Tony Khan has spoken about John Cena after his WWE retirement announcement
WWE legend John Cena recently announced that he will retire from in-ring action next year. Furthermore, he revealed that his last WrestleMania match will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in April 2025. Following the announcement, AEW President Tony Khan spoke about Cena.
The 47-year-old showed up at Money in the Bank, which was held on June 6, and revealed that he would embark on his farewell tour in January 2025.
"The 2025 Royal Rumble will be my last. The 2025 Elimination Chamber will be my last. And I’m here tonight to announce that in Las Vegas, WrestleMania 2025 will be the last I compete in."
Additionally, he thanked fans for their support and honesty. In response, Canadian spectators showered the 16-time World Champion with loud "Thank you, Cena" chants.
John Cena is not only respected by individuals associated with WWE but also by people from other promotions. AEW President Tony Khan recently appeared on Infinity Sports Network for an interview and spoke highly of The Cenation Leader.
Khan revealed that although he had never spoken to Cena in person, the wrestler's father regularly attended AEW shows in Boston.
"I have talked to his dad several times. His father comes to a lot of the AEW shows. So his dad is a regular in the front row anytime we're in Boston. John Cena Sr. is a regular AEW guest and a very nice person. I've never talked to John. There's been a lot of cross-promotion, but we've never talked in person." [7:38 - 8:08]
Is John Cena part of Tony Khan's pro wrestling Mount Rushmore
John Cena has been one of the biggest names in WWE for nearly two decades. Besides winning multiple titles, the legend has been integral to the global juggernaut's financial success.
In the same interview, Tony Khan said Cena was in his modern-day Mount Rushmore of pro wrestling.
"Certainly of the modern era. For me, a lot of people in the Mount Rushmore are the people I grew up on and worked with later in life. Sting is up there. But John Cena is one of the best wrestlers and certainly one of the greatest in the modern era, without a doubt." [From 8:30 onwards]
Since the AEW founder grew up in a different era of pro wrestling, his list of all-time greats includes Hall of Famers like Sting, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Ric Flair, and more.
If you use Tony Khan's quotes from this article, please credit Infinity Sports Network and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.