John Cena returned to WWE less than four months after his retirement, hosting WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas on April 18-19. Fans celebrated his comeback as he opened the event following his final match in December 2025.
Key points
John Cena returned to WWE after retirement
He hosted WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas
The event took place on April 18-19
Fans cheered for Cena's comeback
His final match was in December 2025
Mentioned in this story
John CenaLas Vegas
Allegiant StadiumWrestleMania 42
John Cena hosts WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty
John Cena hosts WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18
Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
John Cena returned to the WWE stage less than four months after retiring from professional wrestling
The star hosted WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19
Fans cheered as Cena kicked off the event as host just months after his final match in December 2025
Less than four months after wrestling 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 off WrestleMania 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,” the 17-time WWE world champion said, acknowledging the crowd's cheers. “Sorry, long-time fan, long-time performer, first-time host. How am I doing so far?”
Q&A
When did John Cena retire from professional wrestling?
John Cena retired from professional wrestling in December 2025.
What event did John Cena host after his retirement?
John Cena hosted WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas on April 18-19.
How long after his retirement did John Cena return to WWE?
John Cena returned to WWE less than four months after his retirement.
Where was WrestleMania 42 held?
WrestleMania 42 was held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
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John Cena hosts WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty
John Cena hosts WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18
Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty
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.
John Cena wrestling in 2009Credit: George Napolitano/FilmMagic
John Cena wrestling in 2009
Credit: George Napolitano/FilmMagic
After losing his final professional wrestling match to rising WWE star Gunther at 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 like Fast X, Argylle and The Suicide Squad.
He also found a career in TV, first with reality show appearances on E!'s Total Divas and Total Bellas and then hosting competition series such as Wipeout. Later, he also broke through with his starring role in HBO Max's The 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.”
