With the highly anticipated John Cena retirement and WWE veterans facing the twilight of their careers, the wrestling world is preparing for an era-defining transition. As Cena wraps up his landmark tenure, speculation swirls around which long-serving superstars may soon follow him into retirement, reshaping the future of WWE.
John Cena’s Imminent Exit and Its Impact on WWE
John Cena, currently holding the Undisputed Championship, is set to make just 15 more appearances before he steps away from wrestling. Cena has hinted at the dramatic prospect of retiring as champion, leaving the fate of the world title in question and creating a charged atmosphere among wrestling fans. His departure will mark the end of an era, with WWE’s landscape poised for major change.
As The Franchise Player enters his final stretch, his presence looms large over both title scenes and the careers of his contemporaries. Cena’s exit is not just about one man leaving; it signals a generational turnover, with several other notable veterans now facing decisions about their futures in the industry.
Rey Mysterio: The Luchador Contemplating Retirement
Rey Mysterio stands out as a WWE legend with a 20-plus-year career, multiple world championships, and countless unforgettable moments, like his iconic 2006 Royal Rumble victory. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023, Mysterio has spoken candidly about his internal struggle over retirement.
“I would love to make an announcement. I would love for the fans who have grown up watching me and supported my career from day one, of which there are still many around, to be able to say, ‘This is the last time I’m going to get to see him perform. I want to go take a look.’ I want to give the opportunity to those fans that have been loyal from day one. Prior to that, I would think, ‘I’m just going to retire one day,’ but it’s a hard thing to do when you start thinking about it. I know that time is a lot closer than it was yesterday. I have to prep myself up mentally,” he said. [12:13 onwards] —Rey Mysterio, WWE Superstar
Mysterio has observed Cena’s ongoing farewell tour, suggesting that witnessing a peer’s departure is helping him come to terms with the emotional and psychological challenge of hanging up his boots. When Cena leaves, the path may be paved for Mysterio to make his own carefully planned exit, providing his fans with the closure they deserve.
AJ Styles: Counting Down the Final Years in the Ring
AJ Styles made a long-awaited WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble after a storied legacy in TNA and on the independent circuit. Quickly establishing himself as a force, he rose to become a two-time WWE Champion, earning fans’ respect and carving out SmackDown as his own domain.
The house that AJ Styles built. —AJ Styles, WWE Superstar
In a discussion about his future, Styles admitted that while his passion for wrestling endures, he struggles with the thought of leaving. Despite this, the 48-year-old made it clear during a podcast conversation that he will not continue wrestling after reaching 50. This timeline gives fans only about two more years to witness The Phenomenal One’s in-ring excellence. His retirement will be felt deeply, especially after a tenure that included legendary matches and even the honor of retiring The Undertaker at WrestleMania 36.
R-Truth (Ron Killings): Approaching the End of a Colorful WWE Ride
R-Truth, now known by his real name Ron Killings, has had a remarkable and often unpredictable career. In June 2025, Killings surprised fans by announcing his release from WWE, just after sharing the ring with John Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Many expected his profile to rise during Cena’s final tour, making the announcement especially impactful for longtime fans.
However, Killings made a dramatic return to WWE, rekindling a feud with Cena and echoing personas from his early career, reminiscent of his K-Kwik days. Despite his return, his current contract appears to be short-term, aligning with reports that he intends to move more smoothly to the independent wrestling scene in the near future. At 53, Killings has expressed the desire to keep wrestling but seems ready to close out his WWE chapter soon, perhaps leaving behind a legacy defined by reinvention and humor as well as athletic achievement.
Big E: Career in Limbo After Serious Injury
Big E’s energetic WWE run was halted in 2022 after a neck injury required surgery, keeping him out of the ring for three years and counting. During his absence, storyline developments unfolded with The New Day, where Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston turned on Big E, citing abandonment and expelling him from the group. This dramatic twist left fans questioning whether Big E could ever return as a competitor.
At 39, Big E has commented on feeling grateful for his health and mobility, suggesting a readiness to accept his situation if wrestling is no longer possible. He has indicated comfort with a future working in a non-wrestling capacity for WWE, implying the possibility of a quiet official retirement if medical clearance does not arrive. His journey remains unresolved, but the outlook suggests his days as an in-ring performer may be over.
Natalya: A Record-Breaking Veteran Nearing Career’s End
Natalya, known as the Queen of Harts, holds a unique place in WWE’s history. With world title reigns in both the Divas and modern era, as well as an impressive six Guinness World Records from her longevity and in-ring achievements, Natalya commands respect in the women’s division.
After signing a multi-year contract extension in July 2024, Natalya has remained largely absent from televised action, last competing in May 2025 during a Money in the Bank qualifying match won by Roxanne Perez. She has shifted focus to mentoring, appearing alongside Maxxine Dupri and guiding new talent in midcard storylines. At 43, she has not explicitly planned her retirement, maintaining that she will compete as long as she is physically able. However, her reduced schedule and mentoring role signal that her legendary wrestling journey could soon be approaching its finale.
A New Chapter Awaits After John Cena Retirement and WWE Veterans Leave
The looming John Cena retirement and WWE veterans moving toward their final matches promise to reshape WWE’s landscape. As icons like Rey Mysterio, AJ Styles, R-Truth, Big E, and Natalya approach the end of their storied runs, the company faces the challenge of elevating new stars while honoring the legacies of its departing heroes. The coming years will test WWE’s ability to adapt, with the potential departures of these veterans standing to inspire as well as challenge the next generation of superstars and fans alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is John Cena diagnosed with?
A. Famous wrestler John Cena has been diagnosed with skin cancer. Doctors discovered melanoma on the left side of his chest and later on his back, about a year apart. Cena told USA Today that this news shifted his perspective on life. He recommends that men pay more attention to skin health.
Q. What is John Cena’s rare disease?
A. John Cena has been diagnosed with skin cancer.
Q. Does John Cena eat healthy?
A. Cena changed his routine to concentrate on building strength and agility, rather than just losing weight. He ate mostly whole foods and avoided snacks he didn’t need. His meals were well-planned, emphasizing lean meats, vegetables, and good fats.
Q. How many eggs does John Cena eat a day?
A. John Cena follows a muscle-building diet plan. Here’s a sample of what he eats:
For breakfast, he has oatmeal with applesauce and raisins, along with 2 whole eggs and 6 egg whites.
For a snack, he eats a protein bar.
Lunch consists of brown rice with vegetables and 2 chicken breasts.
