The Final Countdown: John Cena’s Last WrestleMania Main Event

WEST NEWBURY, Mass. — John Cena’s farewell tour marks the end of an era in professional wrestling.

As WrestleMania approaches on April 19 and April 20, the 16-time World Champion prepares for one final main event showdown that could cement his legacy with a record-breaking 17th world title.

The 47-year-old Cena officially announced his retirement during an appearance at the 2024 WWE Money in the Bank in Toronto.

“Tonight, I officially announce my retirement from WWE,” he said, prompting an emotional response from fans around the world.

As the wrestling icon gears up for what will be his final WrestleMania main event in Las Vegas, the spotlight was once again on the man who helped define a generation in WWE.

In his hometown of West Newbury, Cena’s father, John Cena, Sr., reflected on his son’s closing chapter.

“I’m gonna tell you right now, I know my son pretty well,” Cena, Sr. “In December, that’s the last time you’ll see the shorts, sneakers and T-shirts. It’s over. This marks the end of an era for John Cena, but it’s the beginning of an era for all the men and women in the back who had the same dreams Cena once had.”

The main event at WrestleMania will pit Cena against “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, who currently holds the Undisputed WWE Championship.

For Cena, the stakes are as high as ever, as a victory would make him a 17-time world champion, breaking the all-time record he has shared with wrestling legend Ric Flair.

It would be a defining moment in a career already filled with milestones, and potentially his final WrestleMania main event.

“You’ve got two men on the biggest stage — the American Nightmare and John Cena,” Cena Sr. said. “This is the last time you’ll see him. Win or lose, he’s making history. Just look at the records, the WrestleMania bouts — this is it. The book’s closing. History’s being made.”

Over more than two decades, Cena has held countless championships and headlined some of WWE’s most iconic events.

His charisma, work ethic and deep connection with fans have made him a household name — not only in wrestling but also in Hollywood, philanthropy, and popular culture.

“I don’t know if you saw it, or if anyone else did, but when he announced his retirement in Toronto, Canada — his voice cracked,” Cena, Sr. said. “I get emotional just thinking about it, but I know he’s ready. You’ve got to be ready to make that move. In this business, not everyone gets to go out on their own terms. Cena is fortunate enough to do it his way.”

Whether he walks away with the title or not, Cena’s legacy had already been secured.

His final WrestleMania main event is not just the end of a storied career — it’s the closing of a chapter that helped shape the modern era of WWE.

“He’s going out on his own terms, doing what he loves most — granting wishes and entertaining the fans,” Cena, Sr. said.