John Cena’s entrance theme song announces that “my time is now.” However, that time is coming to an end. Cena, at 48 years old, announced last summer that 2025 would mark the end of his time as an active wrestler in WWE. Each match brings him closer to hanging up the “jorts” on December 13, including his participation in WWE’s first Wrestlepalooza in Indianapolis on September 20.
For those joining the farewell tour and for those wishing to relive a remarkable career in and out of the ring, we present the “John Cena Eras Tour”.
The Prototype
In 2001, WWE hired John Cena, a former NCAA Division III American football player, aspiring bodybuilder, and son of an independent wrestling manager, for a developmental deal at Ohio Valley Wrestling. Without “jorts”, without chains, without the famous “you can’t see me”. With short, platinum blonde hair, and impressive biceps, Cena was introduced as “The Prototype”, proclaiming to be “50% man and 50% machine” in robotic promos. He looked like a video game character from a “Street Fighter” clone. He won the OVW championship in February 2002, which earned him his promotion to the main WWE roster, where he ditched the dye and became… relentless.
Implacable Aggression
In a June 2002 edition of “SmackDown”, Kurt Angle came to the ring while the fans chanted “you suck”. Vince McMahon had initiated the “Ruthless Aggression” era, encouraging wrestlers to conquer all opponents. Angle issued an open challenge to the locker room, but only to an opponent he had not wrestled before.Cena, with matching pants and boots, entered the ring with confidence. Angle asked: “Who the hell are you?” Cena replied: “I am John Cena.” Angle retorted: “What quality do you possess to think you can face the best?” Cena responded with “Relentless aggression!” and attacked Angle. A star was born.
The Doctor of Thuganomics
In the following months, Cena wrestled in singles and tag team matches, but did not fulfill the promise of that moment of “Ruthless Aggression.” According to Cena himself, he was close to being fired from WWE at the end of 2002. During a European tour, Cena, with a hidden talent for rap, began to improvise with other wrestlers. Stephanie McMahon, from the creative team, asked him to incorporate rap into his character. Thus was born the Boston rapper, with oversized sports jerseys, baggy “jorts” and a chain with a padlock.His catchphrase: “Word Life”. His entrance theme: “Basic Thuganomics”, written and performed by Cena. To everyone’s surprise, Cena was a “heel”! Despite his chaotic alignment, the rap against his opponents and his undeniable charisma made the audience support him. At Survivor Series 2003, Cena had the crowd in his hands, with fans displaying signs with his new catchphrase: “You can’t see me”.
A few months later, Cena first put on the WWE champion belt.
The Reign of the “Spinner Belt” (First World Title)
Cena defeated The Big Show at WrestleMania XX at Madison Square Garden in 2004, his first major title in WWE. He won the United States title two more times before WrestleMania 21 in Los Angeles in 2005, where he fought for the SmackDown championship against John Bradshaw Layfield. Cena used his “F-U” to become world champion for the first time.
The next step: spinning the title. Cena personalized the belt, creating a “spinner” on the front plate. Traditionalists were horrified. It became an essential element of Cena’s iconography and a best-selling replica belt.
The Face of the PG Era
Cena was very popular. He had the magnetism of The Rock and the antagonism of Steve Austin. On July 22, 2008, WWE programming went from TV-14 to the TV-PG rating suitable for families and sponsors. Violence in the ring was reduced, as was profanity and sexuality. Cena’s “F-U” was renamed “Attitude Adjustment”. Cena became the “babyface” who ran the place, a friendly clown for children. He preached “Hustle, Loyalty and Respect”. The reaction of cynical fans arrived, mocking his ability in the ring and the predictability of his victories.
This led to a chant that resonates in the stadiums: “Let’s Go Cena!” and “Cena sucks!”.
The Nexus
In 2010, WWE created “NXT”. The goal was for veteran superstars to guide young wrestlers. On June 7, 2010, Barrett won the first chapter, and six NXT runners-up attacked everyone, including Cena. The Nexus was the most impactful debut since the days of the New World Order, attacking Cena. Cena’s defeat at SummerSlam stifled Nexus’ momentum.
The rivalry continued, but the sense of danger was lost. The Nexus angle fueled criticism that Cena “buried” his opponents. Then, CM Punk took over the group, with a rivalry with Cena that included several championship matches.
Once in a Lifetime vs. The Rock
The Rock returned to WWE in 2011, being announced as the host of WrestleMania XXVII. Cena and The Rock began exchanging words, until Cena hit The Rock with an Attitude Adjustment. At WrestleMania, Cena fought The Miz. The next night on Raw, Cena challenged The Rock to a match at WrestleMania XXVIII.
His match at WrestleMania XXVIII in April 2012 was promoted as “Once in a Lifetime.” Cena was defeated. The following year, Cena won the Royal Rumble, which gave him the right to challenge for the WWE title at WrestleMania. Cena chose to fight The Rock.
Cena won the WWE title for the 13th time.
John Cena’s U.S. Open Challenge
Cena lost the world title at SummerSlam 2013 and in 2014. Cena won the U.S. Championship against Rusev at WrestleMania XXXI. He began issuing “John Cena’s U.S. Open Challenge.” This led to fun weekly theater. This era was notable for one of Cena’s U.S. Title losses at SummerSlam 2015. He faced WWE World Champion Rollins in an exciting match.
Matching the Record
In WWE, Ric Flair held the record for 16-time world champion. Cena’s opportunity to break that record defined his later years and helped him gain favor with the fans. At the 2017 Royal Rumble, Cena faced SmackDown world champion AJ Styles. Cena won and tied Flair’s record. The crowd celebrated the achievement, and Cena embraced referee Charles Robinson.
Cena entered the Guinness Book of Records for granting the most wishes in the history of the Make-A-Wish organization, with 650 and counting.
Dinner Goes to Hollywood
After tying Flair’s record, Cena became a superstar. His acting career took off. In 2018, he starred in the comedy “Blockers” and had a significant role in “Bumblebee.” In 2021, Cena joined Dominic Toretto’s universe in “F9.” He played Peacemaker in “The Suicide Squad,” a character who had his own HBO series.
Cena revealed layers that had never been glimpsed before. In 2020, he faced Bray Wyatt’s “The Fiend” character. Cena had gone to Hollywood.
The Farewell Tour
After helping Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania XL, Cena made a surprise appearance at Money in the Bank in July. He announced his retirement as an in-ring wrestler at the end of 2025. Cena stated that he would compete in the 2025 Royal Rumble. Cena was the last wrestler eliminated. Cena stated that he would seek another title opportunity in the Elimination Chamber match.
The “Heel” Change
At the end of Elimination Chamber, Rhodes came out to the ring. The Rock appeared to demand an answer about “give me your soul”. Cena hit Rhodes with a low blow and led an attack with The Rock and Travis Scott. John Cena turned “heel” after two decades. On Raw, Cena attacked the fans. Cena defeated Rhodes and broke Flair’s record with his 17th world championship.
Cena’s “heel” turn is among the most impactful moments in wrestling history.
The “Face” Change
Cena defended his title against Randy Orton and Punk. Cena faced Rhodes for a rematch at SummerSlam. Cena declared that night “John Cena returned to WWE”. Rhodes pinned Cena for the title at SummerSlam. Cena handed him the belt and hugged him. The retirement tour is coming to an end, and Cena will retire with the only person who really matters: John Cena.
