Following his victory over Logan Paul at Clash in Paris, which marked his final match in Europe, John Cena reflected on his long history with the continent’s fanbase. In a post-show segment in the ring with Big E and Jackie Redmond, Cena praised the growth of the European audience over his career, recalling the “lean” years when WWE had fewer top stars.
“We had a lot of injuries… We were pretty lean in some of those towns and they weren’t as loud as this and they weren’t as excited,” Cena said. “But, [this is] a place we could always come where fans would just flock in droves and fill us with excitement… So to be back here is something special.”
The match was a significant stop on Cena’s ongoing retirement tour. He announced in July 2024 that 2025 would be his final year of in-ring competition, citing the physical toll on his 48-year-old body and a desire to step away before his abilities declined further. His final match is officially scheduled for a Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025.
Cena specifically highlighted the energy of the French audience, stating that he had heard from others in the locker room that the “best crowd in the world” was in Lyon. He admitted he was skeptical until he experienced the atmosphere in Paris for himself, which he said felt like WrestleMania.
“This is an arena, but it’s also a stadium and the energy in here is crazy and the fans understand and they’re interactive,” he said. “It’s amazing, man. it’s amazing.”
After his victory over Paul, Cena now has nine dates remaining on his farewell tour. The win also marked his 99th victory at a WWE pay-per-view or premium live event. His next major match is scheduled for Wrestlepalooza on September 20, though his opponent has not yet been announced.