John Cena discusses canceled WWE retirement plans: "The business isn't like that anymore"

John Cena has opened up about his initial plans for his WWE retirement tour. Cena is set to end his in-ring career on December 13 at Saturday Night's Main Event in Washington, D.C.

The GOAT initially announced his intention to retire at last year's Money in the Bank in London. It officially began on January 6 at the first-ever episode of RAW on Netflix. He had a total of 36 appearances, though he wanted to do more dates.

Speaking on The Bill Simmons Podcast, John Cena discussed what he originally intended to do for his farewell tour. He wanted to do a full-time run without any outside commitments, but WWE made him realize that his body might be unable to cope with a full schedule.

"The plan originally was to do like a full year. This just goes to show that my ignorance of the business. I wanted to do 220 dates. Just take a year off of everything, hop on a bus, do a full WWE calendar, and like totally say goodbye. Thank goodness that the business isn't like that anymore cause I would be, if you took a gingerbread man and just broke him. I'd be done. They only needed me for 36," Cena said.

Due to his partial schedule, John Cena was able to film other projects in Bulgaria and Morocco. However, Cena admitted that the travel took a toll on him, especially after WrestleMania 41.

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John Cena to face either Gunther or LA Knight

The final opponent of John Cena for his retirement match will be determined this Friday on SmackDown. Gunther is set to take on LA Knight in the final of The Last Time Is Now Tournament. The Ring General has been rumored to be Cena's final opponent for months now, though Knight has earned some momentum.

Gunther beat Je'Von Evans in the first round before dispatching Carmelo Hayes in the quarterfinals. He overcame Solo Sikoa in the semifinals to earn his ticket to the final. Knight, on the other hand, went through Zack Ryder, The Miz and Jey Uso for his spot.