One big thing: Dave Bautista explains why he couldn’t do a WWE retirement tour like John Cena
Former WWE superstar Dave Bautista recently shared his thoughts on retirement tours, contrasting his approach with that of John Cena’s planned farewell.
• Bautista retired quietly, announcing his decision on Instagram
• He feels a farewell tour would be “disingenuous” for him
• Cena plans to retire in 2025 after a year-long tour starting January
Why it matters
Bautista’s comments highlight the diverse approaches wrestlers take to ending their in-ring careers, reflecting their personal styles and relationships with fans.
By the numbers
• Bautista: 4-time World Heavyweight Champion
• Cena: 16-time World Champion
What they’re saying
Bautista on Cena’s retirement tour:
“I respect John a lot, a lot more than people think I do for some reason. I think the internet and I think fans have built this rivalry between us, which there really isn’t, but this is how we’re different. I would never do this [retirement tour]. I wouldn’t, I couldn’t.”
The big picture
• Wrestlers’ retirement decisions impact fan experiences and industry dynamics
• Different retirement styles reflect the diverse personalities in professional wrestling
Between the lines
Bautista’s preference for a low-key retirement aligns with his transition to Hollywood, where he’s focused on building a serious acting career.
The bottom line
Bautista’s candid remarks offer insight into the personal nature of career decisions in professional wrestling, emphasizing there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to retirement.
How do you feel about wrestlers doing retirement tours? Do you prefer Bautista’s quiet exit or Cena’s planned farewell tour? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
