John Cena Urges Respect for Wrestling Retirements as AJ Styles Enters WWE Hall of Fame

On the red carpet at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, John Cena told TMZ Sports he hopes to set a trend of wrestlers honoring their retirements, saying when performers tell fans they are retiring “that has weight and importance.” Cena explained he wants to be among the first to truly step away and stressed the respect owed to audiences who invest in seeing a performer for the last time.

Addressing AJ Styles — who was inducted into the Class of 2026 by Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows — Cena acknowledged Styles’ different path and said he would understand if Styles made a one-off return to team with his son, who is training as a wrestler. While Cena admitted he’d prefer colleagues stay retired, he believes fans would accept a meaningful return and hopes retirements are announced only when someone truly feels it’s time to step away.

Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/john-cena-says-wrestling-retirements-carry-weight-and-importance/.