In 2025, John Cena officially launched his WWE Retirement Tour, beginning with the Royal Rumble match and culminating in the declaration that he would end his in-ring career after a shining journey. This tour marked a significant chapter, highlighted by major victories and notable missteps that shaped the final phase of his wrestling legacy.
The tour showcased Cena’s remarkable resilience as he finished as the runner-up in the Royal Rumble and secured a victorious Elimination Chamber match, earning a title shot against Cody Rhodes. While some moments elevated Cena’s final run, other elements raised questions among fans and insiders.
John Cena’s Shocking Turn to Villainy
One of the most unforgettable chapters of Cena’s Retirement Tour was his dramatic heel turn, a stark departure from his long-standing image as a celebrated hero in WWE. After clinching the Elimination Chamber victory, Cena betrayed his loyal fan base by siding with The Rock, setting flames under his concluding year as a wrestler. Although not as monumental as Hulk Hogan’s transformation into Hollywood Hogan with the NWO, Cena’s switch to a villain role still stands as a major moment in wrestling history.
Complications Arising from The Rock’s Role
The involvement of The Rock in Cena’s story arc added an unpredictable twist when he appeared on RAW’s Netflix debut, initially praising Cody Rhodes before turning face and then coveting Rhodes’ title. This erratic storyline confused many, especially since The Rock disappeared from WWE rings shortly after the Elimination Chamber match. His later comment on Pat McAfee’s podcast deepened the ambiguity, leading to speculation that Cena’s heel turn might have unfolded effectively without The Rock’s participation.
An Intense Rivalry with CM Punk
John Cena’s feud with CM Punk emerged as arguably the highlight of the Retirement Tour, filled with tension and compelling promos. Cena’s heel status and subsequent title win underscored the rivalry’s significance, but it was their exchanges outside the ring that captivated fans. Cena boldly challenged Punk with his own pointed comments, leading many in the audience to cheer for the heel champion. Punk’s adoption of Cena’s earlier “Doctor of Thuganomics” persona added layers to the feud, overshadowing other storylines Cena had with Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, and Randy Orton.
Questionable Matchups: Cena vs. Logan Paul
While preparing his Retirement Tour rivalries, WWE and Cena selected familiar foes like Randy Orton and Brock Lesnar, who shared rich histories with Cena. However, the pairing with Logan Paul raised eyebrows, as the two lacked significant competitive history outside a brief alliance earlier that year. Instead of pursuing strong matchups against wrestlers such as Rusev, Gunther, Seth Rollins, or LA Knight, Cena faced Logan Paul at Clash in Paris, a decision seen by many as a misstep. Paul exited the tour after the Premium Live Event, leaving fans wondering about the choice of opponents in Cena’s farewell run.
Breaking Records with the 17th Championship Victory
The centerpiece of Cena’s final stretch was his pursuit of Ric Flair’s record for the most major championship wins. This goal culminated at WrestleMania 41 when Cena defeated Cody Rhodes to claim his 17th title, surpassing Flair’s historic mark. Though his championship reign lasted only about three months before Rhodes reclaimed the title, the accomplishment was significant. It underscored Cena’s status as one of wrestling’s greats, despite Roman Reigns holding the championship for more than two years and Rhodes serving as Undisputed Champion for a full year. The method of Cena’s victory mattered less compared to the prestige of setting a new record held by Flair, known famously as the “Dirtiest Player in the Game.”
The John Cena Retirement Tour encapsulated both high achievements and puzzling moments, creating an intense atmosphere among fans and commentators. His heel turn and rivalry with CM Punk energized audiences, while awkward booking decisions, particularly involving Logan Paul and The Rock, injected tension into the storytelling. Cena’s final run not only honored his legacy but also shifted expectations for WWE’s future main event scene.
With Cena’s in-ring exit imminent, the tour has left fans eager to see how WWE reshapes its star power, especially as accomplished wrestlers like Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and others continue to build their legacies. The tour stands as both a celebration and a cautionary tale about managing retirement storylines in a sport defined by unpredictability.
