When someone retires and says “I’m not going out on my own terms,” you’d instinctively assume it’s a case of a career cut short by circumstances beyond their control — not for John Cena. Instead, it’s a case of doing right by wrestling fans.
During a WWE career spanning nearly 25 years, Cena has amassed a record 17 world titles as well as an equally impressive worldwide fanbase. He has long emphasised his commitment to his audience, and now aged 48, he feels that prolonging his career would only do wrestling fans a disservice. Since announcing the news last year, he has embarked on a worldwide farewell tour and is set to retire after the WWE Main Event on Saturday, 13 December.
Widely regarded as one of the best wrestlers of all time, Cena has not only become the face of the WWE, but has become adored outside of the ring. He has granted over 650 wishes for the Make-A-Wish foundation, the most in the organisation’s history, and is known to go out of his way to engage with his fans. What does this have to do with wrestling? Very little, but it shows how Cena has become an exemplar for the proper use of his platform. He has often spoken about leaving the WWE in a better place than when he joined, but more importantly, he retires having made a wider impact.
I didn’t grow up watching the WWE, nor can I claim to have particularly enjoyed Heads of State, one of his recent films. Instead, for others like me who aren’t hugely familiar with his career, Cena has become a household name for his other work. And yes, he’s acting more than ever, but the end of his wrestling career calls for appreciation of what he has done with it. When Cena hangs up his trademark denim shorts next month, he’ll leave behind a legacy far beyond the ring — he is a textbook example of someone who has been given a life-changing opportunity and has chosen to give back to others. Never Give Up.
Image Credits: “John Cena RR25 (cropped)” by Diego Serrano is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
