John Cena has once again made history by becoming the WWE World Champion for a record-breaking 17th time — an incredible achievement that has rocked the wrestling world.
While Cena has announced plans to retire at the end of 2025, many fans believe he should stick around just a little longer — at least until WrestleMania 42 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Here’s why Cena needs to give the WWE Universe one final, unforgettable moment.
John Cena: A World-Record Champion
The WWE Championship isn’t just another belt — it’s a piece of wrestling history. Tracing its roots all the way back to 1905’s original World Heavyweight Wrestling Championship, it has been held by legends like Lou Thesz and Frank Gotch.
Over the years, several titles have merged into what we now know as the WWE World Championship, blending lineages from WWE, WCW, and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).
Through all the twists and turns, one thing is clear: John Cena now stands above them all, surpassing Ric Flair’s famous 16-time world title record. Cena’s 17th reign cements him as arguably the most decorated world champion in wrestling history.
2025: The End of an Era
2025 is shaping up to be the year wrestling says goodbye to a generation of legends. Big names like Christopher Daniels, Hiroshi Tanahashi, AJ Styles, Jeff Jarrett, Bill Goldberg, and John Cena himself have either retired or announced their plans to leave the ring behind.
Cena has made it clear that this year will be his final ride. Fans got a taste of the nostalgia during his retirement tour kickoff, where he hugged longtime rival CM Punk during the Elimination Chamber event.
It was a touching moment that showed just how much Cena means to wrestling fans — and how much more he still has to offer before walking away for good.
Why Cena Should Stay Until WrestleMania 42
Even though WrestleMania 41 could be Cena’s planned last Mania appearance, there’s a strong case for sticking around just a few more months. WrestleMania 42 is set for April 11–12, 2026, at the Superdome in New Orleans — the same building where Cena had a career-defining moment at WrestleMania 30.
Back then, Cena faced Bray Wyatt, one of his greatest rivals. Wyatt’s dark and twisted character was the perfect foil for Cena’s shining hero image.
Sadly, Wyatt passed away unexpectedly in 2023, leaving the wrestling world mourning one of its most creative minds. Returning to New Orleans could give Cena the perfect chance to honor Wyatt’s memory in front of a global audience.
But that’s not the only reason.
The Dream Match: John Cena vs. Bryan Danielson
WrestleMania 30 wasn’t just about Cena and Wyatt. It was the night that Bryan Danielson (formerly Daniel Bryan) achieved wrestling immortality, defeating Triple H, Randy Orton, and Batista to win the WWE World Championship after famously beating Cena earlier that year.
Fast forward to now: Danielson retired from full-time wrestling in 2024 after a match with Swerve Strickland. However, Danielson has made it clear he’s still open to returning for the right occasion.
Imagine this: John Cena, holding the WWE World Championship, calling out Bryan Danielson for one last match at WrestleMania 42, in the very building where Danielson became a legend. It would be a historic, once-in-a-lifetime battle between two icons, giving fans a dream match that could be remembered for decades.