John Cena’s announcement of his retirement tour has sent shockwaves through the pro wrestling community. With WrestleMania 41 set to be his final appearance, fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see how WWE will honor one of the most iconic careers in the history of the sport. According to Dave Meltzer of “Wrestling Observer Radio,” WWE has some major plans for Cena’s farewell tour, and it may involve some significant changes to his schedule and potential record-breaking moments.
Scaling Back Acting Commitments
Dave Meltzer speculates that for Cena to fully commit to his farewell tour, he will need to scale back on his Hollywood commitments. “Big farewell tour and everything and, you know, a year?” said Meltzer. Despite this, he doesn’t expect Cena to be around much for the rest of 2024. However, Cena has committed to key events such as the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania.
Cena’s dual career as a Hollywood star and a WWE superstar has always required careful balancing. With his final year in WWE approaching, the challenge now is to make sure he’s available for the major events that will define his retirement run. Meltzer believes this may involve Cena stepping back from his acting roles more than he has in the past to ensure he can fulfill his wrestling commitments.
Chasing Ric Flair’s Record
One of the most intriguing aspects of Cena’s final year will be whether he can break Ric Flair’s record of 16 world championship reigns. Cena is currently tied with Flair, and one more title win would cement his legacy as the most decorated world champion in WWE history. Meltzer speculates that WWE might orchestrate a scenario where Cena wins the Royal Rumble or the Elimination Chamber, positioning him for a title shot at WrestleMania 41.
“He’s committed to the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania,” said Meltzer. “They [WWE] may want to be able to market him as the greatest of all time, and the person who’s held the most world titles of all time.”
This potential storyline not only elevates Cena’s status but also aligns perfectly with WWE’s marketing strategy, particularly in light of their partnership with Netflix. Cena’s potential 17th title reign could be a major draw for WWE’s content on the streaming platform.
Marketing and WWE’s Netflix Deal
Meltzer also pointed out that Cena’s farewell tour and potential record-breaking moments could play a crucial role in WWE’s deal with Netflix. “He kept talking about Netflix, so I think that maybe the deal is they want him on again, that’s why they may be paying him a lot of money, is to help, you know, draw Netflix when they start in January,” Meltzer noted.
Cena’s crossover appeal as both a wrestling superstar and a Hollywood actor makes him an invaluable asset for WWE as they expand their content offerings on Netflix. His involvement could significantly boost viewership and subscriber numbers for the platform, making his final run even more significant from a business perspective.
The Final Matches
As Cena gears up for his last run, fans are speculating about potential opponents and matchups. Given his storied career, there are numerous possibilities for dream matches that could headline major events. Reigniting rivalries with the likes of Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, or even a final showdown with Roman Reigns could provide fitting bookends to his career.
Each match in Cena’s final year will be scrutinized and celebrated, with the WWE Universe eager to see how the company will honor his legacy. The prospect of him winning the Royal Rumble or Elimination Chamber adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation.
Legacy and Impact
Cena’s impact on WWE transcends championships and accolades. His work ethic, charisma, and dedication have made him a role model for many. His contributions to WWE’s charitable initiatives, particularly with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he holds the record for the most wishes granted, highlight his commitment to making a difference.
As he prepares for his farewell, Cena’s gratitude towards the fans and the business is palpable. “Just to let everyone know how appreciative I am,” Cena expressed during the Money in the Bank Post Show. His final year will not only be about achieving personal milestones but also about saying thank you to the fans who have supported him throughout his career.
