John Cena acknowledges one of today’s rising indie stars.
This week, former WWE Champion John Cena is celebrating the end of his illustrious in-ring career, which began in 1999. In the many years following, Cena would capture 17 world titles, and lead WWE through multiple eras, all while inspiring the young fans watching at home.
On X, “Vicious” Vicki Venuto revealed herself as one of the fans particularly touched by Cena’s signature message of “Never Give Up.” According to the former Warriors of Wrestling Women’s Champion, her admiration for Cena extends back more than two decades, with him serving as a prime example of “perseverance” to her.
“I still remember 2005 vividly. I was standing outside Gold’s Gym in Belleville, New Jersey, waiting for hours because WWE was in town for a show. That night, my patience paid off. I met the man who had inspired millions, including a nervous 12 year old girl who finally came face to face with her hero, John Cena,” Vicki wrote.
“As a young girl chasing the dream of becoming a professional wrestler, Cena became my blueprint for perseverance. He showed me that passion and persistence could break any barrier. His words, “Never Give Up” were more than a catchphrase; they became a way of life. So, to John Cena, thank you for everything. You’ve given this business more than anyone could ever ask for. Even now, as you prepare to say goodbye, you’re putting on some of the best matches of your career and leaving every ounce of yourself in that ring. You’ve shown that passion doesn’t fade with time; it only grows stronger when it comes straight from the heart.”
The Reality of Cena’s Retirement Settles In
Like many others, Vicki stated that her experience watching Cena on his 2025 retirement tour has been “bittersweet.” On one hand, she’s enjoyed seeing her hero reignite old rivalries and spark new ones. On the other, the reality of his imminent sendoff has been a struggle to accept.
Admittedly, Cena’s brief “breakup” with the WWE Universe and corresponding heel turn also elicited some heavy heartbreak. As his retirement match nears, though, Vicki clarified that move has since been forgiven, with Cena now being thanked for his widespread positivity and influence.
“It’s hard to say goodbye to someone who’s been the heartbeat of an entire era—the hero who taught us to get back up, no matter how many times we fall. And I’ll be honest, when you ‘broke up with us’ for a little while, I was genuinely heartbroken,” Vicki wrote. “But like any true fan, I forgave you the second that music hit again. You didn’t just tell us to “Never Give Up”, you lived it. And because of that, your legacy will live on in every fan, every dreamer, and every wrestler who dares to follow their passion.
“Thank you, John Cena, for inspiring us all—and for reminding me why I fell in love with wrestling in the first place. Without John Cena’s influence, I truly don’t know where I’d be today.”
Cena Responds
Taking notice of Vicki’s post, Cena apologized for his separation from the fans in the spring and summer of 2025. Additionally, he commended Vicki on her 10-year anniversary of being drug free, which she expanded upon in another X post.
“I did get a chance to see this. Sorry for the ‘breakup’ and thank you for leaning into forgiveness. Thank you even more for sharing this story and for continuous pursuit of your passion,” he wrote. “Congratulations on your 10 years of true perseverance and means the world to see you never give up on yourself.”
This Saturday, Cena will lace up his wrestling sneakers one more time when he faces Gunther in his retirement match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, emanating from Washington, D.C.
RELATED: Vicious Vicki Grateful For ‘Welcoming’ TNA Wrestling Experience, Input From Gail Kim
