WWE News

John Cena Addresses His Future On WWE Raw

By Sondra Ruth. Published 28th June 2022.
John Cena

John Cena returned to Raw to celebrate his 20th anniversary in WWE and cut an impassioned promo in front of the WWE Universe.

16 time World Champion John Cena returned to Monday Night Raw to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his WWE debut on June 27th, 2002. Throughout the night, video packages celebrated his career and multiple stars sent in tribute videos, including AEW stars Paul Wight, Bryan Danielson, and Chris Jericho.

John Cena interacted with multiple WWE Superstars throughout the night as well, telling the Street Profits to never give up ahead of Montez Ford’s match with Jey Uso. Ford took Cena’s advice to heart and was able to defeat the Bloodline member.

He also had a tense confrontation with United States Champion Theory after teasing on social media that he might be going after the young star’s title.

Later in the show, Vince McMahon kept up his recent tendency to make surprise appearances and came out to introduce the legendary wrestler, who made his entrance as the WWE roster lined up along the ramp.

John Cena then cut an impassioned promo in front of the WWE Universe, saying that he’s never been one to celebrate milestones because he’s always looking forward to what’s next, but that tonight is different because this celebration has everything to do with the fans. He said that the anniversary is so important because they’ve allowed him to do this for two decades.

He continued, saying that the crowd had provided an environment for him to be his true self, and that they weren’t afraid to tell him when he sucked and when he didn’t. John Cena said that this feels like the right moment to say thank you, which elicited “Thank you Cena” chants from the fans in attendance.

Emotional at the crowd’s response, John Cena said that his time in WWE has prepared him for anything, and he made it clear that he wasn’t talking about any acting roles. He told the crowd that performing in front of them has made him a better man, saying:

“WWE has prepared me for anything, and I mean because of you. Because of your reactions and your investment in me, you have made me a better human being. Because of you, I am a better professional. Because of you I am a better husband. Because of you I am a better person.

“Being in the WWE and spending moments with the families I spent today have taught me empathy, have taught me caring, have taught me kindness, you guys sure as hell have taught me humility. And you’ve taught me perseverance.”

John Cena went on to say that the audience has taught him to never give less than his all every time he steps into the ring, and to show up in the arena with everything he’s got. He said that this isn’t about a name, it’s about people coming together. He then addressed his future in WWE, saying that he’s not sure when he’ll step into the ring again.

“And yeah, it’s been 20 years, and yeah, I’m 45 years old. I only state that because I don’t know when you’re gonna see me in the ring again. I’m not saying you won’t, I just don’t know when that’s gonna be. So I need to say this now.

“It ain’t just gonna be one, it ain’t just gonna be one, don’t worry about it. I just don’t know when that’s gonna be so I need to say this now.

In a plea to the WWE Universe, John Cena made it clear that his career has always been about the fans, not about himself, and he asked that they continue to make their opinions heard.

“Anything I do outside of this never just me. Just like when you chant Cena it’s not about me. It’s about us coming together; this is all about WE.

“So I am asking you tonight, I am asking you tonight. You have made me who I am today, so going forward if you see something that’s good, say something. If you see something that sucks, say something, because this has never ever been about me. This has always been about us.”

John Cena ended the segment by encouraging the crowd to never give up, and said “If you want some, come get some.” He then shook hands and greeted members of the crowd on his way out of the arena, giving away wristbands, his hat, and his shirt along the way.

Elsewhere on Monday Night Raw, The Miz confirmed that Logan Paul would be returning to the WWE and teaming with him at SummerSlam despite being the recipient of a Skull Crushing Finale after their tag team match at WrestleMania 38.

Full results from the June 27th episode of Raw can be found here.

If you use any quotes from this transcription, please link back to this article with a h/t to Inside the Ropes.