Why did WWE star John Cena post photo of Man City's Erling Haaland on Instagram?

John Cena is set to retire from pro-wrestling at the end of the year!

John Cena’s final chapter in WWE is unfolding in dramatic fashion, and his latest social media post featuring Erling Haaland’s number 9 jersey adds a fascinating layer to his farewell story.

This isn’t just a nod to football greatness; it’s a meaningful countdown highlighting the number of WWE event dates Cena has left before retirement.

Unlike simply counting in-ring matches, these “dates” represent all of his upcoming WWE appearances, including shows, pay-per-views, and promotional events.

With Haaland’s number 9, Cena signals just nine appearances remain, continuing a symbolic sequence that began with a similar post of Lionel Messi’s number 10 jersey.

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A post shared by John Cena (@johncena)

The countdown to John Cena’s retirement continues

John Cena’s retirement from wrestling was officially announced in 2024, with 2025 marked as his farewell year. Over the course of this year, he has embarked on a robust farewell tour, honoring fans across the world with numerous appearances.

Each post showing a famous soccer star’s jersey number serves as an inventive and visually engaging way to track the limiting number of WWE dates Cena has left. This adds an exciting game-like dimension to his retirement saga, capturing the attention of both WWE fans and sports enthusiasts alike.

Most recently, the countdown post featuring Haaland’s jersey number comes just before one of Cena’s highly anticipated matches. The superstar will face Logan Paul at WWE’s Clash in Paris 2025. This match is part of Cena’s near-final entries into the WWE ring, making it a significant highlight along this farewell journey.

John Cena is all set to face Logan Paul at Clash in Paris

John Cena vs Logan Paul is the kind of match WWE builds entire events around. It’s The Never-Seen Seventeen against The Maverick, a true clash of eras that highlights just how much the definition of a WWE Superstar has evolved.

The feud ignited after SummerSlam, where Cena suffered a crushing setback. On the very next SmackDown, Logan Paul wasted no time stepping up, demanding one of the final matches of Cena’s legendary career. A chaotic tag team brawl with Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes ended in controversy, with Paul delivering a low blow that left Cena floored and the rivalry fully ignited.

Cena’s accolades speak for themselves, 17 world championships, countless main events, and a reputation built on hustle, loyalty, and respect. Beyond the ring, he’s become a global icon, granting more Make-A-Wish wishes than anyone in history.

On the other side is Paul, a brash and polarizing star who thrives in the spotlight. He’s already scored wins over the likes of AJ Styles, Rey Mysterio, and Kevin Owens, proving he’s more than just talk. Defeating Cena, however, would cement his place among WWE’s elite.

This generational showdown headlines Clash in Paris on August 31, live on Peacock in the U.S. and Netflix internationally.

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