John Cena says the current state of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) mirrors the “transformative” period the company experienced between WrestleMania 20 and WrestleMania 21, a time that saw his own rise to prominence.
Speaking with The Takedown on SI, Cena observed that the influx of new talent currently reshaping the WWE roster is reminiscent of the mid-2000s. He specifically pointed to the period following WrestleMania 20, held at Madison Square Garden in 2004 and culminating with WrestleMania 21, dubbed “WrestleMania Goes Hollywood” in 2005, as a period of foundational change for the organization. “Gosh, we have called up a whole bunch of new superstars,” Cena said. “The program is going through a transformation I haven’t seen since WrestleMania 20, at Madison Square Garden, and then WrestleMania goes Hollywood a year later. I think we’re in a period of transition like that, pouring the foundations for the next 15-20 years for the WWE.”
Cena officially retired from in-ring competition in December 2025, but continues to function with WWE in an ambassadorial role. His final appearance emphasized showcasing emerging talent, with Oba Femi, Je’Von Evans, Sol Ruca, and Leon Slater – from TNA – all featured on the card. Femi and Evans have since been promoted from NXT to the main WWE roster.
The 48-year-old Cena indicated he is content with his decision to retire, telling The Takedown on SI that post-retirement life has been positive. “I wouldn’t say the end of my career is sad. I want to allow everyone to experience how they want to feel, but personally, I feel great,” he stated. “As long as I’m in one piece, I have love and fulfillment in my life, it was time to close that chapter and I really thought the last year, we went out with a bang, there were a lot of mixed opinions, but from my perspective, retirement is treating me well, so far.”
Cena’s comments come as WWE continues to integrate a wave of new performers into its programming. The company has been actively promoting talent from its developmental brand, NXT, to the main roster in recent months, signaling a deliberate effort to build for the future. WrestleMania 21, twenty years prior, saw Cena begin his ascent to main event status, ultimately capturing the WWE Championship.
