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John Cena says his body is ready for him to close the chapter on his WWE career.
The 48-year-old wrestler appeared on *The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon* on August 13, where he shared that the physical toll of nearly 25 years in the ring has caught up with him. "My body is screaming at me to close the chapter," Cena said. "I know I look a little younger than I am, but I'm 48, man, and I'll be 49 next year."
Cena expressed deep gratitude for his time in WWE, calling it "fantastic" and crediting the organization for giving him the platform to perform and connect with fans worldwide. But beyond his physical limitations, Cena said he also feels it is important to make way for the next generation.
"I remember when I was a young kid back in 2002 thinking I'd never get a chance, and when I did, I came up in a young, hungry class," he said. "If I hang around any longer, I'm taking time away from those young guys who can be the next."
Cena compared the pace of WWE to Fallon's busy late-night schedule, saying life in wrestling moves so fast that he rarely takes time to reflect. He plans to do so once his farewell tour ends in December, after announcing his retirement plans at the Money in the Bank event in July 2024.
In an earlier interview with *People*, Cena admitted that age has impacted his performance. "I'm not as strong or as fast as I used to be," he said, adding that he had promised himself to step away once he noticed he was slowing down, so younger talent could have their moment.
Looking ahead, Cena is prioritizing his health and his relationship with his wife, Shay Shariatzadeh, an engineer he met in 2019. "My health and my dedication to my partner are the top of my spear in life right now," he said. "Every time I go out in the ring, I want to give my all, but it's time to step away."
Cena's farewell tour will mark the end of an era for one of WWE's most celebrated superstars.
