John Cena’s role as host of WrestleMania 42 was not part of WWE’s original plans at the time of his retirement, according to a new report.

Per WrestleVotes Radio, Cena was only informed about the hosting opportunity in February, well after his final match in December. He then agreed to take on the role, giving WWE a major name presence for the event.

The decision was reportedly influenced by WWE’s effort to strengthen ticket sales for the show in Las Vegas. Cena’s mainstream appeal and long-standing connection with fans made him an ideal choice to help promote the event without requiring a return to in-ring action.

The report also noted that Cena has signed a new long-term agreement with WWE that does not include wrestling. Instead, the deal formalizes his role with the company in a non-competing capacity, allowing him to stay involved in major events like WrestleMania while remaining retired from active competition.

Cena’s retirement match took place at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December. Prior to that, he made history at WrestleMania 41 by defeating Cody Rhodes to capture his record-setting 17th WWE Championship before stepping away from the ring.

While Cena will not be competing, his involvement as host ensures he will still play a prominent role during WWE’s biggest event of the year.

WrestleMania 42 is scheduled for April 18 and April 19 at Allegiant Stadium. Here is the current card:

• World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns
• Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton
• WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
• Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan
• Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: Penta (c) vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Rusev vs. Dragon Lee vs. JD McDonagh
• Women’s Intercontinental Championship: AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch
• United States Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams
• Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal 4-Way: Irresistible Forces (c) vs. Bella Twins vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria
• Unsanctioned Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu
• Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi
• Seth Rollins vs. Gunther
• Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio

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