John Cena announced his retirement from WWE at Money in the Bank 2024, sending the wrestling world into tears. Despite being aware of the fact that the legend would have to retire one day, the announcement evoked a bittersweet feeling among fans. While it was partially done to give fans time to process, a WWE veteran believes the move also had ulterior motives.

According to Eric Bischoff, WWE had John Cena announce his retirement one year in advance because this would allow them to profit from fan sentiments during this era.

Eric Bischoff suggests that John Cena’s retirement was announced a year in advance with financial gain in mind

During the MITB PLE in Toronto, John Cena revealed that WrestleMania 41 would be his last Mania event. Following the marquee event, he would retire from the ring. The Cenation leader further elaborated on the details during the post-show media coverage. Bischoff thinks this was a good move for the business. While discussing the topic on his podcast 83 Weeks, the host said, “It’s going to be printing money, especially you’re announcing it a year in advance. You’ve got all these events between now and then.” In the end, he also added, “It’s just going to be a money-making festival over at TKO and WWE.”

Although the former WWE employee is unsure whether John Cena will be present in all the coming PLEs, he thinks the Stamford-based company will make money through different merch and licensed brands. Bischoff thinks that WWE and affiliated brands could set up a retirement product range for the fans of Cena.

Following his final match, John Cena will get to focus on his flourishing Hollywood career more but what about WWE?

Will John Cena completely leave WWE behind?

As of now, the wrestler hasn’t revealed much about what he plans to do with the leading wrestling promotion once he is out of the game. However, the possibility exists that he might seldom visit backstage to guide new wrestlers as a fan of pro wrestling. Moreover, podcaster Denise Salcedo also predicted that John Cena may head in the same direction as Dwayne Johnson after he retires from the world of pro wrestling. As she said on the Busted Open Podcast, Cena may join TKO.

Much like The Rock, his former rival has also gained a fanbase much larger than just wrestling fans. So, Cena’s presence on the TKO board as another director could profit the company as it did with Johnson’s presence. Moreover, it would allow the Hollywood star to stay connected to the pro wrestling world as a fan of the sport, and be a part of the lucrative business while still focusing on his Hollywood career. Whether he will be offered a place on the board and if he will accept it, is yet to be seen.

Could John Cena’s retirement announcement have been a business move? Let us know your thoughts below.