Bruce Prichard, an important member of the WWE creative team, also revealed that he was made aware of John Cena’s retirement plans two years ago. He said the entire journey has felt a bit surreal, but he is glad that Cena can say goodbye on his own terms.

“I’ve known about this for two years, and we’ve planned this, and as you get into it, it’s becomes commonplace, and then you get down to the point of like four dates left or ‘Oh my god, wait guys, we only have 10 dates left.’ And that’s very surreal. I’m extremely happy for him, in that he’s had this opportunity to travel across the world to say goodbye to his fans and for his fans to be able to see him live in the ring one last time. And that’s special, and you don’t always get to see that and or to know it, and experience it, and take the ride with one of your favorites,” he said. 

He went on to praise Cena’s character and said that he has earned every bit of the success he has achieved.

“So, it’s extremely bittersweet. And I love John to death as a performer, but more so as a human being because he’s a stand-up, class human being. And everything that he does, you know, John is not one of those guys that is going to embarrass you. And I’m so happy for all of his success, and he deserves every single thing he gets.”

Cena will bid goodbye to his loyal fans this weekend, but he is advertised to appear next year on the “WWE Raw” after WrestleMania 42.