John Cena's rumored retirement is basically a consequence that makes his character become virtually extinct in the more realistic and serious version of the WWE that is prevalent today ever since Triple H took over as WWE Head of Creative. Cena represents the past period of the WWE where his kid-friendly character has been him the Face of the WWE but there is virtually no place for Cena in the WWE today.

During the Ruthless Aggression Era, the PG Era and to a lesser extent, the Reality Era, Cena was Vince McMahon's go-to guy. Cena was the one who would become the company's top draw and merchandise seller. He was also the one who got numerous PPV main event spots. Cena's star power would lead him to star in such films as "The Marine" and 12 Rounds."

But times have definitely changed since the New Era began in 2016. Cena's numerous child fans have since grown up. The WWE product became more adult-oriented. WWE's previously male-centric TV programming has suddenly become more gender-neutral as not only are men stars but women such as Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Mercedes Mone, Bayley, Asuka, Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair have shattered the Diva mold as well as killing the stigma of women's matches being the bathroom break.

Recently, Cody Rhodes has become the new "Face of the WWE." Despite debuting in the WWE in 2007, Rhodes has undergone a major transformation ever since he returned from the WWE back in 2022 after founding WWE's rival promotion AEW back in 2019. Rhodes was no longer a clean-cut wrestler as his gritty and unconventional appearance has made him a fan favorite with his "American Nightmare" persona.

Cena retiring from pro wrestling is a shift that the WWE is very happy to embrace. The kid-friendly character will no doubt have a much tougher job of getting over with WWE fans today. Cena finds himself obsolete, a product of a bygone era of the WWE these days.