'I Get More & More Afraid': John Cena Makes Candid Admission As WWE Star Nears Retirement, On Verge Of Tears; Video

WWE Superstar John Cena candidly addressed the universe as his time with the company nears its end. With the 47-year-old likely to retire from in-ring competition in December, the veteran, who appeared on Smack Down, said he is afraid people will forget about him once he is gone. He also almost broke down in tears.

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One of the most decorated WWE superstars of all time, Cena has won the World Championship a record 17 times and emerged victorious in the Royal Rumble on two occasions. He has also headlined Wrestlemania on multiple occasions and won the Money in the Bank in 2012 but failed to cash in successfully.

Speaking on the latest episode of WWE Smack Down, Cena admitted that the fans are bound to move on from superstars after they leave a certain stage but is afraid of the inevitability. He said:

"Every single time time a day goes by, I get more and more afraid and I thank you for that. I want to be in this for a second because it's important I get it off my chest. You guys have put up with me for a while, so I want to leave with honesty and vulnerability. I'm afraid no matter how much I can give to you in this limited time, it will never be enough and I'm going to let you all down. I also admit I'm very afraid after I'm gone and the WWE moves on, as it should, you guys are going to forget about me."

Honesty. Vulnerability. Respect. @JohnCena is getting real with the WWE Universe 👀 pic.twitter.com/jMdT2f35CZ

— WWE (@WWE) August 9, 2025

Cena was also on the verge of fans as the fans chanted 'Thank you Cena'.

He literally had tears in his eyes, 13,000 people chanting "Thank you Cena" 🥹 @JohnCena #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/CuFgc0z9q8

— The Greatest of all time 🐐 (@johncena_gem) August 9, 2025

John Cena's reign as WWE Undisputed Champion ended at Summer Slam

Meanwhile, Cena had held the WWE Undisputed Championship for 103 days, with Cody Rhodes ending his reign in the recently-concluded WWE Summer Slam. The two were involved in a street fight and Rhodes hit the Cross Rhodes to pick up the win.

It ended Cena's 17th title reign.