The saying of “never say never” is often used in professional wrestling, but John Cena is making sure that “never” actually remains like that when he retires.

Speaking to ComicBook.com, former 16-time world champion John Cena said that he will not break his word and come out of retirement once his 2025 farewell tour is done, saying that he values the trust he built with fans over the year and he’s not going to break that.

“There isn’t a check writer with enough money to change my mind,” Cena told Comic Book. “When I hang it up in December, it isn’t something — I don’t want to continue for ego or financial gain. I built a relationship of trust and authenticity over the years with the WWE, and that’s people who think I suck and people who believe in me. They know that I shoot them straight and I’m trustworthy. I mean what I say.”

Cena noted that when he’s done in December 2025, he is done and that is the last time he will ever perform in a wrestling ring.

The former champion said that he will remain a grateful member of the WWE family as an ambassador, wearing a suit and not his usual sorts, baseball cap, wristband, and t-shirt.

“In December 2025, that goes away. And that’s the reason why we’re putting so much equity and emphasis on this farewell tour. Because it truly is the last time for generations — for grandparents and parents and kids to get together in the same time,” he continued.

Cena will kick off his farewell tour with the inaugural Raw on Netflix in January 2025 and will work between 30 and 40 dates throughout the year, culminating in a final match sometime in December.