John Cena’s in-ring retirement is officially set for 2025, with WWE confirming that his farewell tour will span nearly the entire year and culminate at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, marking the end of one of wrestling’s greatest eras. According to multiple sources, Cena’s retirement tour will include around 35 to 40 appearances across major WWE markets worldwide, giving fans a final chance to see him live before he hangs up his boots for good[1][2][4].

pranithkumarkanna@gmail.com|Modified on Aug 08, 2025, 13:21 GMT

Backstage reports and confirmed WWE schedules reveal that Cena’s farewell tour started in January 2025, coinciding with the historic debut of WWE Raw on Netflix. This move also signals a new era for WWE programming, with Cena expressing interest in continuing involvement behind the scenes as Raw transitions to the streaming giant[1]. His key matches in the farewell run include the 2025 Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and the climactic WrestleMania 41 event, where he plans to officially retire from active competition[1][2].

Fightful and Wrestling Observer insights highlight the lengthy and heartfelt nature of Cena’s send-off tour. Observed WWE insider Bryan Alvarez noted that WWE’s revamped pay-per-view schedule for 2025, including high-profile events like Evolution 2 and Clash in Paris, will help structure Cena’s final year in the ring. Alvarez stated that Cena’s farewell constitutes “a whole bunch of farewells” to venues such as San Francisco, Dallas, and Seattle, among others[2]. WWE.com schedules confirm numerous stops across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and more, providing a worldwide tribute to Cena’s 20-year impact on the industry[3][4].

Recent confirmed dates include:

January 6 — WWE Raw, Inglewood, California (Netflix debut)
February 1 — Royal Rumble, Indianapolis, Indiana
March 1 — Elimination Chamber, Toronto, Canada
July 18 — WWE SmackDown, San Antonio, Texas
August 2-3 — WWE SummerSlam, East Rutherford, New Jersey
August 31 — Clash in Paris, France
October 11 — Crown Jewel, Perth, Australia
December — Final events in Boston, Massachusetts (TBD)[3][4]

Sources close to Cena explain that the star aims to make his retirement tour “a celebration of his legacy,” participating heavily in live events and cultivating memorable moments with fans and peers alike. According to a WWE insider, “John Cena wants this to be an emotional and unforgettable farewell — not just another run of matches. He’s giving his all to say goodbye the right way.”

The tour has also featured notable storyline developments, such as Cena’s surprising heel turn on Cody Rhodes at Money in the Bank in Toronto. Aligning himself with The Rock, Cena injected fresh drama into what many assumed would be a straightforward farewell narrative[2]. This creative twist has invigorated interest in Cena’s matches throughout the tour, adding layers to his final WWE chapter.

Beyond Cena’s retirement news, other notable backstage updates have emerged. WWE United Kingdom Champion GUNTHER recently addressed fan behavior, publicly criticizing what he described as “mark” fans who overly debate wrestlers’ authenticity and gimmicks. This comment reflects ongoing tension between performers and certain fan segments in the industry, especially as WWE continues its global expansion and appeals to diverse audiences[reference article].

Additionally, WWE’s streaming partner Peacock is preparing to raise subscription prices, a move expected in response to growing content offerings and increasing rights costs. Sources indicate that long-term Peacock subscribers will face higher fees, especially if they choose to maintain WWE Network alongside Peacock. This price adjustment aligns with broader trends in streaming services but has sparked some discontent among WWE fans eager for accessible content[reference article].

In summary, the wrestling world is gearing up for a landmark year as John Cena embarks on his farewell tour. With a packed schedule of appearances and a grand finale at WrestleMania 41, Cena’s retirement will be a defining moment in WWE history. Fans can expect emotional tributes, intense matches, and surprises along the way, as Cena cements his legacy as “The Greatest of All Time.” Meanwhile, backstage dynamics and streaming price changes continue to shape WWE’s evolving landscape going forward.

For ongoing updates on Cena’s farewell tour and other WWE backstage news, stay tuned to WWE.com, Wrestling Observer Live, Fightful, and official WWE social media channels.

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