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Newsweek
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
John Cena Reveals Heartbreaking Reason Behind WWE Retirement
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE legend John Cena offered candid insight this week into the pivotal decision to make 2025 his final year as an active professional wrestler, citing the physical toll of his career. Cena, who is currently on a unique heel retirement tour as the Undisputed WWE Champion, shared his perspective during an appearance on Stephanie McMahon's ESPN+ show, Stephanie's Places. In a clip he posted to X from the interview, Cena explained an epiphany regarding his physical capabilities. He acknowledged that he can no longer perform at the level he once did. "My skills are on the regress," Cena stated. "If I continue at a full-time physical capability or involvement, I'm not gonna run right, my partner's not gonna run right and our relationship's not gonna run right. Sorry kid, it's time to close this chapter." Despite this, his passion remains undiminished: "I wish I was 18, I wish I felt great because I don't feel more at home—besides in the arms of my wife—than I do on a canvas." Cena also revealed his proactive approach to this final run: "I had pitched this idea, a real wrestling farewell, and hoping that they would see the business of it." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Cena had announced at Money in the Bank in Toronto in 2024 that 2025 would be his WWE retirement tour. While he has been a part-time performer in recent years due to his burgeoning Hollywood career, his in-ring decline has become more apparent as he recently turned 48, an age at which physical decline is common for wrestlers. Initially, WWE fans fully supported the start of Cena's farewell, hoping he would capture a record-tying 17th world title. INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 06: John Cena addresses the crowd during Monday Night RAW at Intuit Dome on January 6, 2025 in Inglewood, California. INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 06: John Cena addresses the crowd during Monday Night RAW at Intuit Dome on January 6, 2025 in Inglewood, California. WWE/Getty Images He did win the Men's Elimination Chamber match in February 2025, earning that title shot, but then shocked WWE fans that same night by viciously attacking Cody Rhodes and turning heel for the first time in over two decades, aligning with The Rock. Cena defeated Rhodes for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41 through nefarious means and has since reveled in breaking rules as a dominant heel champion. This approach is like typical retirement tours, which usually feature beloved babyfaces receiving widespread adulation. Instead, Cena is actively garnering significant heel heat, making his final months arguably the most unique farewell tour in wrestling history, with fans guessing if a final babyface turn might occur before his December exit. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
New York Post
11 hours ago
- Business
- New York Post
UFC fight library vanishes from ESPN platforms in the middle of billion dollar negotiations
And poof, it's gone. In the middle of a tenuous television rights negotiation where the UFC is looking to get up to $1 billion dollars to broadcast their 40-plus events per year, ESPN+ pulled the rug on those looking to watch some old fights. Nearly every UFC event from UFC 308 (Oct. 26, 2024) and prior has been completely scrubbed from both their mobile app and desktop website. 5 The UFC is actively negotiating a TV deal. Getty Images A source close to the situation believes this is a part of an ongoing technical issue rather than a maneuver against UFC or anything related to their television broadcast negotiations.
Newsweek
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
John Cena Reveals He 'Flat Out Steals' From Surprising WWE Name
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena, who has embraced a surprising heel character during his 2025 retirement tour, recently acknowledged Stephanie McMahon as a significant influence on his ability to portray a compelling villain. Cena, who famously turned heel at the Elimination Chamber premium live event earlier this year by aligning with The Rock, had spent most of his two-decade career as WWE's ultimate babyface. During that time, he often found himself at odds with various on-screen antagonists, including Stephanie McMahon in her capacity as a powerful heel authority figure. Speaking directly to Stephanie on her ESPN+ show, Stephanie's Places, Cena explained how her performances helped shape his understanding of being an effective heel. "Can I just say I had some really good people to learn from. You are on a very short list of names that falls into [that category]," Cena told McMahon. He added, "I flat out steal a lot from you. So, thanks for helping me through this." This admission highlights the respect Cena has for McMahon's character work and her ability to generate reactions from WWE fans. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Cena's history with Stephanie McMahon in WWE storylines is extensive, primarily featuring her in antagonistic authority roles during his peak years as the company's top babyface. From 2013 to 2016, as part of "The Authority" alongside Triple H, McMahon used her power to create obstacles for Cena, delivering scathing promos and unfair scenarios against him. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: John Cena celebrates after defeating Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: John Cena celebrates after defeating Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, in his career, during her tenure as SmackDown General Manager, she also had memorable confrontations with a then-rising Cena, often disapproving of his "Doctor of Thuganomics" persona. These on-screen rivalries provided Cena with countless opportunities to observe McMahon's mastery of heel tactics, crowd manipulation, and promo delivery. As Cena navigates the final months of his in-ring career, which is set to end in December 2025, he does so as the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, fully embracing his heel side. WWE fans will see this heel champion in action at the Money in the Bank premium live event on June 7th, where he will team with United States Champion Logan Paul to take on Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes. From there, speculation is Cena will face Rhodes. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
USA Today
16 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Video: 'UFC on ESPN 68: Blanchfield vs. Barber' media day live stream (2 p.m. ET)
Video: 'UFC on ESPN 68: Blanchfield vs. Barber' media day live stream (2 p.m. ET) LAS VEGAS – UFC on ESPN 68 takes place Saturday at UFC Apex with a card that airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN+. Before fight night arrives, though, notable athletes from the card spoke to reporters Wednesday at media day. If you happen to miss any of the individual sessions on the live stream, check below for the archived videos of each media day. Dusko Todorovic Zachary Reese Billy Ray Goff Ramiz Brahimaj Ludovit Klein Mateusz Gamrot Maycee Barber Erin Blanchfield
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Video: 'UFC on ESPN 68: Blanchfield vs. Barber' media day live stream (2 p.m. ET)
LAS VEGAS – UFC on ESPN 68 takes place Saturday at UFC Apex with a card that airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN+. Before fight night arrives, though, notable athletes from the card spoke to reporters Wednesday at media day. If you happen to miss any of the individual sessions on the live stream, check below for the archived videos of each media day. This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Video: 'UFC on ESPN 68: Blanchfield vs. Barber' media day live stream
