Emotional moment John Cena announces retirement from wrestling

We all knew this moment was going to have to come at some point but it was always going to knock our proverbial socks off.

So long a mainstay of wrestling, John Cena has just announced that he's calling time on his career as he told a crowd 'tonight I officially announce my retirement from the WWE'.

He was speaking at the 'Money in the Bank' event in Toronto, Canada, when the 47-year-old wrestler and actor got into the ring with a microphone to tell the stadium that he was retiring.

Cena said that in his years he'd been through times where 'no one knows your name, nobody wants to be your friend' and paid tribute to 'the most dedicated, hardcore fans stand by your side'.

"We are gonna build so many unforgettable lasts," Cena told the crowd as he spoke of the future of WWE and how he'll soon be stepping away from it.

John Cena told the Toronto crowd he was retiring from wrestling, and 2025 would be his last year in the ring. (WWE/Getty Images)

"The 2025 Royal Rumble will be my last. The 2025 Elimination Chamber will be my last, and I'm here tonight to announce that in Las Vegas, Wrestlemania 2025 will be the last Wrestlemania I compete in.

"I know, I know, I know that's a lot to take in."

Cena took the opportunity he had in Toronto ahead of his final year of wrestling in the WWE to say thank you to the fans, who responded to him by chanting 'thank you Cena' repeatedly.

He called that an 'incredible gesture of kindness' as emotion entered his voice and he told the assembled fans 'thank you so much for letting me play in the house you built for so many years'.

The 47-year-old then challenged his fellow wrestlers to 'hurry up and come get some... because the last time is now'.

The John Cena farewell tour starts now. (WWE/Getty Images)

Cena first joined WWE back in 2001 and has been one of wrestling's most popular stars since then.

He's continued to wrestle part time since 2018, and in recent years has taken on more acting roles in movies.

Since then he's been involved in all sorts of roles and stunts, including showing up to the Oscars 'naked'.

Of course he wasn't actually stripped down to his birthday suit, but he was pretty damn close to it.

Outside the worlds of wrestling and acting, Cena is also known for his prolific work with the Make-A-Wish foundation where he's met hundreds of kids who wanted to see him.

On top of that, Cena has also developed a reputation for being a pretty cool guy to meet out in public as long as you treat him with respect.