WWE wrestler John Cena has had a legendary career in the professional wrestling ring, which is scheduled to end in 2025. This marks an important moment for the industry, as the 16-time world champion has been preparing for this. After all, he’s been a professional wrestler for virtually his entire life, and WWE is largely responsible for launching his successful Hollywood career.

The Bostonian announced that his farewell will be characterized by a full year of touring, which will include appearances at the first edition of RAW on Netflix, Royal Rumble, and WrestleMania 41—a testament to his grand status within the realm of pro wrestling. But did you know that this icon was once homeless before he made it into the Stamford-based promotion?

As a guest on Club Shay Shay, John Cena spoke about his pro wrestling journey and how the sport has completely changed his life. From being a nobody to arguably one of the biggest stars in the world, Cena has carved out a career that one can only dream of. But according to the WWE superstar, it did require its fair share of sacrifice. One major sacrifice he made was leaving the comfort of his father’s home to live in California.

He said, “I was homeless by choice. A lot of a lot of people are struggling with the inability to choose. My dad is, is fantastic and always has been great to all of his sons. And he’s always been like, ‘hey, you always got a roof over your head. You can always come home.’ But he also told me as I left for California from the mean street of West Newbury, you’ll never make it. You’ll be back in two weeks. Oh, so I don’t know if he’s a genius or he’s just an a**hole. But it worked. I didn’t want to come home. So when all of my plans failed and all my resources were dwindling, again, I had a choice. Do I stay? And if I stay, this is going to be the roof over my head for a while. But I loved it.”

Well, it truly was a sacrifice that paid off. So much so that every WWE superstar now wishes to be the last opponent the 16-time World Champion ever faces. Earlier, it was Cody Rhodes and Bron Breakker who dropped their names into the wrestling Goblet of Fire; now it seems there is another name on the list—one that truly was unexpected.

Drew McIntyre says he will push the company to get a fight against John Cena

With John Cena’s return to WWE programming in 2025 and his presence throughout much of the year, it is anticipated that WWE will have big plans for him, allowing him to face a variety of superstars before culminating his legendary career. In fact, there are already many superstars who have expressed their desire to participate in his ‘retirement tour.’ During Fanatics Fest, Drew McIntyre expressed his interest in being part of John Cena’s retirement tour, stating his desire to face him in the ring. McIntyre said he would push the company to get that match and hopes to be the one to end Cena’s career, just as he plans to do with CM Punk’s.

He said, “I don’t know if I’m figured into the plans, but I guarantee I’ll be pushing and nudging them left and right to make it happen. The amount of stories I have about [CM] Punk and things that happened when I was younger, I have ten fold on him. There has never been a one-on-one match. If I have to drive management crazy, I’ll drive them crazy. I’ll drive John crazy. I’m going to get that match. I’ll tear him apart. On the microphone, which not many people can do. In the ring. Send him packing. Happy retirement. Hopefully, Punk along with him.”

John Cena is confirmed to participate in more than 35 dates during his final year with WWE. It will be interesting to see what creative plans the company has for him and how his final months as an active professional wrestler play out. What do you think? Who will be the leader of the Cenation’s final boss? Let us know in the comments.