John Cena: From WWE Superstar to Hollywood Icon. John Felix Anthony Cena was born on April 23, 1977, in West Newbury, Massachusetts. He developed a passion for wrestling at a young age, often crafting homemade championship belts with his brothers. After graduating from Springfield College with a degree in exercise physiology, Cena moved to California in 1998 to pursue a career in bodybuilding. However, his path soon shifted to professional wrestling. He began training with Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) and debuted as “The Prototype” in 1999. By 2001, he signed with WWE (then WWF) and honed his skills in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), capturing both the OVW Heavyweight and Southern Tag Team Championships.
Rise to WWE Stardom
Cena made his WWE main roster debut in 2002 on SmackDown, quickly gaining attention with his “Doctor of Thuganomics” persona—a brash, freestyle-rapping character that resonated with fans. In 2005, he clinched his first WWE Championship, marking the beginning of a dominant era. Transitioning into a heroic “Superman” figure, Cena became the face of WWE, leading the company through its PG era. Over his illustrious career, he amassed 16 world championships, tying Ric Flair’s record, and secured victories in major events like Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank. Despite mixed reactions from audiences, his dedication and charisma solidified his status as a wrestling legend.
Transition to Hollywood
While still active in wrestling, Cena ventured into acting, debuting in the action film The Marine (2006). He gradually expanded his repertoire, showcasing comedic talent in movies like Trainwreck (2015), Blockers (2018), and Bumblebee (2018). His portrayal of Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad (2021) and its spin-off series further established his versatility as an actor. In 2025, Cena stars alongside Idris Elba in the action-comedy Heads of State, playing a former action star turned U.S. President. Despite his action-packed roles, Cena humorously admits he’s “gym strong” without formal martial arts training.
Retirement from Wrestling
On July 6, 2024, during WWE’s “Money in the Bank” event, Cena announced his retirement from professional wrestling, set for 2025. His farewell tour includes appearances at major events like Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and culminates at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas. In a surprising turn, Cena adopted a villainous persona for the first time since 2003, aligning with The Rock and Travis Scott, and securing his record-breaking 17th world championship by defeating Cody Rhodes.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
Beyond the ring and screen, Cena is renowned for his philanthropic efforts. He holds the Guinness World Record for granting over 650 wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the most by any individual. Additionally, he’s been involved in various charitable campaigns, including anti-bullying initiatives and breast cancer awareness. In his personal life, Cena married engineer Shay Shariatzadeh in 2020. The couple met during the filming of Playing with Fire in Vancouver.
Legacy and Future Endeavors
John Cena’s journey from a passionate wrestling fan to a WWE icon and Hollywood star exemplifies dedication and adaptability. As he steps away from the wrestling spotlight, his impact on the industry remains indelible. With a flourishing acting career and ongoing philanthropic work, Cena continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.
