John Cena has officially confirmed that he will be retiring from WWE at the end of 2025 — and at 48, the wrestling icon says age has become an undeniable factor in his decision to step away from the ring.
Speaking with People magazine, the 17-time world champion explained that he’s simply not as fast or strong as he once was and wants to exit on his own terms.
“Age plays a factor. I’m not as strong or as fast as I used to be,” Cena said. “I made a promise when I started gaining some notoriety that when I’m a step slower, I will go, because there will be kids just as hungry as I was who have earned a shot to see if they can make it.”
Cena also revealed that his health and relationship with wife Shay Shariatzadeh have become top priorities in this next phase of his life. “My health and my dedication to my partner are the tip of my spear in life right now,” he shared. “So every time I go out in the ring, I just want to make sure I’m able to give my all. But it’s time to step away.”
Alongside his retirement plans, Cena opened up about another personal journey — his decision to get a hair transplant in late 2024. For years, fans teased his thinning hair, and he admitted the comments eventually pushed him to take action.
“As I was trying to hide my hair loss, the audience was bringing it to light,” he said. “I saw their signs that said, ‘The bald John Cena.’ They pushed me into going to see what my options were.” Now, with red-light therapy, minoxidil, vitamins, and a consistent hair care routine, Cena says he feels completely transformed. “I hate the fact that if there wasn’t so much shame around it, I’d have gotten it done 10 years ago,” he added. “I thought I was alone, but seven or eight out of 10 men suffer from thinning or baldness.”
And while some might find the topic embarrassing, Cena says he embraces the conversation. “If somebody’s going to sweat me for that, I don’t think there’s any shame in that. It completely changed the course of my life.”
As he prepares to close this chapter, Cena is stepping into the future with a spirit of openness. “I hope to remain curious and healthy — physically, spiritually, mentally,” he said. “As long as I have love, health, and curiosity for what life has to offer, I’m good.”
With one final run left in the ring, fans can expect Cena to go out exactly the way he came in — all in.
