John Cena will challenge Austin Theory for the WWE United States Championship next month at WrestleMania 39.
Following his return to WWE RAW last week, Cena tweeted,
“Last night was the first time I entered the arena and had the thought that it might be the last time.”
The Champ’s statement sent fans into a frenzy as people began speculating about his retirement from the squared circle.
Speaking to AP News, Cena clarified his comments on Twitter, noting that while he isn’t hanging up his boots just yet, he has definitely reached the twilight of his illustrious career.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On his Twitter comments: “I tried to put it in words in Twitter. I guess I didn’t explain myself correctly. It was the first time I came out into the arena knowing that this has a definitive end. Normally, you come out, you get all excited, OK, this is the next one and I’m waiting for the next one. I’m not done, of course. I made that statement accepting a match at WrestleMania so I know I have at least one more in front of me. But what I was trying to convey was, that was the first time I looked at all that excitement and energy and realized this is the twilight of that journey.”
On the pace of his schedule and feeling his age: “I’m feeling my age, so to speak. I could use a little bit of rest, but all my choice. These are wonderful things to be a part of. This one I’m really excited for because this movie does not stop. It is going to be action from the opening credits. We have a great team that mixes action and comedy. I’m also trying to do my best to, I hate the term work-life balance, but I’m trying to do my best to not fall into the trap of workaholism where I just hide in my work and I’m not a fully open, vulnerable human being to the people around me, the people that I love. I haven’t yet sacrificed my relationships for my work. I’m at a pretty good pace right now where I can hit on all cylinders.”
