John Cena says he misses WWE every day after retiring, but rules out performing again

After almost a year since his last match, John Cena admitted to missing performing and WWE every day. Upon being asked about his life after wrestling, Cena said, “I miss all of it every day”

During the New York premiere of his upcoming film ‘Matchbox: The Movie’ Cena added that nostalgia was now a part of his regular life. He further said that he often thinks about his early wrestling days, college days and even his childhood.

He added that he has moments of such reflection daily. Cena said these moments usually happen when he’s overwhelmed by stress or confused or maybe does not know answers that he’s trying to seek. Nostalgia helps him go back to a simpler time in the unknown.


The 17-time world champion played his final match on December 13, 2025. He finished his career after a one-on-one with Gunther. He lost the bout, and closed his retirement tour which went on throughout the year.

He retired from WWE to focus on his budding acting career. His wrestling career lasted over two decades.

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What did John Cena say about returning to WWE?

While admitting he missed his wrestling life, Cena made it clear that he was not planning to return. He said that just because he misses something in his heart, it does not make the right decision in his head. Cena made it clear that just because he misses WWE it does not mean that he regrets retiring.

“I’m not going to perform again physically,” Cena said. He added that he had a conversation with the WWE about the same. They had agreed that at 49 it was the right time for him to step away. “I put 23 years of physical service into the business,” Cena said.

Even before he retired, Cena had periods of time where he did not feature in WWE due to his acting commitments. He frequently expressed his desire to go back to the ring and wrestle again.

Earlier this year Cena had frankly said that he preferred WWE and pro-wrestling over acting. He had also said that he had to retire because he couldn’t do it anymore.

Cena will however, return to the WWE in non-wrestling roles and as an ambassador. He is set to star in the John Cena Classic in December. The live event will be based on his WWE character. The audience will vote to decide the champion.

Cena’s acting career

Even before he retired, Cena was no stranger to acting. He got his first major role in 2006, with The Marine. However, he was firmly focused on his wrestling career. He has since then gone on to star in several comedies and action films, including Bumblebee, Little Brother and even in the Fast and Furious franchise.

He gained praise for playing DC’s Peacemaker since 2021, across several titles. He reprised his role in James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe.

Cena is currently promoting his film ‘Matchbox: The Movie’. The film is based on the toy brand Matchbox owned by Mattel.