Published: Jun 19, 2026 by Connel Rumsey | Last Updated: Jun 19, 2026 by Connel Rumsey
Connel has over five years of wrestling journalism experience writing about some of the biggest stories from across the wrestling world. Being a fan for 20 years, Connel has an expansive knowledge from a wide range of various wrestling promotions, including WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA and Joshi.@connel1405
WWE
John Cena has addressed his current WWE status, noting it would take an ‘unfathomable financial investment’ to get him back in the ring.
John Cena officially competed in his final match back on December 13, when he lost to Gunther in his last match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington DC.
Cena has remained an ambassador with the company since his retirement, including appearances at both WrestleMania 42 and Backlash, the latter being where he announced the ‘John Cena Classic’.
‘Unfathomable Financial Investment’ To Get John Cena Back In The Ring
Speaking to SHOWSHA ahead of the launch of his Netflix movie ‘Little Brother’, Cena opened up on his current status, noting that it would take ‘an unfathomable amount of financial investment’ for him to get back in the ring.
He said:
“There is no way to describe how my tenure in WWE prepared me for human life. All aspects of the person I am today have been crafted in that cauldron of heat.
“My vocation doesn’t determine my totality, and I am retired from in-ring performance. I’m a member of the WWE family as a as an ambassador, I’m very excited about the John Cena Classic.
“I made a promise to the audience that molded me into who I am that when I was a step too slow I had to step away, that happened last year. I’m very happy with the 23 years I’ve spent giving myself to that performance on canvas.
“It would take an unfathomable amount of financial investment to get me back in the ring, so that way I can I can say to any sound business mind I will never wrestle again.”
If you use this transcription or any portion of it, please credit WrestleTalk.com and link to this page.
What’s In Store For The John Cena Classic?
Since Cena announced the John Cena Classic back at WWE Backlash, there has yet to be any additional information on it, with it still not known what format it will be presented in, or when it will take place.
Cena noted that the fans will be able to vote on the winner regardless of wins and losses, and that it would feature main roster WWE talents facing off against current names from WWE NXT, akin to the Saturday Night’s Main Event show in December.
The John Cena Classic is said to have been a legitimate brainchild of Cena himself, with him hoping to see the event become an annual tradition.
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