrestling. He runs a successful production company and is a prominent Hollywood actor and businessman. His transition from wrestling to various entertainment and business ventures stands as a model for WWE talents who plan for life after the ring.
I wonder how many more matches my body can handle. pic.twitter.com/YKWbdo9oYQ
— Akira Tozawa (@TozawaAkira) September 26, 2025
