CJ Perry Calls John Cena’s Retirement a Gimmick

CJ Perry isn’t buying John Cena’s retirement talk—and she’s calling it like she sees it.

During her appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, the former WWE star weighed in on Cena’s supposed retirement tour and made it clear she thinks it’s all part of the act. Perry, who has spent years in the WWE machine, isn’t convinced the 16-time World Champion is really hanging it up for good.

“The biggest worker of them all is John Cena… I never believe Cena or The Undertaker are retiring. It’s a gimmick. We’re all going to buy the towel and the merch.”

Perry’s comments come amid Cena’s latest string of appearances where he’s suggested his time in the ring is coming to an end. But CJ sees it as a familiar playbook—especially with names like Cena and The Undertaker, who’ve teased retirement only to return when the moment is right.

Still, despite her skepticism, Perry had nothing but praise for Cena’s influence backstage. She credited the WWE icon with helping her evolve as a performer during her babyface transition.

“He said: take calculated risks. But when those risks fail—own it.”

Cena’s guidance during that phase of her career stuck with her, and she acknowledged how important his mentorship has been for talent behind the scenes. Whether or not this is Cena’s final run, Perry’s comments echo what many fans have long suspected—that in professional wrestling, retirement is often just another storyline.

Do you think John Cena is really done with wrestling? Or is CJ Perry right that this is just another work to move merch? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know where you stand.

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