John Cena appears in his old look at Fanatics Fest NYC

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Never give up on keeping your word, John. | (Photo: WWE) When John Cena announced his retirement tour in 2024, he was asked if that meant he’d also retire his signature look. “Yes, the jorts will be retired,” Cena said at the Money in the Bank post-show press conference, adding, “The uniform will be retired. You will see me in a suit and tie.” Well, guess who showed up to Fanatics Fest NYC, looking a lot like the John Cena of old? That’s right. John Cena. ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR TRIBAL… Cena? 😂 @Fanatics | #FanaticsFest | @JohnCena pic.twitter.com/2OItE0LSg9 — WWE (@WWE) July 18, 2026 In a clip uploaded to WWE’s social media, Cena wore a ball cap, bright T-shirt, and cargo shorts as he mimicked Roman Reigns’ iconic entrance at the fan festival. Technically, Cena stayed somewhat true to his word by wearing cargo shorts. Still, I can’t say I’m surprised by this latest development. After all, this is the same guy who preached to fans, “Never Give Up.” Then, in his very last match, he gave up, tapping out to Gunther’s sleeper hold while wearing a cheesy grin on his face. It’s also worth remembering Cena’s words in December, when he said on Jimmy Kimmel Live that he was “100% done,” adding, “I will never wrestle again.” Then, in an interview last month with Us Weekly, Cena said: “I hate speaking in absolutes … ‘Never’ is a strong word. It would be financial suicide for someone to court me in a position where I would have another match, and I truly mean that. So if you’re in the business of torching currency, that’s the only way to get me back in the ring.” Cena made it sound like the cost of bringing him back was so astronomical that there was no chance of a return. To me, it was him leaving the door open for a return — for the right price. Now that he’s brought back at least some of his old uniform, you can count the days before Cena takes to the ring for one more match.