✦ Celebrity stories, facts and career updates. Explore F4U now →

Home › Biography › John Cena

John Cena biographyFeatured Biography

Image source: StarsUnfolded

Celebrities

John Cena Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 29, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birthApril 23, 1977

Age48 Years

BirthplaceWest Newbury, Massachusetts, United States

ProfessionProfessional Wrestler, Actor, Rapper

NationalityAmerican

Marital statusMarried

SpouseShay Shariatzadeh

FamilyFather - John Cena Sr.; Mother - Carol Cena

Net worth$35 Million

John Cena Biography

John Felix Anthony Cena Jr. is an American professional wrestler, actor and rapper known for a long-running WWE career, multiple world championships, film‑

Early life and background

John Felix Anthony Cena Jr. was born on April 23, 1977, in West Newbury, Massachusetts. He grew up in the same town and later attended Cushing Academy before going on to Springfield College in Massachusetts, where he graduated with a degree in exercise physiology. Cena was active in sports from a young age and played college football, wearing the number 54 — a number that later became associated with his merchandise.

Career

Cena began his professional wrestling journey in the independent circuit with Ultimate Pro Wrestling in 1999. He made his WWE television debut on June 27, 2002, on SmackDown and became one of the promotion’s most visible performers for more than two decades. Over the course of his in-ring career he developed a handful of signature moves, most notably the Attitude Adjustment and the STF, and performed under nicknames such as “The Champ” and “Doctor of Thuganomics.”

His championship résumé is extensive: Cena is credited with multiple world title reigns and has won Royal Rumble matches and the Money in the Bank ladder match. The excerpt lists him as a 17-time WWE World Champion and details wins at the 2008 and 2013 Royal Rumble events, as well as a 2012 Money in the Bank victory. He has also held tag team and world heavyweight championships and collected numerous Slammy Awards over his career.

Outside the ring, Cena expanded into acting and music. He has appeared in feature films such as The Marine (2006), 12 Rounds (2009) and Legendary (2010). His entertainment work also includes television guest spots on shows like Manhunt, Deal or No Deal, MAD TV, Saturday Night Live, Punk’d, Psych and Parks and Recreation. As a recording artist, Cena released a rap album, You Can’t See Me, with WWE Records; it debuted on the Billboard 200 and sold strongly in its first week. Cena also performs his own entrance theme, “My Time Is Now.”

Public profile

Cena’s public life has combined high-profile professional achievements with visible personal milestones. He married Elizabeth Huberdeau in the 2000s; that marriage ended in 2012. He later began a relationship with Shay Shariatzadeh and married her in October 2020 in Tampa, Florida. The couple held a second wedding celebration in July 2022 in Vancouver, Canada. The excerpt notes that Cena and Shariatzadeh have no children.

His public persona has sometimes involved outspoken moments; one quoted criticism of fellow performer Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson drew fan attention in 2009. Cena is also known for charitable work, notably granting more than 500 wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a record cited in the excerpt.

Physical profile and achievements

The licensed details list Cena’s billed height as 6 feet 1 inch and a real height of 5 feet 11 inches, with a weight around 113 kg. He is described as having blue eyes and light brown hair, with listed body measurements that reflect his long-standing career as a strength and fitness-focused athlete.

Notable moments and recent updates

In 2024 Cena announced his retirement during a surprise appearance at WWE’s Money in the Bank event in Toronto, though he indicated plans to compete in select marquee events in 2025, including the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas. He also made headlines around the 2024 Academy Awards for an attention-grabbing onstage stunt. In April 2025 the excerpt records that Cena defeated Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 to win a WWE World Championship, extending his record number of world title reigns.

Latest updates

According to the material provided, Cena’s official WWE retirement was announced on July 7, 2024, but he remained scheduled for high‑profile matches into 2025. His career continues to span professional wrestling, acting and music, and he remains a prominent public figure both for his in-ring accomplishments and his off-stage activities.
◈

Recent Work

WrestleMania 41 — WWE World Championship victory

Defeated Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 to win the WWE World Championship for a 17th time (April 20, 2025).

2025
✦

Career Highlights

  1. WWE television debut on June 27, 2002 (SmackDown)
  2. 17-time WWE World Champion
  3. Winner of the 2008 and 2013 Royal Rumble
  4. Winner of the 2012 Money in the Bank
  5. Starred in films including The Marine (2006), 12 Rounds (2009) and Legendary (2010)
  6. Released rap album You Can’t See Me; entrance theme “My Time Is Now” performed by Cena
₹

Net Worth

$35 Million

Figures are editorial estimates based on publicly available reporting and may change as new information emerges.

?

Frequently Asked Questions

When was John Cena born?

April 23, 1977

What is John Cena known for?

Professional Wrestler, Actor, Rapper

What is John Cena’s marital status?

Married

Who is John Cena married to?

Shay Shariatzadeh

What is John Cena’s net worth?

$35 Million