Four signs that John Cena has retired from WWE

WWE Crown Jewel 2023 is now etched in the annals of wrestling history. The event was a whirlwind of action, with five major championships on the line and a jaw-dropping surprise return by none other than Kairi Sane. Yet, amidst the chaos and excitement, there was one moment that left fans in absolute disbelief – the culmination of the Solo Sikoa vs. John Cena showdown.
The match between these two powerhouses was an intense battle, but it culminated in Cena suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of the Samoan Spike, leading to a clean pinfall loss. The unexpected outcome sent shockwaves through the crowd, leaving them in a state of disbelief. John Cena, the 16-time world champion, losing in such a fashion was a moment that defied all expectations. However, there’s a larger narrative at play here, one that hints at the end of an era, and possibly, the end of John Cena’s wrestling career.
Here were the 4 signs The Greatest Of All Time retired at WWE Crown Jewel 2023:
4. John Cena’s reaction after the match felt like the end
Following his devastating loss at WWE Crown Jewel, John Cena slowly rose to his feet, a far cry from his usual spirited reactions after a defeat. The man who coined the catchphrase “Never Give Up” appeared different this time.
Even in the face of previous high-profile losses to The Rock and the brutal beatdown from Brock Lesnar, Cena had never looked so defeated. It was as though he had reached a moment of reckoning, where he might believe his time in the ring has come to a close.
3. John Cena’s acknowledgement of ring rust
Cena’s impending retirement is not merely speculation; it’s something he himself has been hinting at in numerous interviews. He’s been candid about the fact that his time in the ring is drawing to a close. Having witnessed wrestling legends like The Rock, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Val Venis, and others come and go during his career, he knows that his turn may be next.
To add to the intrigue, Cena shared a cryptic image on social media, depicting footballer David Beckham’s retirement match in 2013. A decade later, it might just be symbolic of Cena’s own farewell from wrestling.
2. Michael Cole’s emotional commentary
Even the seasoned commentator, Michael Cole, who is known for his exceptional commentary skills, couldn’t hold back his emotions during the post-match segment. He emphasized Cena’s status as the best ever, as if offering him a heartfelt farewell. While this doesn’t definitively signal Cena’s retirement, it certainly provided a fitting tribute if he indeed chose to retire.
1. John Cena’s got a Hollywood career and he is 46
The most compelling sign that John Cena may be closing the chapter on his wrestling career is his successful transition into Hollywood. Unlike some wrestlers who cling to the ring due to financial need or a craving for the spotlight, Cena doesn’t fit that mold.
He’s become a prominent figure in the world of entertainment, both on and off the big screen. While he occasionally returns to WWE out of gratitude and love for the industry, he no longer depends on it. With his advancing age and increasing Hollywood commitments, Cena’s eventual permanent retirement from wrestling seems inevitable. The impending end of the Hollywood strike and his return to work may very well mark the moment he rides off into the sunset, bidding farewell to a storied wrestling career.
In conclusion, WWE Crown Jewel 2023 not only delivered electrifying moments but also left us with the lingering question of whether we’ve seen the last of John Cena in the squared circle. While these four signs strongly suggest retirement, only time will tell if the “Greatest Of All Time” has indeed taken his final bow in the world of professional wrestling.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.
Where passion meets insight — blending breaking news, in-depth strategic analysis, viral moments, and jaw-dropping plays into powerful sports content designed to entertain, inform, and keep you connected to your favorite teams and athletes. Expect daily updates, expert commentary and coverage that never leaves a fan behind.
- Three possible finishes for Stephanie Vaquer vs Nikki Bella vs Raquel Rodriguez title match on WWE Raw (December 29, 2025)
- What is Three Stages of Hell match in WWE? Everything you need to know ahead of Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre on WWE SmackDown (January 9, 2026)
- Stephanie Vaquer's title defense; CM Punk vs Bron Breakker & other storylines to watch on WWE RAW (December 29, 2025)
- WWE Rumor Roundup: Plans for Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42; Backlash PLE; Joe Hendry on SmackDown & more (December 28, 2025)
- All stars confirmed for WWE RAW (December 29, 2025): CM Punk, Austin Theory, Nikki Bella & more
- What is Three Stages of Hell match in WWE? Everything you need to know ahead of Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre on WWE SmackDown (January 9, 2026)
- Five WWE superstars with highest loss count in 2025
- Top 10 WWE Tag Teams of 2025: Ranked
- Top 10 WWE female superstars of 2025: Ranked
- Top 10 WWE male superstars of 2025: Ranked