Fans don’t see much of John Cena in WWE these days, with his last appearance at the fifth Crown Jewel event in 2023. Cena posted an image of an hourglass nearly running out on Instagram and offered no explanation, similar to his other posts. Fans have speculated about the worst possible interpretation of this cryptic message, suggesting that The Cenation Leader may be on the verge of retirement.
Cena has been contemplating retirement for some time now and recently discussed the prospect in an interview. While his WWE career is coming to an end, his movie career is just beginning to gain momentum, with lead roles that have been both critically and commercially successful.
John Cena’s Cryptic Post Sparks Retirement Speculation
The record 16-time world champion began his professional career in 1998 after being inspired by Hulk Hogan. John Cena‘s WWE career began with a dark match in 2000, followed by his television debut for the company in 2002. Cena was part of Ohio Valley Wrestling’s legendary Class of 2002, alongside Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and Dave Bautista.
Cena won his first world championship in 2005 at WrestleMania 21 and went on to secure the title 16 more times in his illustrious career. Since 2017, the Freelance actor has shifted his focus toward his acting career, appearing in only a few WWE matches. Retirement rumors surrounding the wrestler have circulated online since 2019. Cena occasionally fuels these rumors with cryptic statements and posts, like his recent Instagram post featuring a running-out hourglass image.
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Fans on X interpreted the worst out of his recent post, especially after Cena’s recent interview comments about not having much time left. While the Peacemaker actor is gearing up to call it quits, fans are not ready to see him go. One user likened him to the Lightning Mcqueen of wrestling, drawing a comparison to the Cars character, one of the popular mascots of Disney.
While some fans understand that time is winding down on his career, others are hopeful for him to win one more title, preferably at what could be his last WrestleMania appearance this year. Several fan reactions read:
I'm not ready for him to retire. He was my childhood 😢 pic.twitter.com/HVQUiCzI4x
— Bruno Fernandes enjoyer (@Nadal_istheGOAT) January 18, 2024
Nah…We ain't Ready and we never will😭
— Azlan Khodz (@WrestlingTalkN1) January 18, 2024
John cena is like the lightning mcqueen of wrestling
He can't retire just yet— Dr.Madiha (@DRMadiha95) January 18, 2024
Time is winding down on his career ☹️
— Cory (@Cory_Hays407) January 18, 2024
Could be that we will see last of in-ring Cena at this wrestlemania
— r (@robinkumar00) January 18, 2024
Can we get him one more title please?! 🙏
— DPogue (@Prostarr27) January 18, 2024
Other fans also deciphered that the hourglass was not a retirement reminder from John Cena but rather counted down to a potential match between Cena and Randy Orton. Speaking to WWE’s The Bump the other day, Orton revealed his dream match would be a WrestleMania singles bout against the Bumblebee actor, ultimately aiming to win the World title.
Also Read: John Cena Wants to “Leave WWE” With His Head Up High, Spills His Plans After WWE Retirement
John Cena Opened Up About Potential WWE Retirement
While John Cena is all set to appear in Matthew Vaughn’s spy thriller, Argylle, and several other projects, he is contemplating retirement from WWE. In an interview with People Magazine, he shared that he didn’t have much time left in the WWE. He revealed that since turning 45, he’s been working on an exit strategy. Cena shared with People:
“I turned 47 this past year and I don’t have much time left in the WWE…Every time I perform, I want to give my all to the audience. And I’ve got to admit when I hit the 45 mark, I had to begin to try to form an exit strategy and I’m trying to work on that currently.”
However, the Hidden Strike actor is not done with WWE yet. He also revealed his post-retirement plans where he would like to continue as a mentor to the future generation of pro-wrestlers. Cena shared, “I do have almost two and a half decades of wisdom built up where I think I can offer a mentor perspective for sure.”
John Cena also added that he is ready to go out in a manner that the company decides, whether it’s just a final match or a ‘big’ farewell match.
