John Cena's farewell tour is currently in full swing, and some 20-odd dates are left before the 17-time world champion's time runs out in the WWE. Cena announced his retirement last year at the WWE Money in the Bank. Since then, a lot has happened. For instance, a babyface John Cena has turned into a salty heel, who has vowed to "ruin wrestling forever". A change in character did not mean that Cena would retract his decision to retire. The call to end his career at the end of the year still stands.
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John Cena Reveals What Prompted Him to Take the Decision to Retire
While a major chunk of the WWE universe had already accepted the fact that John Cena would never return to being the seasoned wrestler that he once was. Hence, it became apparent that his time was up even before he made the announcement. And when he finally broke the news to the world, popular opinion suggested that his rising Hollywood commitments may have compelled him to conclude this phase of his life. Though, it may be one of the factors, but it is not the complete picture.
Whilst speaking with Stephanie McMahon on Stephanie’s Places, Cena gave an insight into his mindset and revealed why he’s decided to retire:
“I used to do a clean and jerk with 330 pounds. That’s a 300-pound snatch. I can’t even do those lifts anymore because my body’s so beat up,” Cena said. “So as soon as I got through that jagged pill of like, ‘Oh man, I'm never gonna overhead press 374 pounds ever again. But let’s work to see what the best I can for today is’.
“It’s a very similar course to WWE. My skills are on regress. If I continue at a full-time physical capability or involvement, I’m not going to run right. My partner’s not gonna run right, and our relationship isn’t gonna run right. Sorry, kid, it’s time to close this chapter.
“I wish I was 18, I wish I felt great, because I don’t feel more at home, besides in the arms of my wife, than I do on the canvas. I had to pitch this idea, a real wrestling farewell, and hoping that they would see the business in it. And they were like, yes, this is, this is gonna be good.”
Cena is set to team with Logan Paul against Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso at Money in the Bank on June 7.