US actor and wrestler John Cena has announced his retirement from competing in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) events.
Cena made the surprise announcement to fans during an appearance at the WWE Money in the Bank event in Canada.
The 47-year-old, who transitioned into acting 18 years ago, said his final in-ring competition will be in 2025 as part of a farewell tour.
Often regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, Cena has achieved world champion status 16 times since joining WWE in 2001.
“Tonight I officially announce my retirement from the WWE,” he told fans in Toronto who reacted with surprise and later chanted “thank you Cena”.
“What an incredible gesture of kindness,” he replied.
Wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the words “The Last Time is Now” and his trademark “jorts” (denim shorts), John Cena thanked WWE fans for “letting me play in the house that you built for so many years.”
In a press conference later, he expressed his intention to remain part of the WWE family in some capacity despite feeling “at my end” physically.
Cena made his acting debut in 2006 with the film “The Marine” and has since landed roles in several big-budget movies, including “The Suicide Squad,” “Fast & Furious 9,” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”
Since 2018, Cena has performed in WWE part-time as his acting career took off.
He made headlines this year by appearing naked, except for a strategically placed envelope, during an Academy Awards skit.
Cena is also the most requested celebrity by kids through the charity Make-A-Wish. He holds a Guinness World Record for the number of wishes granted to Make-A-Wish children with critical illnesses.