John Cena is already making plans to get to the main event of WrestleMania one more time after losing out at the Royal Rumble.
John Cena made it to the final two of the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble match before he was shockingly eliminated by Jey Uso. Uso will now go on to main event WrestleMania 41, while Cena will have to find another path to the Grandest Stage Of Them All.
At the post-Royal Rumble press conference, Cena was all business, admitting that it has now started sinking in that it will be his last time competing at WrestleMania.
“In the 23 years I’ve been in this business, I know there are different perspectives about my path. The truth is, I’ve never used my opportunities for a spot that I haven’t earned.
“Tonight was special, for many reasons. It has begun to sink in that it was my last Royal Rumble. In Las Vegas, in looking at the sign, when it was down to two, and I had a moment to let the energy sink in, I realized that Las Vegas is my last WrestleMania.
“The last time I main evented a WrestleMania was 2013. That’s a long time ago. The reason that hasn’t been at the forefront in my mind, I’ve been a gimmick, I’ve been the first match, I’ve been in the middle, I’ve shared beers with the fans. My truth, my perspective, is I’ve always done what’s best for business.”
John Cena Claims It’s “Best For Business” For Him To Main Event WWE WrestleMania 41
John Cena went on to claim that him being in the main event of WrestleMania is “best for business” and that he would be entering the Elimination Chamber to not only get that opportunity, but to become a record-breaking 17-time World Champion.
“Tonight, standing in that ring, I wanted this experience to be a tour of goodwill. I’ve openly admitted that I don’t know how much I have left in the tank and I just wanted to do something that would be nice for all of us to get together and have a good time. Unfortunately tonight, it dawned on me that’s not best for business. What is best for business is I main event WrestleMania. What is best for business is, for the first time, that I confidently say that I’m going to win a 17th championship. I’m announcing tonight that I will compete in the Elimination Chamber.
“I’m saying that because after 23 years of loyal service to the company, I feel that opportunity is earned. Yes, I’m flying back to Hungary to film a movie. What I’m going to do is give my five other opponents one month to slander my name and bolster their self-confidence the best that I can. I told Toronto when I announced my retirement that I was grateful for the city and I would be back, and I would be back to kick ass. It is time to walk that talk and be who I say I am.”
According to John Cena, he is not thinking about his ego or his own business, but believes he needs to win so that someday he can shake the hand of the person who surpasses his record.
I am going to the Elimination Chamber to win, and I’m going to main event my final appearance in WrestleMania and win a 17th championship because that’s what’s best for business. I say that because it is not best for my ego, it is not best for my business. I have built my existence here off of hard work, loyalty to this company, and respect for all of its branches. I will win 17, not for me. I will win 17 to someday shake the hand of the person who wins 18. Thank you very much.”
In other news, a John Cena show was quietly cancelled.
H/T to Fightful for the above transcription.