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JOHN CENA TALKS RETIREMENT & MORE WWE MONEY IN THE BANK POST-SHOW CENA SCRUM COVERAGE INCLUDING WHEN HE'S FINISHING UP

By Mike Johnson on 2024-07-06 22:22:00

WWE is streaming their post-WWE Money in the Bank broadcast.

John Cena was first and asked about his legacy.  He said that no one is bigger than the entity of WWE.  It's a program of never-ending stories.  He's never been concerned about legacies but he doesn't short-change his time on the canvas.  He wishes he could do it infinitely.  He just wants to do something special for a group of special people and this is the way he feels he can do it.

Cena was asked why 2025 was the right time to retire.  He said it wasn't up to him.  He approached WWE with the idea and they said this was the time to do it.  There's a lot of big things going on including the Netflix debut.  He feels important that he can be someone WWE can call and suggest now is the time.  WWE will write the stories and they will execute to the best we can.

Cena was asked if he'd face The Rock for his final match or whether it will be someone else.  He said there's always unfinished business in WWE, even  as he's trying to "close up shop."  He said he's not in  the posittion to hand-pick opponents and has had a wonderful time and loves to tell the stories that he has been dealt.  We'll see who shows up.

On what advice he wants to pass on to the WWE stars who will continue on, Cena said to remember how bad you wanted the job in the first place, and to lean into empathy and kindness.

Cena was asked if we could see a "darker side" of John Cena in the ring, he said you'll get his authentic self.   He doesn't want to do something that the fans would see through as "bullsh**."  His goal is to bring generations together to last a lifetime.  He wants to work with the roster and make it happen.

Cena was asked about Vince McMahon and how he's processed what has come out.  Cena said it was an uncomfortable question and he'd rather talk about what is ahead of them.  He's been honest about his opinion of Vince and people can look it up.  The business is in good hands with the TKO folks.  He said he appreciates the courage of the question.

Cena was asked what his role might be behind the scenes.  Cena said the farewell tour is planned to run through December 2025  with Cena doing 30s-40 dates and that will be the end of his in-ring competition.  Part of the proposal was Cena remaining in some capacity for "some time to come."  Even if he's done in the ring, he doesn't want to distance himself from WWE.  He has wisdom that he feels can be of value.  He wants to end things in the ring and then continue his relationship with the company.

Cena was asked his message to the fans.  He wanted to find the right time to say thank you.  Without the audience, he will be nothing.  He wants to have a series of events around the world and enjoy big moments one last time.  He said a lot of retirements are usually dishonest, caused by injuries or a fake-out to attack the champion.  He wants to say he's done and that will be it.  He wants the fans to come and be part of this one last time and enjoy the show.  He wants to say his thank yous before the chapter closes.

Cena was asked what's next after retirement.  He said he's filming Peacemaker Season 2 but they gave him a weekend off.  The Jorts will be retired with him.  When he's done completing, the uniform will be retired.  He'll be in a suit and tie.  No refereeing, no going through a table.  He'll be done with being physical.

Cena is asked how proud is he of his younger self.  He said reflection is important but he doesn't want to get stuck there.  He wants to deal with the now.  He'll tell you in December when he catches his breath.  He told everyone to buckle up for a great 2025.  He's looking forward to doing a full tour to see old and new faces.  None of this is a bad thing.  It's a great thing.  They can do something special and great for WWE.  He wants the fans to have fun when they are there at the shows.  He wants them to feel Cena gave them his best.

Cena said the roster is loaded and he wants to work with everyone.  Part of the hype and intruige will be who he works with on these dates.

Cena said he's 47, so he can't do the freestyle.  That chapter is closed.

The audience has been his favorite dancing partner in WWE.

On winning a title, those opportunities are earned but his win/loss record shows he needs to earn one.  He pointed out that there's The Royal Rumble, The Elimination Chamber and Money in the Bank, but he's a realist.  Maybe he can have some luck and make some history.

Cena stayed way longer than WWE wanted him to, by far.

 

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