What Happened to John Cena? Is John Cena Retired?
by A Maria | Updated May 26, 2023
Who is John Cena?
John Felix Anthony Cena is an American professional wrestler, actor, and former rapper who is currently under contract with WWE. He holds the record for the most world championship reigns in WWE history, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. In 1998, Cena relocated to California with the aim of pursuing a career in bodybuilding. However, he shifted his focus to professional wrestling in 1999 and made his debut in Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW).
In 2001, Cena signed with the World Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE) and was assigned to its developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). During his time in OVW, he achieved notable accomplishments by winning both the OVW Heavyweight Championship and OVW Southern Tag Team Championship. Cena's rise to prominence began when he joined SmackDown in 2002 and adopted the persona of a brash and provocative rapper. This character brought him fame and success within the wrestling industry.
After capturing the WWE Championship in 2005, Cena underwent a transformation in his character, shifting towards a more virtuous and principled persona that he referred to as a "goody-two-shoes Superman." He became a clean-cut, heroic figure and assumed the role of the company's franchise player and public face for the following decade, leading WWE with his unwavering dedication.
What Happened to John Cena?
John Cena is an accomplished American actor and professional wrestler who made his debut with WWE in 2001. After an illustrious career, Cena initially announced his retirement in 2020. However, to the delight of his fans, he confirmed his return to wrestling in 2021, demonstrating his enduring passion for the sport. In addition to his wrestling achievements, Cena has ventured into the world of acting, showcasing his talents on the big screen.
Some notable films in Cena's acting portfolio include his appearances in Trainwreck (2015), Blockers (2018), F9 (2021), and The Suicide Squad (2021). These roles have further solidified his presence in the entertainment industry and highlighted his versatility as an actor. Beyond his professional endeavors, Cena's personal life has garnered attention as well.
He was previously in a relationship with professional wrestler and reality TV star Nikki Bella from 2012 to 2018. Subsequently, Cena tied the knot with his current wife, Shay Shariatzadeh, in October 2020, marking a new chapter in his personal journey.
Is John Cena Retired?
Although John Cena is no longer actively pursuing a full-time wrestling career, he has not officially announced his retirement from the sport. While his wrestling schedule may not be as rigorous as it was during his prime in the late 2000s, Cena still makes occasional appearances in the ring. His most recent match took place at WrestleMania 39, where he faced off against WWE United States Champion Austin Theory, unfortunately ending in defeat.
Despite his reduced involvement, Cena's sporadic returns to wrestling continue to captivate fans and remind them of his enduring presence in the industry. Cena tweeted: "Last night was the first time I entered the arena and had the thought that it might be the last time. I’ll never be able to put into words how much I love the #WWEUniverse."
How Old is John Cena?
John Cena, 46, was born on April 23, 1977, in West Newbury, Massachusetts. His parents, Carol (née Lupien) and John Joseph Cena, have diverse backgrounds. His mother has English and French-Canadian ancestry, while his father, who used to work as a ring announcer for Chaotic Wrestling, is of Italian descent. John's maternal grandfather, Tony Lupien, had a career in baseball, and his maternal great-grandfather was Ulysses J. Lupien, a prominent businessman.
Among his siblings, John is the second oldest, with brothers named Dan, Matt, Steve, and Sean. Growing up, John developed a passion for wrestling and would create cardboard championship belts for himself and his brothers. He was raised in a Roman Catholic household and is also related to computer scientist Natalie Enright Jerger. In his early years, John experienced teasing and physical altercations at school, which led him to ask for a weightlifting bench at the age of 12.
John Cena Wife
Cena has expressed on multiple occasions that he has chosen not to have children due to his focus on his career, as he wants to avoid being an absent parent. During the promotion of his film "12 Rounds" in 2009, Cena publicly announced his engagement to Elizabeth Huberdeau. They tied the knot on July 11, 2009. However, their marriage faced difficulties, and on May 1, 2012, Cena filed for divorce.
The divorce was finalized on July 18, 2012. Later that same year, Cena began dating fellow wrestler Nikki Bella. Their relationship garnered significant attention, and Cena proposed to Nikki at WrestleMania 33 on April 2, 2017. However, they called off their engagement in April 2018, just weeks before their scheduled wedding date of May 5.
On October 12, 2020, Cena got married to his girlfriend Shay Shariatzadeh in a private ceremony held in Tampa, Florida. The couple had been dating since early 2019 and initially met during the production of Cena's film "Playing with Fire" 2019. Shariatzadeh works in Vancouver, where the film was shot.
John Cena Net Worth
John Cena is an accomplished American professional wrestler, bodybuilder, rapper, and actor, with an estimated net worth of $80 million. Initially gaining recognition in the world of WWE as a professional wrestler, Cena has since ventured into the realm of A-list acting and television hosting. He currently serves as the host of the popular Nickelodeon show, Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?
Additionally, Cena has showcased his talent in various films and television series, solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry. His multifaceted career has cemented him as a prominent figure in both the wrestling and acting worlds.
John Cena Wrestling Career
Cena's childhood admiration for Hulk Hogan greatly influenced his aspirations, prompting him to relocate to California in 1998. The following year, he embarked on his professional wrestling journey by undergoing training at Ultimate Pro Wrestling's (UPW) Ultimate University, overseen by Rick Bassman. Cena's initial wrestling experiences took place in local flea markets, and as he gradually assumed an in-ring persona, he adopted the character of The Prototype, characterized by a semi-robotic demeanor.
This period of his career was partially captured in the Discovery Channel series Inside Pro Wrestling School, offering insights into his training and development. Notably, Cena held the UPW Heavyweight Championship for a duration of 27 days in April 2000, remaining active in UPW until March 2001.
John Cena Biography
Name
John Felix Anthony Cena
DOB
April 23, 1977
Age
46
Place of birth
West Newbury, Massachusetts, U.S.
Alma mater
Springfield College (BA)
Occupations
Spouses
Debut
November 5, 1999
SPECIFICATIONS
DETAILS
What Happened to John Cena - FAQs
John Cena is an American professional wrestler, actor, and former rapper. He is currently under contract with WWE, where he has achieved tremendous success and is considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
Cena is known for his record-breaking number of world championship reigns in WWE. He has established himself as a prominent figure in the wrestling industry and has a dedicated fan base worldwide.
Cena initially pursued a career in bodybuilding when he moved to California in 1998. However, his focus shifted to professional wrestling in 1999 when he made his debut in Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW).
In 2001, Cena signed with the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) and began his journey with the company. He was initially assigned to its developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), where he achieved notable victories and championships.
Cena's rise to prominence started when he joined the SmackDown brand in 2002. He adopted the character of a brash and provocative rapper, which brought him fame and success within the wrestling industry. This persona became an integral part of his wrestling career and resonated with fans.