
Nikki Bella expresses sadness over John Cena's WWE retirement
Nikki Bella expresses sadness over John Cena's WWE retirement
- Nikki Bella expressed her emotions about John Cena's retirement from WWE after a loss to Gunther.
- AJ Styles also retired, losing his last match against Gunther at the Royal Rumble 2026.
- Both retirements signal significant changes in professional wrestling, showcasing the bittersweet nature of the sport.
Story
John Cena's retirement from WWE followed a match against Gunther, where he lost by submission, marking the end of his wrestling career. The event took place as part of Cena's retirement tour. Nikki Bella, who was formerly engaged to Cena, returned to WWE amidst his retirement and reflected on the nature of their past relationship. Despite the potential for awkwardness at their reunion, particularly after years apart, Nikki mentioned that she was relieved to find that things felt normal again after meeting Cena's new wife. This reunion occurred after she had previously engaged in a significant feud with Becky Lynch, culminating in a championship match where she faced defeat. While attending a Philadelphia Flyers game, Nikki acknowledged that she did not attend Cena's final match, which some speculated may have been due to lingering feelings or animosity. However, she clarified that she had declined the invitation and was instead enjoying her time at the game. Nikki admitted her mixed emotions about Cena's retirement, saying she was mostly sad about the loss of his wrestling career but happy for him if he found fulfillment in his decision. She also confirmed she is currently dating Eagles defensive star Cooper Dejean. In another part of the wrestling world, AJ Styles, after losing his final match at the Royal Rumble 2026 against Gunther, also announced his retirement from professional wrestling. The match had significant implications, as Styles had vowed to retire if he did not defeat Gunther. Following this match, AEW owner Tony Khan praised Styles's contributions to the wrestling industry, recognizing his legacy and unmatched skills both in WWE and in other promotions around the world. Although Styles hinted at possibly returning to wrestling by briefly donning his gloves, it remains to be seen if he will step back into the ring, despite Khan's belief that Styles is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Ultimately, both Cena's and Styles's retirements reflect a shifting landscape in professional wrestling, where legends conclude their careers, leaving behind a lasting impact on the sport and its fans. The responses from their peers, including Bella's emotional reactions, convey the deep connections formed among wrestlers, grappling with the complexities of personal and professional relationships in the spotlight.