As John Cena prepares to conclude his farewell tour with a final match scheduled for December 13, 2025, during Saturday Night’s Main Event, several other WWE superstars, including CM Punk and Roman Reigns, have signaled their own retirement in the near future. With Cena currently set to face AJ Styles at Crown Jewel, attention turns to how others will approach their departures from wrestling.
During an appearance on the podcast Pardon My Take, CM Punk, also known as The Best in the World, addressed whether he would adopt a similar extended farewell tour. Punk firmly expressed his reluctance to emulate Cena’s year-long send-off, explaining that he did not want to publicly announce or declare his retirement in such a manner.
“I think you can’t [do a year-long tour] because he did it. I said this on the microphone with Cena, one of the segments we did, I said ‘We are on the same path. I’m just not egotistical enough to announce it.’ Honestly, it’s the truth. He’s a little bit older than me. It’s one of those things where I know it’s looming.When I came back to WWE and I blew my tricep right away, there was part of me that was like, ‘Oh, is this it? This sucks.’ Yeah, I came back for it in record time. Pat myself on the back. Six months [later], I was back in the ring and I was doing the best work of my career in my opinion. But after a while, it’s not so much the injuries because you can rehab and come back from anything, but it’s just, man, do I want to do this again?”
– CM Punk, Professional Wrestler
Punk reflected on his return to WWE following a severe tricep injury and the rapid pace at which he recovered and resumed performing at what he believed was the peak of his career. Yet, despite overcoming physical setbacks, he questioned his desire to continue, indicating that the challenges of wrestling extend beyond injuries.
He emphasized the physical toll of the profession, stating that ongoing recovery is manageable, but the tougher question is whether he wants to endure the effort and risks involved in continuing, especially since much of the hard work happens away from the public eye. This perspective illustrates a more private approach to retirement, one that avoids the fanfare of a drawn-out farewell.
Other Current Developments in the Wrestling World
Recent news in the wrestling sphere includes several notable updates. Masha Slamovich, a former TNA Knockouts Champion, issued a public response following allegations of domestic abuse, marking a significant moment for the TNA roster.
Meanwhile, the TNA Tag Team members received a surprise recognition when TNA President Carlos Silva announced their induction into the TNA Hall of Fame during an interview, highlighting the company’s ongoing efforts to honor its standout performers.
Injury clarifications surfaced as Tiffany Stratton addressed rumors concerning her health, aiming to clear confusion about her recent injury scare. Simultaneously, reports have shed light on backstage morale within WWE under new management by TKO, revealing insights into the current atmosphere among wrestlers.
AEW fans anticipate the return of a key star who, after a three-month hiatus, is set to challenge Kyle Fletcher for the TNT Championship, bringing fresh excitement to the promotion’s competitive scene.
Veteran wrestlers remain vocal about emerging talents, with some expressing the view that Logan Paul has more to prove before fully establishing himself in WWE. This ongoing scrutiny underscores the high standards and challenges new entrants face.
In the creative realm, Chelsea Green shared details on WWE’s creative process and how she endeavors to distinguish herself by encouraging rivals to break character during performances, showcasing the layered dynamics involved in wrestling entertainment.
Finally, discussions continue about John Cena’s unsuccessful heel turn. Many attribute the failure to The Rock’s influence, suggesting that external factors played a role in the storyline’s outcome, which remains a topic of debate among fans and insiders alike.
Significance of CM Punk’s Retirement Approach and Its Future Implications
CM Punk’s decision to reject a lengthy farewell tour like John Cena’s underscores an evolving approach to wrestler retirements within WWE and the wider wrestling community. By choosing to maintain a lower profile about his retirement plans, Punk reveals the internal conflict wrestlers face regarding their careers’ longevity and public perception.
This stance may influence how other notable superstars handle their exits, potentially favoring a more understated departure over extended tours that highlight their final days in the ring. As prominent figures like Roman Reigns also edge toward retirement, the wrestling world may witness a shift in how retirements are publicly managed and celebrated.
Given the intense physical demands and personal sacrifices detailed by Punk, fans and industry observers can expect a nuanced dialogue about wrestler health, career length, and legacy preservation. Ultimately, CM Punk’s candid reflections offer a raw, complex look at retirement in wrestling, spotlighting the tension between public expectation and private reality.
