John Cena reveals big plans for his old characters in his retirement tour

John Cena announced his entry into the 2025 Royal Rumble during WWE RAW’s Netflix premiere, kickstarting what he confirmed will be his retirement tour. Speaking at the post-show press conference, Cena addressed the possibility of revisiting past personas during his farewell run.

The 16-time world champion opened up about potentially bringing back characters from his career:

The Prototype, I don’t know if I have the hair to grow out the blonde sting again, but the Prototype wore the colors of the home team, so to speak. I’m really looking forward to going back to the way I started. Thug Life, the Doctor of Thuganomics, would always wear away jerseys, so there’s already elements of what I want to do in front of you. I think, hopefully, by the end of all this, if you want to see a certain facet of the 23 years I’ve been in the business, hopefully, you’ll see a sprinkle.

Cena discusses Royal Rumble prospects and retirement plans

During the press conference, Cena reflected on the significance of his final Royal Rumble appearance:

I know that the Rumble is a crap shoot. It’s literally a lottery ticket. But there is no other competitor, no other Superstar in the Rumble that can say it’s their last. And it is guaranteed my last. So when you’re extra tired, and maybe if you need some extra strength to hold onto the top rope so your feet don’t hit the floor, knowing that it’s your last you take a different perspective on stuff.

The former champion also addressed speculation about potential opponents:

I don’t have the capacity to come in and demand main events. Because it’s been quite a long time since I put together a string of wins, and I just wanted to set realistic expectations for the audience.