John Cena fought back tears as he celebrated 20 years since his WWE debut.
The former world champion – who first appeared on ‘WWE SmackDown’ in June 2002 in a match against Kurt Angle – returned on ‘Raw’ last night (27.06.22) to mark two decades and address the fans.
Standing in the ring during the show, he said: “This 20th anniversary is very important to me, because it means that you have allowed me do this for two decades.
“It’s never been lost on me that each and every single time I stand in this, it’s because you allow it. Guys, over the years you have created an environment for me to be my true self.
“I need to say thank you for moments like those, and I need to say thank you for making me who I am!”
He insisted that WWE has prepared him “for anything”, but pointed out how that goes beyond his movie career and roles in the likes of ‘Fast and Furious’ or ‘Peacemaker’.
He added: “When I say that WWE has prepared me for anything, I mean because of you, and your reactions and your investment in me. You have made me a better human being.”
The 45-year-old star noted while he isn’t sure exactly when he’ll wrestle again, it’s definitely on the cards and he won’t just be coming back for one more match.
He said: “It’s been 20 years and I’m 45 years old, I only state that because I don’t know when you’re gonna see me in the ring again. I’m not saying you won’t, I just don’t know when that’s going to be.
“So I need to say this now – it ain’t just gonna be one [more match], don’t worry about it! I need to say that this. Anything I do outside of this is never just me.
“Just like when you chant Cena, it’s not about me. It’s about us coming together. This is all about ‘we’… That right there is the sound of us. We never give up, we’re just getting started. If you want some – come get some!”
