Shawn Michaels had Bret Hart. Stone Chilly had The Rock. John Cena had… the followers. Effectively, he has them for yet another yr.
Tonight, the Chief of the Cenation returns to kick off his farewell tour on WWE Uncooked’s Netflix debut. So far as we all know, his semi-full-time run will function round 36 appearances, together with the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and Wrestlemania 41, in addition to various worldwide exhibits.
Retirement excursions are uncommon on the planet {of professional} wrestling, but it surely feels becoming for Cena. He was the WWE’s largest attraction for over a decade and his relationship with the WWE Universe is not like every other celebrity’s, previous or current.
Ultimately yr’s Cash In The Financial institution press convention, the previous champ was requested who he considers his largest rival. Cena didn’t miss a beat: “That’s a simple one… The viewers has been my dancing companion for over 20 years.” For many of his profession, “Let’s Go Cena! / Cena Sucks!” echoed emphatically by way of arenas, however since changing into a part-timer, these chants have been changed by the extra holistically constructive sing-along to his “My Time Is Now” theme track. Because the adage goes, absence makes the guts develop fonder, and it’s clear that followers have come to understand the 16-time champ’s contributions to the trade. That respect is mutual.
“I’ll by no means be capable to put into phrases how a lot the viewers means to me,” Cena mirrored at that very same press convention. “With out them, I’m nothing.”
Now comes the enjoyable half. Because the 47-year-old’s time ticks down, and his legendary catchphrase (“you’ll be able to’t see me”) will quickly ring more true than ever, we get to benefit from the remaining chapter of a historic profession. Right here’s our wishlist for the John Cena Farewell Tour.