Top 50 Unknown and Interesting Facts About John Cena

Born in West Newbury, Massachusetts, on April 23, 1977, John Cena is a well-known figure in professional wrestling and entertainment. After making his WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) debut in 2002, Cena advanced fast through the ranks thanks to his endearing demeanor, exceptional work ethic, and remarkable physical prowess.

Over time, Cena’s persona changed. At first, he was portrayed as a brazen rapper who connected with younger audiences with freestyle promos. His hand gesture and famous catchphrases, “You can’t see me,” became emblematic of his demeanor. Throughout his in-ring career, he has received several honors, including 16 WWE World Championships, which ties the record established by the late great Ric Flair.

Along with his success in wrestling, Cena made a successful transfer to Hollywood, where he became an actor. He is well-known for his hilarious timing and action-packed performances. He has starred in successful movies like as the Fast & Furious trilogy, Blockers (2018), and Trainwreck (2015). His reputation as a talented entertainer has been further solidified by his role as Peacemaker in the DC Extended Universe.

In addition to his career in wrestling and movies, John Cena is well-known for his charitable work. He is especially well-known for his work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he holds the record for the most wishes that have been fulfilled.

Here are 50 lesser-known, interesting facts about John Cena that reveal more about his incredible life and career.

1. Early Life and Family Background

John Felix Anthony Cena Jr. was born on April 23, 1977, in West Newbury, Massachusetts. He is the second oldest of five brothers: Dan, Matt, Steve, and Sean.

2. College Football Career

Before wrestling, Cena attended Springfield College in Massachusetts, where he played college football as an offensive lineman. He wore the number 54, which he often references in his WWE merchandise.

3. Degree in Exercise Physiology

Cena graduated with a degree in exercise physiology and body movement, which gave him a strong foundation for his eventual career in professional wrestling.

4. Aspiring Bodybuilder

After college, Cena moved to California to pursue a career in bodybuilding. Although he achieved moderate success, bodybuilding led him to discover his passion for wrestling.

5. Working as a Chauffeur

During his early days in California, Cena worked as a limousine driver to make ends meet while trying to break into bodybuilding and wrestling.

6. WWE Debut in 2002

John Cena made his WWE debut on June 27, 2002, in a match against Kurt Angle. Although he lost, his “ruthless aggression” caught the attention of fans and WWE executives alike.

7. Origin of the “Doctor of Thuganomics” Gimmick

Cena’s hip-hop-inspired character, the “Doctor of Thuganomics,” came about when he showcased his rap skills during a bus ride with other wrestlers. WWE executives saw potential in this persona.

8. Early Struggles in WWE

Before finding success, Cena’s career in WWE almost ended prematurely. He struggled to connect with fans initially, and WWE considered cutting him from the roster.

9. Rapping Skills

Cena isn’t just a wrestler; he’s a legitimate rapper. His WWE entrance theme, “Basic Thuganomics,” was written and performed by him, and his debut album, You Can’t See Me, was released in 2005.

10. Platinum-Selling Album

Cena’s rap album You Can’t See Me achieved platinum status. The album includes the hit single “My Time is Now,” which has remained his WWE entrance theme for years.

11. Multilingual

John Cena is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, a language he learned to help WWE expand into the Chinese market. He often speaks Mandarin during promotional events in China.

12. The “You Can’t See Me” Gesture

Cena’s iconic “You Can’t See Me” hand wave was inspired by his younger brother, who dared him to do it as a joke during one of his matches. It quickly became a signature move.

13. Record-Breaking WrestleMania Appearances

Cena has competed in several WrestleMania main events and has set multiple records for appearances at the WWE’s flagship event.

14. Most Make-A-Wish Foundation Wishes Granted

Cena holds the record for the most wishes granted by a single individual through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, having fulfilled over 650 wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses.

15. Acting Debut in “The Marine”

Cena made his Hollywood debut in the 2006 action film The Marine, which was produced by WWE Studios. This role kickstarted his career as an actor.

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16. Crossover to Hollywood

Cena has successfully transitioned to a career in Hollywood, starring in films like Blockers, Bumblebee, F9, and The Suicide Squad. He has shown versatility in both action and comedy genres.

17. WrestleMania Record: Tying Ric Flair

In 2017, Cena won his 16th WWE World Championship, tying the legendary Ric Flair for the most world championship reigns in WWE history.

18. Hosting TV Shows

Cena has hosted multiple TV shows, including Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? and the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.

19. Personal Life: First Marriage

Cena was previously married to Elizabeth Huberdeau, his high school sweetheart, in 2009. However, the couple divorced in 2012.

20. Relationship with Nikki Bella

Cena was in a high-profile relationship with fellow WWE star Nikki Bella. They were engaged after Cena proposed to her at WrestleMania 33 but called off the engagement in 2018.

21. Marriage to Shay Shariatzadeh

Cena married Shay Shariatzadeh, a Canadian engineer, in a private ceremony in October 2020. The couple had a second, larger wedding ceremony in 2022.

22. Fitness Fanatic

Even outside of wrestling, Cena is a fitness enthusiast. He is known for his intense workout routines and disciplined lifestyle. He still works out daily, even after transitioning to acting.

23. Benevolent Philanthropist

Cena has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors, including supporting organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a breast cancer research charity, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

24. Entrepreneur

In addition to his wrestling and acting careers, Cena has dabbled in entrepreneurship. He has a clothing line called “Never Give Up,” which embodies his famous catchphrase.

25. Author

Cena is also an author! He’s written children’s books, including Elbow Grease, which teaches kids about resilience and perseverance.

26. Resilient in the Face of Injury

Cena is known for his resilience, having recovered from multiple injuries throughout his wrestling career, including a torn pectoral muscle, neck surgery, and knee issues.

27. Body Transformation for Movies

Cena has undergone multiple physical transformations to fit his movie roles. For his part in The Suicide Squad as Peacemaker, he bulked up even more to fit the superhero character.

28. Support for the Troops

Cena is a vocal supporter of the U.S. military. He’s visited troops stationed overseas and has been involved in WWE’s annual “Tribute to the Troops” show.

29. Surprising Role in “Trainwreck”

One of Cena’s most surprising roles was his comedic performance in Trainwreck (2015), where he played Amy Schumer’s love interest. The role showcased his comedic timing and acting chops.

30. Voice Acting

Cena has also lent his voice to animated films. He voiced the character Ferdinand, a peace-loving bull, in the 2017 film Ferdinand, which was nominated for an Academy Award.

31. Commercial Star

Cena has appeared in several high-profile commercials, including for brands like Hefty, Honda, and Gillette.

32. He’s a Car Enthusiast

Cena is a well-known car collector, with a personal garage that includes several rare and exotic cars. His collection has been featured on the TV show Jay Leno’s Garage.

33. His Favorite Car

Among his collection, Cena has stated that his favorite car is the 2006 Ford GT, a high-performance sports car.

34. Early Inspirations

Growing up, Cena was a huge fan of wrestling legends like Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior, who inspired him to pursue a career in the squared circle.

35. His Nickname in High School

Cena’s high school nickname was “Johnny Boots,” due to his love for fashion and wearing expensive boots to school.

36. Known for Charity Work

Besides Make-A-Wish, Cena supports several other charitable organizations, including helping raise funds for pediatric cancer research.

37. Signature Wrestling Move

Cena’s most famous wrestling move is the “Attitude Adjustment,” a fireman’s carry slam. Another of his iconic moves is the “STF” submission hold.

38. Military-Themed Persona

Cena’s persona in WWE often reflects his admiration for the military. His “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect” slogan draws on core values associated with the armed forces.

39. Appeared in a YouTube Series

Cena starred in the YouTube series John Cena: Auto Geek, where he discusses and showcases his car collection.

40. Long-Standing WWE Rivalries

Cena has had numerous high-profile rivalries in WWE, including against The Rock, Randy Orton, and Brock Lesnar.

41. Role as a WWE Mentor

Cena has taken on the role of a mentor for younger WWE superstars. Many credit him with helping them improve both their wrestling skills and character development.

42. Media Savvy

Cena is highly active on social media and has a particularly unique Instagram account where he posts random, often cryptic images without captions, leaving fans to speculate on their meanings.

43. First WWE Championship

Cena won his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania 21 in 2005 by defeating John “Bradshaw” Layfield (JBL).

44. Wrestling Icon

Cena is often referred to as the “Face of WWE” due to his long-standing status as the company’s top star for more than a decade.

45. Peacemaker TV Series

Following his role in The Suicide Squad, Cena reprised his character Peacemaker in a spin-off HBO Max series, which received critical acclaim for its mix of action and humor.

46. Surpassed 500 Make-A-Wish

In 2022, Cena surpassed the 500 mark for granting wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, continuing to be one of the organization’s most dedicated ambassadors.

47. Never Gives Up on Challenges

Cena’s famous “Never Give Up” mantra isn’t just a catchphrase; it defines his approach to life. He continually takes on new challenges, whether in wrestling, acting, or personal development.

48. Passionate About Helping Veterans

Cena is a strong advocate for U.S. veterans, working with organizations that provide aid and support for those transitioning from military to civilian life.

49. Multiple WWE Titles

Over his WWE career, Cena has won 16 world championships, tying the all-time record with Ric Flair.

50. A Household Name

Whether it’s wrestling, acting, philanthropy, or hosting TV shows, John Cena has become a household name, recognized worldwide for his versatility and larger-than-life personality.

Conclusion

Beyond merely being a WWE superstar, John Cena is much more. His path from an aspirant bodybuilder to a global fame is replete with compassion, perseverance, and determination. Fans all throughout the world continue to be inspired by Cena, whether it is because of his charitable endeavors, his high-action films, or his dedication to remaining at the top of the wrestling business. These fifty facts demonstrate that John Cena is far more than just what meets the eye; although he is invisible, his influence is felt all around us.