John Cena Reveals Marriage Inspired WWE Exit: ‘It’s Time’ originally appeared on Parade.
John Cena revealed how his marriage to wife Shay Shariatzadeh inspired his decision to leave the WWE world.
“My health and my dedication to my partner are the tip of my spear in life right now, so I think every time I go out [in the ring], I just want to make sure I’m able to give my all, but it’s time to step away,” Cena, 48, told People about his retirement in an interview published on Wednesday, August 6.
Cena and Shariatzadeh, 36, tied the knot in October 2020 at an attorney’s office in Tampa, Florida. The couple later hosted a second wedding celebration in July 2022, which brought together their loved ones in Vancouver, Canada.
Not only did Cena reveal that his wife influenced his retirement, but he also said that aging played a factor in his decision to step out of the ring.
“I’m not as strong or as fast as I used to be,” he told the outlet. “I made a promise when I started gaining some notoriety that when I’m a step slower, I will go, because there will be kids just as hungry as I was who have earned a shot to see if they can make it.”
While Cena feels confident in his decision to retire, he explained that he will continue competing until the end of 2025 so that his fans have “closure.”
“They’re the reason for my optimism, my perseverance, my passion,” Cena said of his loyal fanbase. “They don’t let you get away with phoning it in, because they’ll eat you alive.”
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The Blockers star first announced in retirement in July. “Why am I here?” he said during a surprise appearance at WWE’s Money in the Bank event in Toronto. “Tonight I officially announce my retirement from the WWE.”
At the time, Cena shared that his final competitions will be Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania 41.
John Cena Reveals Marriage Inspired WWE Exit: ‘It’s Time’ first appeared on Parade on Aug 6, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
