John Cena returned to the WWE stage less than four months after retiring from professional wrestling
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The star hosted WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19
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Fans cheered as Cena kicked off the event as host just months after his final match in December 2025
John Cenais back at WrestleMania.
Less than four months afterwrestling in his final match, the 48-year-old athlete and actor, who is the most decorated pro wrestler in WWE history, stepped back into the ring at WrestleMania 42 on Saturday, April 18 — only this time, he was the host.
Cena, who hosted the two-day event,kicked offWrestleMania 42, which was held at Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium, on Saturday. Dressed in a suit, Cena made his way to the stage to his entrance theme, “The Time is Now,” as the audience cheered before he commenced WrestleMania 42 with a few words.
“Wow I didn't expect that. Thank you so much,” the17-time WWE world championsaid, acknowledging the crowd's cheers. “Sorry, long-time fan, long-time performer, first-time host. How am I doing so far?”
After stating that the road to this year's WrestleMania has been “polarizing,” Cena said, “Now I see why I got the hosting gig. This is the moment I love the most, especially on the road to WrestleMania.”
“We're all in here for the same reason,” the host continued, “because we know the time to talk is up, the time to deliver is now, and we are all here with one thing on our minds: ‘Who tonight will step up and deliver?' ”
As the crowd's cheers ramped up, Cena added, “It is such a great honor. Ladies and gentlemen, and everyone watching around the world, welcome to WrestleMania!”
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Cena's WrestleMania hosting gig comes months after he concluded his WWE career in December 2025.
After losing his final professional wrestling match torising WWE star Guntherat the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 13, Cena remained in the ring for an emotional post-match moment as the audience serenaded him with cheers and chants. Before his final exit as a wrestler, he also turned to the crowd, bowing and saluting them.
Cena ended his in-ring career as one of the biggest stars to ever come out of the pro-wrestling business. Since rising to fame as a WWE star, he has made a name for himself in the movie business, appearing in blockbuster films likeFast X,ArgylleandThe Suicide Squad.
He also found a career in TV, first with reality show appearances on E!'sTotal DivasandTotal Bellasand then hosting competition series such asWipeout. Later, he also broke through with his starring role in HBO Max'sThe Suicide Squadspinoff seriesPeacemaker.
Speaking with PEOPLE in early 2024, Cena said, “I wouldn't be who I am — professionally or personally — without the WWE.” “I promised myself that I would never simply just be there for my own sake,” he continued at the time. “Every time I perform, I want to give my all to the audience.”
As he neared his retirement from pro wrestling in July 2025, Cena sat down with PEOPLE once again, this time for a cover story.
“My job is to entertain folks,” he said at the time. “I try to just do the best that I can each day, because I'm not perfect. But I try to just be as useful and grateful as I can.”
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