John Cena simply can't stay away from WWE for long, it turns out.
The wrestling legend dropped a bombshell on fans this afternoon, revealing he'll be returning to the company as host of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
It's a surprise move that comes just months after the 48-year-old hung up his boots in December following an emotional farewell tour.
Cena shared the exciting news on social media, writing: "Since retirement, my 'road' has looked a little different... but now I can officially say I'm headed to WrestleMania!!!! See you in Las Vegas!"
John Cena is set to return to WWE - as a host
|GETTY
WWE quickly confirmed the announcement, calling Cena "the GOAT."
The 17-time world champion accompanied his announcement with a video filmed on the set of his latest project.
In the clip, Cena joked about "retired life in the sun" before revealing he's actually hard at work shooting a Netflix film called One Attempt Remaining.
He explained that being in Hollywood made the hosting role a natural fit.
"I'm also on the road... which is ironic because there's a road to WrestleMania going on, and Hollywood is close to Vegas," Cena said in the video.
The GOAT @JohnCena is OFFICIALLY the Host of #WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas!!!
— WWE (@WWE) March 30, 2026
🎟️: https://t.co/A9p2adsBMz https://t.co/cttYUnj0kt
"Rumour around this town is WrestleMania needs a host. Well, I'm already on that road. So I will see you at WrestleMania."
Cena's retirement came after a year-long farewell tour that saw him face some of the biggest names in the business, including Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Randy Orton, and Brock Lesnar.
His final bout took place on 13 December at Saturday Night's Main Event in Washington, DC, where he lost to Gunther in what fans described as a hard-fought contest.
But the farewell tour wasn't without its triumphs.
At last year's WrestleMania 41, held at the very same Allegiant Stadium, Cena defeated Cody Rhodes to claim a record-breaking 17th world championship, cementing his place in WWE history.
WrestleMania 42 is set to take over Allegiant Stadium on 18 and 19 April, marking the second year running the venue has hosted WWE's flagship event.
WWE icon John Cena was the main star at WrestleMania 41 - and will be back for 42
| GETTYAnd what a card it's shaping up to be.
CM Punk will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns, while Cody Rhodes puts his Undisputed WWE Championship on the line against Randy Orton in the other headline bout.
The women's division looks equally stacked, with Jade Cargill facing Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women's Championship and Stephanie Vaquer taking on Liv Morgan for the Women's World Championship.
Brock Lesnar versus Oba Femi and an unsanctioned clash between Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre round out the announced matches.