LOS ANGELES: Wrestling legend and former WWE Champion John Cena officially kicked off his highly anticipated farewell tour on Monday night during RAW's debut on Netflix.
The 47-year-old icon electrified the WWE Universe with a surprise announcement: his entry into the Royal Rumble on February 1 at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, setting the stage for what could be a historic final chapter in his illustrious career.
"If you know anything about me, nothing's impossible," Cena declared passionately.
"The only time we say 'never' around here is when we say, 'Never give up.' Los Angeles, I owe you a thank you. Because of you, I’m not just going to the Royal Rumble—I’m going to win the Royal Rumble. You want some? Come get some!"
Cena's return to the Royal Rumble comes with the promise of a potential record-breaking 17th world championship, a feat no WWE superstar has ever achieved.
Currently, John Cena and "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair are tied with a record of 16 world championships.
While he acknowledged the enormity of the task, Cena invoked his iconic "Never Give Up" mantra to fuel hope and excitement among his fans.
"As far as the 17th championship is concerned, it’s never going to happen," Cena teased before correcting himself.
"Wait, hold on—this is the WWE, and here, you’re supposed to never say never. So let’s move 'never' away and say it would take a miracle. And maybe, just maybe, I can win the Royal Rumble," he added.
The retirement tour marks Cena's final year as a full-time WWE wrestler, following his emotional announcement at the Money in the Bank event in July 2024.
The global superstar, who made his WWE debut in 2002 in a now-iconic match against Kurt Angle, is set to make approximately 36 appearances across WWE events worldwide in 2025.
The farewell tour will feature appearances at WWE’s marquee events, including the Royal Rumble in February, the Elimination Chamber in March, and WrestleMania 41 in April.
Cena’s final bow is scheduled for the end of the year, capping off a career that has spanned more than two decades.