John Cena’s Final Royal Rumble: A Farewell to a WWE Legend
Nolan was just 3 years old when he found solace in a John Cena action figure after losing his father to suicide. That one toy became a symbol of strength and resilience, helping him through some of the darkest moments of his childhood.
This weekend, Cena is set to achieve an extraordinary milestone—his 700th Make-A-Wish fulfillment. His unwavering commitment to bringing joy to sick children has made him a true hero beyond the wrestling ring.
A Magical WWE Connection
The discovery of a John Cena action figure in a Walmart toy aisle in 2010 was the beginning of a lifelong admiration. The playset, which included a WWE ring, a Big Show figure, and Cena himself, immediately caught Nolan’s attention. The image on the box of Cena lifting Big Show over his head embodied the strength and determination that Nolan would come to admire.
That moment in the store turned into an obsession. As his older brother Eli lost interest in WWE, Nolan only grew more invested. Watching Cena’s matches and listening to his message of hustle, loyalty, and respect gave Nolan something to believe in, something to hold onto when life felt uncertain.
With the support of his family, Nolan collected over 400 WWE figures and nearly 30 wrestling rings. He attended numerous WWE events, from WrestleMania to SmackDown, SummerSlam, Raw, Fastlane, and Hell in a Cell. But this weekend’s event will be the most emotional for him yet.
Cena’s Retirement Tour and the Final Royal Rumble
Now 17, Nolan will be inside Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday night for what may be his last chance to see Cena wrestle live. Cena, a 16-time WWE Champion and one of the franchise’s biggest stars, announced his retirement from wrestling in July. During Money in the Bank, Cena made a surprise appearance, holding up a towel that read, “The last time is now,” signaling that his days in the ring were numbered.
This weekend is one of Cena’s final stops before WrestleMania in April, which could mark his last-ever match. Knowing this, Nolan didn’t hesitate to spend $400 of his hard-earned savings from his job at Papa Murphy’s to secure a ticket to the Royal Rumble.
A Personal Tribute to a Childhood Hero
For Nolan, Cena was more than just a wrestler—he was a role model and a father figure during a difficult time in his life. In a heartfelt tribute, Nolan wrote last week, “When I lost my dad at a young age, he was like a father figure to me. I wanted to be like him in every way possible. There will never be another John Cena.”
As Cena prepares for his final Royal Rumble, fans like Nolan are reflecting on the impact he has had both inside and outside the ring. Cena’s legacy is more than his championships—it’s the countless lives he has touched along the way.
For Nolan, this weekend isn’t just about a wrestling match. It’s about saying thank you to the man who unknowingly helped him navigate life’s toughest battles. It’s about witnessing history, one last time, as John Cena steps into the ring for his final Royal Rumble.
