John Cena (born 1977) is an American professional wrestler, actor, and television host. Rising to fame with WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), Cena became one of the most popular and successful wrestlers of all time, known for his catchphrase “You can’t see me” and his signature move, the Attitude Adjustment. He has won multiple world championships and headlined numerous major events. Transitioning to acting, Cena has starred in films such as Trainwreck, Blockers, and The Suicide Squad. In addition to his entertainment career, he is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Early Life and Background
John Felix Anthony Cena was born on April 23, 1977, in West Newbury, Massachusetts. He is the second eldest of five brothers, born to John Cena Sr. and Carol Cena. His upbringing in a large family fostered a sense of competitiveness and resilience. Cena’s father was of Italian descent, and his mother had French-Canadian and English roots, creating a diverse cultural background that influenced his upbringing.
From a young age, Cena showed a keen interest in sports. He attended Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, before transferring to Cushing Academy, a private prep boarding school. Cena was a standout athlete, excelling in football, which earned him a scholarship to Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts. At Springfield College, he was a Division III All-American center on the football team, wearing the number 54, which he continues to use as a tribute in his professional wrestling career.
Cena graduated in 1999 with a degree in exercise physiology and body movement, reflecting his interest in fitness and bodybuilding. After college, Cena pursued a career in bodybuilding, a decision that would eventually lead him to the world of professional wrestling.
Entry into Professional Wrestling
Cena began his wrestling career in 1999 when he enrolled in the Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) training academy in California. He adopted the persona of “The Prototype,” a semi-robotic character, and quickly made a name for himself in the UPW circuit. His dedication, physique, and charisma caught the attention of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), then known as World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
In 2001, Cena signed a developmental contract with WWE and was assigned to their developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). During his time in OVW, Cena continued to hone his skills and developed a strong following. He held the OVW Heavyweight Championship and the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship, showcasing his potential as a future WWE superstar.
WWE Debut and Rise to Stardom
Cena made his WWE main roster debut on June 27, 2002, on an episode of SmackDown!, answering an open challenge from Kurt Angle. Cena’s debut was marked by his fiery “ruthless aggression,” which quickly endeared him to fans. Despite losing the match, his performance earned him respect and set the stage for his future success.
Cena’s initial character underwent several transformations. He adopted a rapper persona, complete with freestyle raps and a brash attitude. This “Doctor of Thuganomics” gimmick resonated with the audience, blending humor, charisma, and in-ring talent. Cena’s catchphrases, such as “You can’t see me,” and his unique finishing move, the “Attitude Adjustment,” became iconic elements of his persona.
In 2004, Cena won his first major championship, the United States Championship, by defeating The Big Show at WrestleMania XX. This victory solidified his status as a rising star in WWE. Cena’s popularity continued to soar, and in 2005, he won the WWE Championship for the first time by defeating John “Bradshaw” Layfield (JBL) at WrestleMania 21.
Reign as WWE’s Top Star
Cena’s first WWE Championship reign marked the beginning of his era as the face of WWE. He held the title for an extended period, defending it against various challengers and establishing himself as a dominant force in the company. Cena’s appeal transcended wrestling, and he became a cultural icon, appearing in movies, TV shows, and various media.
Throughout his career, Cena has won numerous championships, including 16 world titles, tying the record held by WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair. His ability to connect with the audience, both as a heroic figure and a polarizing character, contributed to his sustained success. Cena’s feuds with top stars such as Edge, Randy Orton, CM Punk, and The Rock are some of the most memorable in WWE history.
Cena’s work ethic and commitment to his craft earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike. He consistently delivered high-quality matches and compelling storylines, becoming a reliable main event performer. Cena’s dedication to fitness and his positive attitude also made him a role model for aspiring wrestlers and fans.
Acting Career and Hollywood Success
While Cena’s primary focus was wrestling, he gradually transitioned into acting. His first major film role came in 2006 with the action movie “The Marine,” produced by WWE Studios. Cena’s performance received mixed reviews, but it marked the beginning of his journey in Hollywood.
Cena continued to balance his wrestling career with acting, taking on roles in various films and television shows. His versatility as an actor became evident as he explored different genres, including action, comedy, and drama. Notable films in Cena’s acting career include “12 Rounds” (2009), “Trainwreck” (2015), “Daddy’s Home” (2015) and its sequel “Daddy’s Home 2” (2017), “Blockers” (2018), and “Bumblebee” (2018).
In recent years, Cena’s acting career has gained significant momentum. He joined the cast of the “Fast & Furious” franchise, playing the role of Jakob Toretto in “F9” (2021). Cena’s performance was well-received, showcasing his ability to take on more complex and dynamic roles. Additionally, he starred as Peacemaker in the superhero film “The Suicide Squad” (2021), directed by James Gunn, and reprised the role in the HBO Max series “Peacemaker” (2022).
Cena’s success in Hollywood has not diminished his passion for wrestling. He continues to make appearances in WWE, demonstrating his loyalty to the industry that launched his career. Cena’s ability to seamlessly transition between wrestling and acting has solidified his status as a versatile entertainer.
Philanthropy and Community Work
Beyond his achievements in wrestling and acting, Cena is known for his extensive philanthropic efforts. He is a dedicated advocate for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Cena holds the record for granting the most wishes, fulfilling over 650 wishes to date. His commitment to brightening the lives of young fans has earned him widespread admiration and respect.
Cena’s charitable work extends beyond Make-A-Wish. He has been involved in various initiatives to support the military, including participating in WWE’s Tribute to the Troops events and visiting military bases. Cena’s appreciation for the armed forces is deeply personal, as he has family members who have served in the military.
In addition to his work with Make-A-Wish and the military, Cena is also an advocate for cancer research and awareness. He has supported organizations such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure and has participated in campaigns to raise awareness about breast cancer. Cena’s philanthropic efforts reflect his desire to make a positive impact on society and use his platform for good.
Personal Life
Cena’s personal life has been a subject of public interest. He was previously married to Elizabeth Huberdeau from 2009 to 2012. The couple’s divorce was highly publicized, and Cena later entered a high-profile relationship with fellow WWE superstar Nikki Bella. Their relationship was documented on the reality TV show “Total Divas” and its spin-off “Total Bellas.”
Cena and Bella got engaged at WrestleMania 33 in April 2017, but their relationship ended in 2018, shortly before their planned wedding. Despite the public nature of their breakup, both Cena and Bella have expressed mutual respect and admiration for each other.
In October 2020, Cena married Shay Shariatzadeh, a Canadian engineer. The couple met while Cena was filming “Playing with Fire” in Vancouver, and they have kept their relationship relatively private. Cena’s marriage to Shariatzadeh marks a new chapter in his personal life, and he has expressed happiness and contentment in his new relationship.
Legacy in Wrestling
John Cena’s legacy in professional wrestling is undeniable. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time. Cena’s impact on the industry can be measured by his numerous championship reigns, memorable matches, and lasting influence on the next generation of wrestlers.
Cena’s “Never Give Up” mantra and positive attitude have inspired countless fans around the world. He has consistently demonstrated the values of hard work, perseverance, and resilience, both inside and outside the ring. Cena’s ability to connect with the audience, regardless of his character’s alignment, has made him a beloved figure in the wrestling community.
His contributions to WWE go beyond his in-ring accomplishments. Cena has been a key figure in WWE’s global expansion, helping to grow the company’s brand and reach new audiences. His appearances on mainstream media platforms have brought additional visibility to WWE, bridging the gap between professional wrestling and popular culture.
Influence on Future Generations
As a mentor and role model, Cena has influenced many young wrestlers who aspire to follow in his footsteps. He has been a vocal advocate for talent development and has often shared his knowledge and experience with up-and-coming wrestlers. Cena’s willingness to work with and elevate younger talent has earned him respect within the industry.
Cena’s influence extends beyond wrestling. His transition to Hollywood has paved the way for other wrestlers to pursue acting careers, demonstrating that success in one field can lead to opportunities in another. Cena’s ability to diversify his career while maintaining his connection to wrestling serves as an example for others looking to expand their horizons.