Last updated on: December 24, 2025
John Cena is an American actor, professional wrestler, and TV host, born on April 23, 1977, in West Newbury, Massachusetts. He became famous through WWE, where his strength, confidence, and never-give-up attitude made him one of the biggest stars in wrestling history. Over the years, he won many championship titles and became known worldwide, even to people who don’t watch wrestling. His catchphrases and clean-cut image turned him into a pop culture figure.
Later, John Cena moved into acting and surprised many people with his talent. He starred in action movies, comedies, and superhero projects, showing he could be funny, serious, and emotional. He is also known for his kind nature, especially for granting hundreds of wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
As of December 2025, John Cena is 48 years and 8 months old. His estimated net worth is $80 million, and he is 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm or 1.85 m) tall.
Bio/Wiki
Full Name
John Felix Anthony Cena Jr.
Nickname
The Champ, Super Cena, The Face of WWE
Profession
Professional wrestler, Actor, Hip-Hop artist
Career
Debut
First WWE Match – On November 5, 1999
Album – You Can’t See me
Film – Ready to Rumble
TV Show Appearance – Saturday Night (2009)
Best Known for
Working with WWE Since November 1999.
Awards
Early Life & Foundation (1977-1999)
John Cena was born on April 23, 1977, in West Newbury, Massachusetts, into a middle-class family with rich cultural heritage. His father, John Cena Sr., and mother, Carol Cena (née Lupien), raised four sons in a disciplined household that emphasized hard work and commitment. Cena’s ethnic background—Italian from his father’s side and French-Canadian and English descent from his mother’s side—reflects the multicultural landscape of New England that shaped his values.
Cena’s formative education included attendance at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, followed by Springfield College in Springfield, where he played linebacker for the football team. At Springfield College, Cena discovered weight training as a complement to athletics, initiating a lifelong commitment to physical conditioning that would define his professional image. His college years were instrumental in developing the discipline and dedication that would later characterize his wrestling philosophy.
Prior to his WWE debut, Cena worked various jobs including positions in construction and as a limousine driver, roles that provided financial stability while he pursued his passion for athletics and fitness. These years of anonymity contrast sharply with his later ubiquity, grounding his personality in working-class values that would resonate throughout his career.
Wrestling Career: From Prospect to Legend (1999-2025)
Early Years and WWE Debut (1999-2004)
Cena’s professional wrestling journey commenced on November 5, 1999, when he competed in his first WWE match, marking the beginning of what would become a 26-year career. Unlike wrestlers who achieved immediate prominence, Cena spent his early years in developmental territories and lower-card matches, gradually building technical skills and charisma. His transition from athlete to performer required mastering a completely different skillset—storytelling through physicality, crowd psychology, and the ability to sustain compelling narratives across months of competition.
By the early 2000s, Cena had begun gaining traction through his natural charisma and impressive physique. Standing 6’1″ (185 cm) and weighing 251 lbs with a 19-inch biceps and 52-inch chest, his physical presence became immediately distinguishable. However, his early character iterations were largely unmemorable, serving as enhancement talent for established stars rather than main event attractions.
Breakout and Championship Era (2005-2012)
The pivotal moment in Cena’s career arrived at WrestleMania 21 on April 3, 2005, when he defeated JBL to win his inaugural WWE Championship. This victory marked the transition point from prospect to draw. What followed was a systematic ascension that positioned Cena as WWE’s answer to previous mega-stars. His signature catchphrase “You Can’t See Me” and finishing move, the Attitude Adjustment (AA), became cultural phenomena, transcending wrestling audiences and penetrating mainstream consciousness.
Between 2005 and 2012, Cena captured 10 of his eventual 14 WWE Championship reigns, demonstrating remarkable consistency as a main event performer. Notably, his third championship reign lasted 380 days, his longest tenure with the top title. This extended reign underscored WWE’s confidence in Cena as the franchise player—the reliably bankable star around whom the company structured its biggest revenue opportunities.
Cena’s championship history reveals a strategic pattern of WWE booking: short reigns designed to build momentum for emerging talents, lengthy reigns to establish Cena as dominant champion, and high-profile matches against legendary competitors including The Rock, Batista, Edge, and Triple H. His matches often served as the penultimate or main event presentations at WrestleMania, the industry’s marquee event.
Peak Dominance and World Championship Expansion (2013-2021)
The period from 2013 onward saw Cena consolidate his status as WWE’s most decorated champion. Between 2013 and 2025, he captured seven additional world championships, including his record-breaking 17th world title victory at WrestleMania 41 in 2025, surpassing Ric Flair’s previously untouchable record of 16 reigns. This historic achievement crystallized Cena’s status as unquestionably the greatest world champion in WWE history by quantitative measure.
His championship timeline demonstrates WWE’s strategic deployment of Cena across different eras. By the 2010s, as younger wrestlers like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and AJ Styles emerged, WWE utilized Cena as an established veteran competitor, sometimes in a traditional babyface (hero) role and occasionally turning him toward more complex character dynamics.
During this era, Cena simultaneously accumulated secondary championships. His five United States Championship reigns (a record during WWE’s modern era) and four tag team championship victories added layers of versatility to his resume, demonstrating his capability across different match formats and tag team partnerships. These secondary titles served both to give Cena continuous prominence and to elevate other wrestlers who competed against him.
Additional Championship Accomplishments
Beyond his 17 world championships, Cena’s aggregate championship achievement includes:
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5 United States Championships (record in WWE’s modern era)
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4 Tag Team Championships across various partnerships
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2 Royal Rumble victories (2008, 2013), positioning him among elite wrestlers in this specialty match format
The Peacemaker Role: Diplomatic Peak (2013-2023)
From 2013-2023, Cena functioned increasingly as WWE’s diplomatic representative to other promotional territories and international WWE events, embodying the brand while gradually transitioning toward his Hollywood ambitions. His appearances at premium events, international tours, and brand-building initiatives established him as the company’s primary global ambassador during this transitional decade.
Hollywood Ascension: From Gimmick to Legitimacy (2006-2025)
Initial Film Ventures (2006-2014)
Cena’s acting career launched in 2006 with The Marine, a military action drama distributed by 20th Century Fox. Though modest in theatrical performance—earning approximately $7 million during its opening week and $18.7 million overall—the film established Cena as a viable film property. Its stronger performance on home video indicated that Cena possessed audience appeal beyond wrestling’s traditional demographics.
Subsequent early films including 12 Rounds (2009), Legendary (2010), and Fred: The Movie (2010) demonstrated WWE Studios’ strategy of leveraging Cena’s celebrity within theatrical projects. However, these films occupied lower budgetary tiers, primarily targeting younger audiences through YouTube personality partnerships or direct-to-home-video release strategies.
Comedic Breakthrough (2015-2018)
The trajectory shifted dramatically in 2015 with Trainwreck, a Judd Apatow comedy that positioned Cena alongside comedian Amy Schumer. Critics’ recognition of Cena’s comedic timing marked a genuine pivot—he was not simply a muscular wrestler attempting dramatic dialogue, but a performer capable of nuanced character work and comedic subtlety. Trainwreck earned $68.7 million globally, demonstrating legitimate box office appeal beyond wrestling audiences.
This success legitimized Cena as a comedic actor. Sisters (2015), Daddy’s Home (2015), and the sequel Daddy’s Home 2 (2017) further established him as bankable comedic talent. More significantly, Blockers (2018) showcased his evolution—a ensemble comedy where Cena’s physical comedy and earnest character work contributed substantially to critical and commercial success.
Franchise Integration and Action Credibility (2018-2025)
Bumblebee (2018) marked Cena’s integration into a major established franchise. Playing military officer Cliff Kingsley, Cena demonstrated capability within large-scale action-adventure productions while maintaining comedic presence. The film’s global box office success ($468 million worldwide) established him as a franchise-viable actor.
The subsequent integration into the Fast & Furious franchise through F9: The Fast Saga (2021) and Fast X (2023) elevated Cena into the highest tier of action cinema. His portrayal of Dominic Toretto’s long-lost brother, Jacob, positioned him as a legitimate action star capable of competing within ensemble franchises featuring established A-list talent.
The Suicide Squad (2021) represented perhaps Cena’s most critically acclaimed acting performance. Directed by James Gunn, Cena’s portrayal of Christopher Smith/Peacemaker—initially presented as comedic bumbling before revealing strategic intelligence—demonstrated genuine dramatic range. His scenes opposite Idris Elba became particularly memorable, showcasing chemistry and character depth that transcended typical action-hero typecasting.
Television Prominence: The Peacemaker Series (2022-2025)
The success of The Suicide Squad generated an HBO Max original series, Peacemaker (2022-2025), where Cena carried the entire production as lead actor. The series represented a sophisticated step beyond film roles—demanding sustained character development, episodic narrative progression, and leading-man capability across 8-16 episodes. Reports indicate Cena earned $50,000 to $1 million per episode, positioning him among premium television talent compensation levels.
Peacemaker‘s critical reception validated this investment. The series demonstrated Cena’s capacity for character complexity, comedic timing, dramatic vulnerability, and action performance—the complete package required for prestige television production.
Contemporary and Projects (2024-2025)
Recent and upcoming Cena films include:
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Argylle (2024), where he joined an ensemble cast including Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, and Catherine O’Hara in a spy thriller
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Freelance (2023)
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Fast X (2023) and planned Fast & Furious sequels
Cena’s filmography now encompasses 25+ theatrical films and multiple television productions, establishing him as a legitimate entertainer whose film credentials independently merit box office appeal, entirely separate from wrestling recognition.
Personal life
Date of Birth
April 23, 1977
Age
As of today, John Cena is 48 years, 8 months, and 1 days old.
Zodiac sign
Taurus
Signature
Nationality
American
Birth Place
West Newbury, Massachusetts, United States
Residence
Tampa, Florida, United States of America
School / College / University
Cushing Academy in Ashburnham Massachusetts
Springfield College in Springfield
Religion
Christianity
Race / Ethnicity
White.
Italian from father’s side and French-Canadian, English descent from mother’s side.
Food Habits
Non-vegan.
Hobbies
Wrestling, acting, exercise, collecting cars, watching sports.
Tattoo
None or unknown.
Physical Stats & More
Height
- In feet – 6′ 1″
- In Centimeters – 185 cm
- In meters – 1.85 m
Weight
- In kilograms – 114 kg
- In Pounds – 251 lbs
Body Measurements
- Chest Size: 52 inches
- Biceps Size: 19 inches
- Waist Size: 36 inches
Shoe size
11.5 (US)
Eye color
Blue
Hair color
Light Brown
Family
Wife
Shay Shariatzadeh (2020-Present)
Elizabeth Huberdeau (2009-2012) (Divorced)
Father
John Cena Sr.
Mother
Carol Cena (nee Lupien)
Siblings
Dan Cena (Brother)
Matt Cena (Brother)
Steve Cena (Brother)
Sean Cena (Brother)
Children
None.
Relationship & More
Current Marriage (2020-Present)
John Cena married Shay Shariatzadeh on October 12, 2020, in a private ceremony conducted at an attorney’s office in Tampa, Florida. The couple subsequently hosted a more elaborate wedding celebration in Vancouver, Canada, in July 2022, acknowledging the constraints that COVID-19 pandemic restrictions placed on their original plans.
Shariatzadeh, born in 1989 in Iran, is 12 years younger than Cena. The couple first met in March 2019 while Cena was filming Playing With Fire in Vancouver, British Columbia. Initial public appearances confirmed their relationship when they were photographed together on red carpets at the film’s premiere in October 2019. Despite the subsequent marriage, Cena and Shariatzadeh have consciously maintained privacy regarding their relationship, avoiding the tabloid intensity that characterized his previous high-profile romance with Nikki Bella.
Shariatzadeh, who holds Canadian residency, maintains a relatively private public profile, occasionally appearing at entertainment industry events but generally declining media interviews or direct public engagement. The couple’s discretion contrasts sharply with the documented reality-television exposure of Cena’s previous relationship with Nikki Bella.
Previous Marriage (2009-2012)
Cena’s first marriage was to Elizabeth Huberdeau, whom he reportedly met during high school. They married in 2009 but divorced in 2012 after three years of marriage. This relationship remained largely private, generating minimal media coverage despite Cena’s considerable celebrity status at that time.
High-Profile Relationship with Nikki Bella (2012-2018)
Cena’s most publicized romantic relationship involved fellow professional wrestler Nikki Bella (real name Nicole Garcia), with whom he was romantically linked beginning in 2012. Their six-year relationship became the subject of E! Network’s reality television series Total Bellas, which documented their partnership and eventual dissolution with significant fanfare.
In April 2017, Cena proposed to Bella at WrestleMania 33, executing an in-ring proposal that utilized wrestling’s theatrical environment. However, the engagement ultimately fractured. In July 2018, Cena and Bella announced the termination of their relationship and engagement, issuing a joint statement: “While this decision was a difficult one, we continue to have a great deal of love and respect for one another.”
The separation generated substantial tabloid coverage, with both parties subsequently moving forward with new relationships. Bella married Dancing with the Stars professional Artem Chigvintsev in 2019 and welcomed son Matteo in July 2020. Notably, Cena maintained enough goodwill with Bella that he reportedly contacted both Bella and her sister Brie after they gave birth, demonstrating maturity in post-romantic relationship management.
Additional Dating History
Prior to his marriage to Shariatzadeh, Cena maintained a documented dating history including relationships or rumored involvement with:
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Lisa Marie Varon (2002)
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Mickie James, professional wrestler (2008-2009)
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Barbie Blank, professional wrestler (2012)
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A.J. Brooks (2012)
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Maria Kanellis (rumored relationship)
However, none of these relationships generated the media intensity or public documentation of his Nikki Bella partnership.
Favorite Things
Favorite Anime Film – Fist of the North Star (1986)
Favorite All-Time Favorite Movie – Tropic Thunder (2008)
Favorite Muscle Car – 1970 Pontiac GTO, Ram F4
Favorite Sports Teams – Red Sox fan (Baseball), Boston Celtics (Basketball), New England Patriots (American Football)
Net worth 2025
$80 million.
As of December 2025, Cena’s estimated net worth reaches $80-85 million, accumulated through strategically diversified revenue streams. His financial architecture reflects sophisticated wealth management:
WWE Compensation Structure:
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Base Salary: $12 million annually (as of 2025)
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Per-Appearance Bonuses: $500,000 for main event appearances (historical rate)
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Merchandise Revenue Sharing: 5% of WWE merchandise sales
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Historical Peak: $10 million annually (2018), recognized as WWE’s highest-paid performer
Film and Television Earnings:
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Film Compensation: $2-7 million per theatrical release
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Television: $50,000-$1 million per episode (varying by project budget)
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Franchise Participation: Likely backend points on Fast & Furious and similar major franchises
Ancillary Revenue:
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Endorsements: Gillette, Fruity Pebbles, Hefty, Capri Sun, Honda Civic Type-R
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Royalties: Ongoing streaming and home video revenue from theatrical releases
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Real Estate: Appreciation and potential rental income from portfolio
When combined with wife Shay Shariatzadeh’s independent income, the household net worth approaches $82 million.
Asset Portfolio
Cena’s asset accumulation reflects both genuine passion for automotive collecting and sophisticated investment strategy:
| Vehicle | Year | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Ford GT | 2017 | $450,000 |
| Ferrari 458 Italia | 2013 | $233,509 |
| Ferrari F430 Spider | 2007 | $217,000 |
| Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 | 2009 | $201,000 |
| Chevy Corvette ZR1 | 2009 | $106,000 |
| Honda Civic Type-R | 2020 | $36,995 |
Additional vehicles in Cena’s collection include classic American muscle cars (1970 Pontiac GTO, 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Rallye 350, 1970 AMC Rebel ‘The Machine’, Dodge Charger Daytona, Plymouth Road Runner Superbird, 1970 Buick GSX, 1969 Chevrolet Camaro COPO 427) and a 1989 Jeep Wrangler. The automotive portfolio alone represents approximately $2.5+ million in acquisition cost, with potential appreciation in classic vehicles.
Real estate holdings centered in Tampa, Florida, represent substantial additional assets, though specific property details remain private.










