As Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII on 13 December 2025 draws near what will mark the final in-ring match of John Cena’s storied 23-year career, the legendary 17-time world champion has revealed that he’s not saying goodbye to WWE entirely. Instead, Cena has signed a five-year ambassador deal with WWE, ensuring his continued involvement behind the scenes and cementing his legacy beyond just the ring.
From icon to ambassador, what that means ?
In a recent interview with Tom Rinaldi on WWE’s official YouTube channel, Cena opened up about his future role. He made it clear that while he’s done competing in matches citing the physical demands of the ring he still wants to contribute significantly to WWE. “I will be an ambassador to WWE,” Cena said. “I’m already signed on for another five years. I would like to be in this family as an employee, as a contributing part for as long as I can.”
He added that this new second mountain of his WWE journey will likely involve mentoring up-and-coming talent, helping them unlock potential, and leveraging his star power to draw more eyes toward WWE programming:
“Maybe ambassadorship comes with letting more people know to watch this maybe mentorship to talent that I wouldn’t have time to spend time with.”
What fans can expect beyond the final bell
Mentorship & Character Development: Cena aims to take budding WWE stars under his wing fostering talent and maybe even helping discover the next big breakout superstar.
Global Promotion & Brand Building: With his Hollywood fame and global appeal, Cena can help WWE expand its reach worldwide acting as the face of the company when needed.
Appearances & Special Segments: While he won’t wrestle anymore, don’t be surprised if Cena turns up at major WWE events, promotional segments, interviews, or maybe even storyline roles albeit outside of pure in-ring competition.
Why fans are ecstatic and why this move matters
For many fans, Cena’s official exit from active wrestling was bittersweet. But this ambassador deal offers a compromise: He retires from the physical grind but remains part of the WWE world. That means all the respect, legacy, and charisma stays alive.
It also offers a sense of continuity. Rather than disappearing after the final bell, Cena now becomes a bridge connecting WWE’s legendary past with its developing future. With him backing younger talent and representing WWE globally, the brand retains a major asset.
John Cena’s retirement match might close one chapter but thanks to this five-year ambassador deal, it ensures the story is far from over. From mentoring rookies to elevating WWE’s global presence, Cena aims to stay deeply woven into the fabric of the company.
For fans, that means: Don’t say “goodbye,” say “see you backstage.”