John Cena, born on April 23, 1977, in West Newbury, Massachusetts, is an American professional wrestler, actor, and former rapper. As a wrestler, he has been signed to WWE since 2001, but has been performing part-time since 2018.
A record 16-time world champion as recognized by WWE,[a] Cena is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
Here we have John Cena’s net worth, earnings, professional wrestling career, achievements, personal details, and more.
About John Cena
- Early Life and Career: Born on April 23, 1977, in West Newbury, Massachusetts, U.S. Moved to California in 1998 to pursue a career as a bodybuilder before switching to professional wrestling in 1999.
- WWE Achievements: A record 16-time world champion in WWE, including 13-time WWE Champion and three-time World Heavyweight Champion. Also known for being a five-time WWE United States Champion and winning the Royal Rumble twice.
- Acting Career: Starred in films such as The Marine (2006), Trainwreck (2015), Ferdinand (2017), Blockers and Bumblebee (both 2018), and F9 (2021). Also, portrayed Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad (2021) and an eponymous TV series (2022–present).
- Music: Released a studio album, You Can’t See Me, in 2005.
- Charitable Work: Known for his involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he has granted the most wishes at over 650.
- Professional Debut: Made his debut in professional wrestling on November 5, 1999.
- Early Life: From a young age, Cena was drawn to weightlifting. His academic journey took him to Springfield College in Massachusetts, where he excelled as a Division III All-American offensive lineman. After graduating with a degree in exercise physiology, Cena moved to California with aspirations of building a career in bodybuilding.
Professional Wrestling Career
Cena signed with the WWF in 2001 and made his WWE debut on the main roster in June 2002, answering an open challenge from Kurt Angle on SmackDown.
Despite losing the match, Cena’s performance earned him respect from his peers, including an on-screen endorsement from The Undertaker.
Cena’s early WWE persona was known as the “Doctor of Thuganomics,” a character that allowed him to showcase his skills on the microphone with freestyle raps and a rebellious attitude. This gimmick was a turning point in his career, saving him from potential release and propelling him to stardom.
Cena’s rise to the top of WWE was meteoric. He captured his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania 21 in 2005, defeating JBL.
This victory marked the beginning of Cena’s tenure as the face of WWE, a position he would hold for over a decade. Throughout his career, Cena has won a total of 16 World Championships, tying the record with Ric Flair.
He has held the WWE Championship 13 times and the World Heavyweight Championship three times.
Cena’s title reigns have included memorable feuds and matches with top WWE Superstars such as Edge, Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and CM Punk.
Cena’s in-ring work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. He is a two-time Royal Rumble match winner (2008 and 2013) and has headlined multiple WrestleMania events.
Outside of his in-ring accomplishments, Cena has also made significant contributions to WWE’s philanthropic efforts, particularly with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he has granted over 650 wishes, more than any other individual.
His work with the foundation and other charitable organizations has further solidified his legacy as a positive role model and ambassador for WWE.
In recent years, Cena has transitioned to a part-time role in WWE, focusing on his acting career while still making occasional appearances in the ring.
Acting Career
Cena’s filmography is extensive, with roles in both action movies and comedies. His early acting work included The Marine (2006) and 12 Rounds (2009), which were followed by a variety of roles that showcased his range as an actor.
Notably, Cena has appeared in Trainwreck (2015), Blockers (2018), and Bumblebee (2018), among others. He has also lent his voice to animated characters in Ferdinand (2017) and Dolittle (2020). More recent projects include F9: The Fast Saga and The Suicide Squad (both 2021), as well as the television series Peacemaker (2022– ).
John Cena’s Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2025, John Cena’s net worth is $80 million.
Cena’s wealth has been accumulated through a combination of his wrestling career, acting roles, endorsements, and other business ventures.
Professional Wrestling Earnings
Cena has been one of the highest earners in WWE history. In 2016, he was WWE’s highest-paid wrestler with earnings of $9.5 million for that year.
His salary from WWE has been significant, with reports indicating that he earned a salary of $10 million at one point, making him the highest-paid wrestler in the company, surpassing Brock Lesnar.
Earnings from Acting
Cena’s acting career has further boosted his financial profile. He has starred in films such as “The Marine,” “12 Rounds,” “Trainwreck,” and “Bumblebee,” and has appeared in the “Fast and Furious” franchise.
His role in “The Suicide Squad” and the subsequent spinoff series “Peacemaker” have been notable additions to his filmography. His earnings from acting include $2 million from the film “Fast & Furious 10”.
Endorsements
Endorsements have also played a considerable role in Cena’s earnings. He has endorsed a variety of brands, including Gold’s Gym, Subway, Gillette, Capri Sun, Fruity Pebbles, and Hefty, which have contributed to his net worth.
Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | John Felix Anthony Cena |
| Date of Birth | April 23, 1977 |
| Nationality | American |
| Birth Place | West Newbury, Massachusetts |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 251 lb (114 kg) |
| Theme Song | The Time Is Now |
| Debut | November 5, 1999 |
| Nicknames | The Doctor of Thuganomics; The Cenation Leader; The Champ; The Face of WWE |
| Family | Shay Shariatzadeh (Spouse) |
| Parents | John Joseph Cena (Father), Carol Cena (Mother) |
| Siblings | Stephen Cena (Older Brother), Dan Cena (Younger Brother), Matt Cena (Younger Brother), Sean Cena (Younger Brother) |
| Spouse | Shay Shariatzadeh (m. 2020) |
| Previous Spouses | Elizabeth Huberdeau (m. 2009; div. 2012) |
Wife
John Cena’s wife, Shay Shariatzadeh, is a Canadian engineer with a rich background in electrical and electronics engineering. Born on September 21, 1990, in Iran, Shariatzadeh moved to Canada, where she later became a citizen.
John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh’s relationship began in early 2019, following Cena’s split from former WWE Divas champion Nikki Bella.
The couple’s romance blossomed after they met in Vancouver while Cena was filming the movie “Playing With Fire.” Cena has shared that he was immediately drawn to Shariatzadeh upon seeing her in a restaurant, a moment that marked the beginning of their relationship.
They made their relationship public by appearing together on the red carpet at the premiere of “Playing With Fire” in October 2019, marking their first major public appearance as a couple.
Cena and Shariatzadeh got married in a private ceremony on October 12, 2020, in Tampa, Florida. The wedding took place at the downtown office of attorney Dilip Patel.
In July 2022, nearly two years after their legal marriage, Cena and Shariatzadeh held a second wedding ceremony in Vancouver, Canada.
Age
Born on April 23, 1977, he is 47.
Height
He is 6 ft 1 inch tall.
Wrestling Achievements
- Wrestling Achievements
- 12-times WWE Champion
- Three-times World Heavyweight Champion in the years 2008, 2009, and 2013
- 5-times United States Champion
- WWE Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with The Miz (1) and David Otunga (1)
- World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Batista (1) and Shawn Michaels (1)
- Royal Rumble winner in 2008 and 2013
- Two-Time Wrestling Observer Newsletter Wrestler Of The Year
- WrestleMania Main Eventer five times
- PWI 500 #1 three times in 2006, 2007, and 2013
- Ohio Valley Wrestling OVW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- OVW Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Rico Constantino
- Ultimate Pro Wrestling UPW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
FAQs
1. Who is John Cena?
John Cena is an American professional wrestler, actor, and author, widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers in WWE history. Born on April 23, 1977, in West Newbury, Massachusetts, Cena is a 16-time world champion in WWE. He has also achieved success in Hollywood with roles in movies like The Suicide Squad and Fast X.
2. When did John Cena start his wrestling career?
John Cena began his professional wrestling career in 1999 under the ring name “The Prototype” with Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW). He joined WWE in 2001 and debuted on its main roster in 2002. His rise to fame began with his “Doctor of Thuganomics” persona.
3. What are John Cena’s signature moves?
John Cena’s signature wrestling moves include the “Attitude Adjustment,” where he lifts and flips opponents onto their backs, and the STF submission hold. He is also known for his energetic “Five Knuckle Shuffle” move, a crowd-pleasing fist drop.
4. What championships has John Cena won in WWE?
John Cena is a record 16-time world champion, holding the WWE Championship 13 times and the World Heavyweight Championship three times. He has also won the United States Championship five times and is a four-time tag team champion.
5. What are John Cena’s achievements outside of wrestling?
Outside wrestling, John Cena is an actor known for films like Blockers, Bumblebee, and Peacemaker. He is also an author of children’s books such as Elbow Grease. Additionally, he holds the record for granting over 650 wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
6. Why is John Cena associated with “You Can’t See Me”?
“You Can’t See Me” is one of John Cena’s catchphrases and part of his iconic persona. It originated from a playful gesture he made during his early WWE career and became a symbol of his character’s confidence and charisma.
7. Has John Cena ever released music?
Yes, John Cena released a rap album titled You Can’t See Me in 2005, which debuted at number 15 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album includes his WWE entrance theme song “The Time Is Now” and showcases his freestyle rap skills.
8. What is John Cena’s role in Hollywood?
John Cena transitioned into acting while still wrestling part-time. He has starred in action films like The Marine and comedies such as Trainwreck. He gained widespread acclaim for playing Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad and its spin-off series.
9. What is John Cena’s mantra or philosophy?
John Cena’s mantra is “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect,” which reflects his dedication to hard work, integrity, and perseverance. His message of “Never Give Up” resonates with fans worldwide and aligns with his inspirational public image.
10. Is John Cena still active in WWE?
John Cena has been performing part-time since 2018 while focusing on acting. However, he occasionally returns to WWE for special appearances or matches. He plans to retire officially by the end of 2025 following a farewell tour.
