WWE Rumors on John Cena's Retirement, Rhea Ripley's Return, Potential Ref Cam Video

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.

WWE Reportedly Kept Cena Retirement Announcement Secret From Wrestlers

Cena shocked the WWE Universe by announcing his retirement plans last weekend at Money in the Bank, but he reportedly caught his peers by surprise as well.

According to Fightful Select (h/t Subhojeet Mukherjee of Ringside News), Cena's fellow WWE Superstars didn't realize he was in Toronto to announce his retirement until they saw the merchandise he was sporting.

"The last time is now" was emblazoned on Cena's shirt, which was a clue that the 16-time world champion was about to announce his retirement plan.

While wrestlers were unaware of what Cena would be doing until they saw him, Fightful noted that "several" people within WWE knew about it based on the fact that they had his "last time" merchandise produced.

However, the details surrounding Cena's announcement were reportedly "kept close to the vest" by those who knew.

At Money in the Bank, Cena divulged that 2025 will be his final year as an active in-ring performer in WWE, shutting the book on one of the most storied and successful careers in pro wrestling history.

While it was initially assumed that Cena would be having his final match at WrestleMania 41 in April, Cena clarified during the post-show press conference after Money in the Bank that he would be working throughout 2025 with 30 to 40 appearances planned.

Fans still have some time to enjoy the legendary Cena, but knowing there is now an end date in place means the end of an era is very much on the horizon.

Details on Ripley's Return to WWE Programming

After missing about three months of action due to a shoulder injury, Rhea Ripley made her surprise return to WWE programming during Monday night's episode of Raw.

According to Fightful Select (h/t H Jenkins of Ringside News), WWE was internally discussing Ripley's return for "almost a month" before it finally came to fruition on Raw.

Shortly after WrestleMania 40, Ripley had to vacate the Women's World Championship due to injury, ending her dominant reign at 379 days.

Liv Morgan was the one who put her on the shelf, and while Ripley was away, Morgan not only won the women's world title, but she also attempted to infiltrate The Judgment Day.

Despite Dominik Mysterio claiming he was attempting to prevent Liv from winning and defending the title, his antics always led to Morgan victories, and Liv often tried to show her appreciation for him.

After Dominik and Liv beat Rey Mysterio and Zelina Vega on Raw this week, they shared an embrace, which led to Ripley making her return. Morgan ran off and Rhea confronted Dom before pushing him away when he attempted to hug her.

Per PWInsider.com (h/t Nikunj Walia of Ringside News), Ripley is now being listed internally by WWE as a babyface, while the rest of The Judgment Day are still listed as heels.

Ripley was a heel prior to her injury absence, but given the story that was being told with Dominik and Liv, it was widely assumed that Rhea would return as a face, and that appears to be the case.

The stage is now set for a potential match between Ripley and Morgan for the Women's World Championship at SummerSlam provided Rhea is cleared to wrestle, and that could be one of the biggest women's matches in WWE in recent memory.

WWE Reportedly Considering Usage of Ref Cam

WWE is reportedly discussing the possibility of adding a unique camera angle to its telecasts in the near future.

According to Fightful Select (h/t Jenkins), there has been internal talk in WWE regarding the use of a "ref cam," and it may debut on WWE programming "soon."

A ref cam isn't a completely foreign concept in wrestling, as TNA experimented with it before, but it has never stuck as a regularly used camera angle.

Over the past year or so, WWE has clearly broadened its horizons when it comes to camera shots and production, likely due to a changing of the guard in terms of leadership.

During that time, longtime WWE chairman Vince McMahon and longtime WWE executive producer Kevin Dunn left the company, ending their decades of influence over the product.

With Triple H in charge creatively, WWE has seemingly been more open to trying new things and taking chances from a production standpoint.

While a ref cam will never replace more traditional camera angles, it could potentially add a unique perspective during certain moments in the match and also provide content for instant replays.

WWE doesn't necessarily have to make a long-term commitment to the ref cam, but if it tries out the concept and it is well-received by the fans, it could be another thing that sets WWE apart from the rest.

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