Speculation has quickly grown in the wrestling community regarding John Cena’s wrestling future after a former WWE Superstar claimed Cena may not be done competing. Cena’s final match took place at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13th, when he was defeated by Gunther after succumbing to the sleeper hold. Despite this send-off, skepticism lingers about whether the 17-time World Champion’s retirement will stick.
The subject of wrestlers retiring is front and center across promotions. Recently, Japanese icon and NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi faced Kazuchika Okada in what was billed as his last match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in Tokyo. On the American side, TNA’s JDC—formerly known in WWE as Fandango—plans to wrap up his career at the Genesis PPV, scheduled for January 17th, against friend Eddie Edwards. These retirements show a trend among notable names, but their finality remains in question.
Former Colleagues Express Deep Skepticism
Konnor and Viktor, the duo best known as The Ascension in WWE, fueled doubts about the permanence of wrestling retirements during their appearance on the Rewind Recap Relive podcast. Konnor, now performing as Big Kon, was candid about his disbelief when he saw JDC announce his retirement, referencing his old tag mate.
“I don’t believe that. I saw him post that. I hadn’t talked to Fandango in a while and I saw him post that and I was like bulls**t. That was all I said to him.”
– Big Kon, Wrestler
Big Kon’s skepticism didn’t end with JDC. He described a larger pattern in wrestling where retirement announcements are often not the end, but a precursor to future returns.
“It’s all bulls**t, man. No wrestler has retired. That’s just their big comeback run and they can make more money.”
– Big Kon, Wrestler
Viktor added even greater emphasis, directly addressing John Cena’s supposed farewell from the ring.
“No. Come on. Like, as if John Cena’s never gonna wrestle again. Sure, not going to do it for a few years because he’s going to go act, but come on. Never again? No way. John’s only 48. He still looks great.”
– Viktor, Wrestler
This widespread doubt among respected wrestlers paints Cena’s retirement as potentially temporary, rather than a clear breakpoint from his in-ring days.
John Cena’s Own Words on Retirement
Despite rumors and suspicions, John Cena himself has remained clear on his decision in public remarks. Cena, now 48, has repeatedly emphasized that stepping away is a matter of both pride and responsibility to fans.
“I made a promise to the WWE that I would not stick around when my skills can’t match the product, and they can’t. Like I’m 48. I can’t match up with the product now, and that’s okay, because what I do isn’t who I am.And, the realization has helped me come to like,
“no, let these guys have it now”
because they’re really good, and all I would be doing is a disservice to the consumer, if I go any point beyond this.” – John Cena, Wrestler
Cena’s reasoning highlights his intent to leave at a high point, rather than risk diminishing the value of his work and potentially doing a disservice to his audience. He points to the new generation of superstars, signaling his faith in their capabilities and the future of WWE.
Legacy, Roles Beyond Wrestling, and Future Possibilities
While many wrestling veterans move beyond the ring in their 40s, either by necessity or by choice, the nature of professional wrestling means retirements are often not as permanent as announced. Konnor and Viktor’s comments on Cena and JDC reflect a pattern of comebacks that serve both business interests and fan nostalgia. The charged speculation surrounding John Cena’s wrestling future is heightened by his own enduring popularity and the suspected impermanence of wrestling retirements in recent years.
Outside the ropes, Cena is expected to maintain his visibility through his acting projects in Hollywood and his ongoing role as a WWE ambassador, ensuring continued ties to the industry and its fans. His retirement speech and subsequent statements mirror those of other luminaries who ultimately returned to the ring, keeping the possibility of a “comeback run” alive in the minds of devoted fans and fellow wrestlers.
Whether Cena’s final match truly marks the end remains uncertain, but given the trend in professional wrestling and the passionate conjecture from peers like Konnor, Viktor, and the larger wrestling world, the door for another appearance appears far from closed. Cena’s influence on WWE, both as a performer and ambassador, ensures that even in retirement, speculation over his future will remain a recurring headline in the wrestling world.
