John Cena

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Template:Short description Template:Pp-blp Template:Pp-move Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox person John Felix Anthony Cena (Template:IPAc-en Template:Respell; born April 23, 1977) is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to WWE, where he is the current WWE Intercontinental Champion in his first reign. He is a record 17-time world champion, holding the most recognized world title reigns in WWE's history,<ref name="WM41">Template:Cite web</ref> and is widely regarded as one of WWE's greatest professional wrestlers of all time.<ref name="SI2025">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Originally pursuing a bodybuilding career, Cena began wrestling in 1999 and signed with WWE in 2001 to its developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). After debuting on the main roster on SmackDown! in 2002, he rose to prominence as a brash, villainous rapper<ref name="flintstones">Template:Cite news</ref> before becoming the company's franchise player from the mid-2000s to the mid-2010s.<ref name="ign">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He has wrestled on a part-time schedule since 2018, with his retirement match scheduled to take place at Saturday Night's Main Event XLII in 2025. His run as a face from 2003 to 2025 was the longest continuous portrayal of a heroic character in WWE history.<ref name="guinnessheel" />

Cena has held numerous championships and accomplishments in WWE, including a record 14 reigns as WWE Champion, three reigns as World Heavyweight Champion, five reigns as WWE United States Champion, one reign as WWE Intercontinental Champion, two reigns as World Tag Team Champion, and two reigns as WWE Tag Team Champion. He is also the 35th Triple Crown and 25th overall Grand Slam champion, in addition to being a two-time Royal Rumble and one-time Money in the Bank winner. He has headlined multiple major WWE pay-per-views, including its flagship event, WrestleMania, six times (22, 23, 27, 28, 29, and 41 – Night 2). Cena's full-time career received mixed critical and audience reception, with praise for his character work and promotional skills but criticism for his perceived over-representation and on-screen dominance relative to other wrestlers. In contrast, his later career has been more positively received.<ref name="ign" />

Cena has acted in both comedies and action films, receiving praise for his roles in Trainwreck (2015), Blockers (2018), and The Suicide Squad (2021). He has also starred in films such as The Marine (2006), Bumblebee (2018), and F9 (2021), as well as the portraying the title character in the superhero series Peacemaker (2022–2025). He released the rap album You Can't See Me (2005), which peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard 200, and is known for his charity work; he has granted more than 650 wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the most in the organization's history.<ref name="guinnesswishes">Template:Cite web</ref>

Early life

John Felix Anthony Cena was born in West Newbury, Massachusetts, on April 23, 1977,<ref name="MyLifeDVD"/><ref name="slam">Template:Cite web</ref> to Carol (née Lupien) and former Chaotic Wrestling ring announcer John Joseph Cena. He has one older brother named Dan and three younger brothers named Matt, Steve, and Sean.<ref name="newburyport">Template:Cite news</ref> Their maternal grandfather was baseball player Tony Lupien, a son of businessman Ulysses J. Lupien, and the brothers are cousins of computer scientist Natalie Enright Jerger.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> When Cena was born, his umbilical cord was wrapped three times around his neck.<ref name="MyLifeDVD"/> A childhood fan of wrestling, he would create championship belts out of cardboard for himself and his brothers.<ref name="newburyport"/>

Cena was educated at Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, before transferring to the private prep boarding school Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Massachusetts. He then attended Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he was an NCAA Division III All-American center and football team captain.<ref name="gray" /><ref name="newburyport" /><ref name="realitynews" /> After graduating in 1999 with a degree in exercise physiology and kinesiology, he pursued a bodybuilding career and worked as a limousine driver.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He also worked in the store area of Gold's Gym for $6 an hour.<ref name="espn">Template:Cite web</ref>

Professional wrestling career

Ultimate Pro Wrestling (1999–2001)

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Cena facing Crash Holly at an Ultimate Pro Wrestling show in 2000

In 1998, Cena moved to California to train for professional wrestling at Ultimate Pro Wrestling's (UPW) Ultimate University, operated by Rick Bassman.<ref name="slam" /> He adopted a semi-robotic persona called The Prototype,<ref name="ovw">Template:Cite web</ref> wrestling at local events and holding the UPW Heavyweight Championship in 2000. His early career was partially featured in the Discovery Channel documentary Inside Pro Wrestling School.<ref>Template:Cite episode</ref> Cena remained with UPW until March 2001.<ref name="slam" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE

Ohio Valley Wrestling (2000–2002)

On October 10, 2000, Cena made his unofficial WWF debut in a dark match on SmackDown! as The Prototype.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He signed a developmental contract in 2001 and was assigned to WWF's developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW),<ref name="slam" /> where he held OVW Heavyweight Championship and the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship with Rico Constantino.<ref name="realitynews" /><ref name="ovw" /> While competing in OVW, Cena also wrestled in WWF dark matches and house shows before being called up to the main roster in June 2002.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He continued to appear in OVW until September and made a final appearance there in November under the name "Mr. P."<ref name="KreikenbohmOVW">Template:Cite web</ref>

The Doctor of Thuganomics (2002–2003)

Cena made his official WWE television debut on June 27, 2002, answering Kurt Angle's open challenge on SmackDown! and declaring he possessed "ruthless aggression."<ref name="MyLifeDVD" /> Cena soon feuded with Chris Jericho, defeating Jericho at Vengeance in July. After a heel turn, Cena began feuding with Billy Kidman and adopted a rapper persona inspired by a backstage freestyle overheard by Stephanie McMahon and Paul Heyman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Debuting the "Doctor of Thuganomics" character, Cena began performing freestyle raps in promos and wore jerseys and hats as part of his gimmick,<ref name="flintstones" /><ref name="slam" /> along with the slogan "Word Life".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena was briefly paired with enforcer B-2 (Bull Buchanan) and then Red Dogg until Red Dogg was sent to the Raw brand in February.<ref name="slam" />

At the 2003 Royal Rumble, Cena made his first appearance in the match but was eliminated by The Undertaker.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena then entered a number-one contender tournament for the WWE Championship, defeating Eddie Guerrero, The Undertaker and Chris Benoit before losing to champion Brock Lesnar at Backlash. Cena continued high-profile feuds with The Undertaker and Kurt Angle, eventually turning face after joining Angle's team at Survivor Series in November.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Rise to superstardom (2004–2005)

Cena with his customized United States Championship belt in January 2005

At the 2004 Royal Rumble, Cena was eliminated by Big Show and failed to earn a WWE Championship match at No Way Out.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At WrestleMania XX on March 14, Cena defeated Big Show to win the United States Championship, his first singles title in WWE. Cena retained the title at Judgment Day and The Great American Bash before being stripped of it on the July 8 of SmackDown! after accidentally knocking over General Manager Kurt Angle.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena regained the title by defeating Booker T in a best of five series that concluded at No Mercy on October 3, but lost it days later to Carlito Caribbean Cool on SmackDown!.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Their storyline escalated when Cena was (kayfabe) stabbed in a nightclub by Carlito's bodyguard Jesús, an angle used to explain his absence while filming The Marine.<ref name="slam" /> Cena returned at Survivor Series on November 14 and regained the title on the November 18 episode of SmackDown!, then defeated Jesús in a street fight at Armageddon on December 12.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

At the 2005 Royal Rumble, Cena and Batista were the final two participants and were eliminated simultaneously by one-another. After a restart, Batista won. Cena earned a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 21 by defeating Kurt Angle at No Way Out, beginning a feud with champion John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL). Although Cena lost his United States Championship to Orlando Jordan on the March 3 episode of SmackDown!, Cena defeated JBL at WrestleMania to win his first WWE Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena introduced a customized spinner belt and defeated JBL again in an "I Quit" match at Judgment Day.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena was drafted to Raw on June 6, 2005, becoming the first pick in that year's draft lottery.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Cena began a feud with General Manager Eric Bischoff, who opposed Cena's refusal to participate in fighting the ECW roster at One Night Stand.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Vengeance, Cena retained his title in a triple threat match against Christian and Chris Jericho. Bischoff backed Jericho as his chosen challenger, but Cena retained his championship at SummerSlam<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and defeated Jericho again in a You're Fired match on the August 22 episode of Raw.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Kurt Angle subsequently replaced Jericho as Bischoff's hand-picked contender. Over the next few months, Cena lost to Angle by disqualification at Unforgiven, pinned Shawn Michaels at Taboo Tuesday in a triple threat match involving Angle, and pinned Angle at Survivor Series.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During this feud, Cena added a submission finisher, the STFU, in preparation for a triple threat submission match against Angle and Chris Masters on the November 28 episode of Raw.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

WWE Champion (2006–2007)

Cena facing off against Edge at a WWE house show in July 2006

Cena retained the WWE Championship in the Elimination Chamber at New Year's Revolution, but immediately lost it to Edge, who cashed in his Money in the Bank contract.<ref name="slam" /><ref name="NYR06">Template:Cite news</ref> Cena regained the title at the Royal Rumble<ref name="NYR06" /> and retained it against Triple H at WrestleMania 22, Cena's first WrestleMania headlining match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena lost the title a few months later to Rob Van Dam at ECW One Night Stand due to Edge's interference, in a match where the crowd was notably hostile to Cena.<ref name="CyberSunday06">Template:Cite news</ref> Edge later won the title from Van Dam on the July 3 episode of Raw, leading to a lengthy feud that ended with Cena defeating him in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match at Unforgiven in September to reclaim the championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena returned with his version of the spinner title belt on the next night's Raw.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena was involved in a Champion of Champions match at Cyber Sunday against Big Show and King Booker. Kevin Federline interfered and cost Cena the match, leading to the duo feuding. In the new year, Federline pinned Cena on the January 1, 2007 episode of Raw with an assist from Umaga.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena then defended his championship against Umaga twice at New Year's Revolution and in a Last Man Standing match at the Royal Rumble.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The night afterwards on Raw, Cena teamed with Shawn Michaels to win the World Tag Team Championship from Rated-RKO (Edge and Randy Orton) before defeating Michaels at WrestleMania 23 to retain the WWE title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Michaels would turn on Cena the night after, costing the pair the tag titles in a battle royal.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In the summer Cena also defeated The Great Khali at Judgment Day by submission and at One Night Stand by pinfall<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Bobby Lashley, King Booker, Mick Foley and Randy Orton in a five-pack challenge at Vengeance: Night of Champions, and against Lashley at The Great American Bash<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> in subsequent defenses and began a feud with Randy Orton, against him retaining the title at SummerSlam and Unforgiven.

On the October 1 episode of Raw, Cena suffered a legitimate torn pectoral muscle during a match against Mr. Kennedy and was sidelined indefinitely. Cena was stripped of the WWE Championship the following night on ECW,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> ending his 380-day reign. Cena underwent surgery for his injury at St. Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama.<ref name="surgvid">Template:Cite video</ref>

World Heavyweight Champion and further world championship reigns (2008–2010)

At the 2008 Royal Rumble, Cena made a surprise return as the final participant of the Royal Rumble match, which he won by last eliminating Triple H.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Rather than wait for WrestleMania XXIV Cena used his title shot against WWE Champion Randy Orton at No Way Out but won by disqualification, thus not capturing the title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Despite this, Cena was later added to the WrestleMania XXIV title match, making it a triple threat, but was pinned by Orton.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Following WrestleMania Cena would feud with JBL, defeating JBL at Judgment Day and One Night Stand in a First Blood match, before losing to JBL in a New York City Parking Lot Brawl at The Great American Bash.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In August, Cena and Batista briefly won the World Tag Team Championship for a week.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At SummerSlam, Cena suffered a legitimate neck injury<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> in a loss to Batista, sidelining him until his return at Survivor Series following surgery,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> where he defeated Chris Jericho to win his first World Heavyweight Championship. While retaining the title against Jericho at Armageddon<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and against JBL at the Royal Rumble, Cena lost the title to Edge at No Way Out in an Elimination Chamber match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena regained the title at WrestleMania 25 in a triple threat match involving Big Show but lost it back to Edge at Backlash. Cena then defeated Big Show at Judgment Day and Extreme Rules in a Submission match,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and ended a brief feud with The Miz at The Bash.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena failed to win the WWE Championship at Night of Champions<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and SummerSlam,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> but captured the title at Breaking Point by defeating WWE champion Orton in an "I Quit" match. Cena would further trade the championship with Orton several times over the year, losing it to Orton a month later at Hell in a Cell, and regaining it at Bragging Rights. Cena would hold onto the championship for two months before losing it to Sheamus at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs in a tables match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2010, after being eliminated by a surprise-returning Edge at the Royal Rumble, Cena regained the WWE Championship at Elimination Chamber but lost it moments later to Batista in an impromptu match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena defeated Batista to regain the title at WrestleMania XXVI, and retained the title in subsequent matches at Extreme Rules and Over the Limit, ending their feud.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena as WWE Champion in 2010

Storyline with The Nexus (2010–2011)

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Cena being forced to read a public address by Wade Barrett while a member of The Nexus in November 2010

On the June 7 episode of Raw, during a match against CM Punk, Cena was attacked by all eight former contestants of the first season of NXT, with Wade Barrett as their leader.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This group, later referring to itself as The Nexus, made Cena lose the WWE Championship to Sheamus at Fatal 4-Way on June 20, as well as their steel cage match on July 18 at Money in the Bank.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena formed an alliance with Edge, Chris Jericho, John Morrison, R-Truth, Bret Hart and former Nexus member Daniel Bryan to defeat The Nexus at SummerSlam on August 15.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Night of Champions on September 19, Cena was eliminated by Barrett in a six-pack challenge elimination match for the championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

At Hell in a Cell on October 3, Cena faced Barrett with the stipulations that if he were to lose, he would join The Nexus, and if he were to win, The Nexus would disband. Cena lost to Barrett and reluctantly joined The Nexus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On October 24, Cena and fellow Nexus member David Otunga defeated Rhodes and Drew McIntyre to win the WWE Tag Team Championship at Bragging Rights. Later that night, Cena was forced to help Barrett defeat Orton in a WWE Championship match; Barrett won by disqualification, but not the title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The next night on Raw, Cena and Otunga lost the titles to fellow Nexus members Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel when Barrett ordered Otunga to lie down and lose the titles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

At Survivor Series on November 21, Cena officiated another WWE Championship match between Barrett and Orton; per stipulation, if Barrett did not win the championship, Cena would be "fired" from the WWE. Cena was fired (kayfabe) after Orton retained against Barrett.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The next night on Raw, Cena gave a farewell speech before again costing Barrett the title by interfering in his rematch with Orton.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A week later, Cena invaded Raw, first as a spectator, but then attacked members of the Nexus, explaining he would still take them down one by one despite not being employed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the December 13 episode of Raw, Cena was rehired by Barrett in exchange that he would face him on December 19 at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs in a chairs match, which Cena won.<ref name="2010Slammy">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena at WWE Tribute to the Troops in December 2010

On the January 17, 2011 episode of Raw, Cena faced CM Punk, who had assumed leadership of The Nexus and renamed the stable as The New Nexus, in a match which ended in a no contest after Cena was attacked by the debuting Mason Ryan, who later joined The New Nexus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena competed in the Royal Rumble match on January 30, which saw Cena eliminate most of the members of The New Nexus, ending their feud. Cena was eliminated by WWE Champion The Miz, who was not part of the match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena won the titular match at Elimination Chamber on February 20 to face The Miz at WrestleMania XXVII for the WWE Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Feuds with The Rock and CM Punk (2011–2013)

Cena and The Rock agree to face each other at WrestleMania XXVIII in April 2011

The next night on Raw, Cena replied in rap form to comments made by The Rock the previous week, as he returned as the announced guest host of WrestleMania. That night, Cena and The Miz defeated Slater and Gabriel to become WWE Tag Team Champions, but their rematch clause was immediately invoked and they lost the titles after The Miz attacked Cena.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After weeks of insults, Cena and The Rock finally met on the March 28 episode of Raw, where, after a verbal confrontation and brief attack by The Miz and Alex Riley, Cena attacked The Rock with the Attitude Adjustment.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At WrestleMania on April 3, Cena and The Miz fought to a double countout, but The Rock restarted the match and performed a Rock Bottom on Cena, allowing The Miz to retain the title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The next night on Raw, Cena, in response to The Rock "screwing" him out of the title, agreed to face him in the main event of WrestleMania XXVIII, marking the first WrestleMania match set up one year in advance.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

At Extreme Rules on May 1, Cena defeated The Miz and Morrison in a triple threat steel cage match to become WWE Champion.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena retained the title against The Miz on May 22 at Over the Limit in an "I Quit" match,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and R-Truth on June 19 at Capitol Punishment.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After CM Punk announced he was leaving the company due to his contract expiring after Money in the Bank on July 17, he defeated Cena for the WWE Championship, leaving with the title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter awarded the match five stars, Cena's first five star match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On July 25, after Rey Mysterio won the title in a tournament, Cena challenged and defeated him for the title later that night, only to be interrupted by Punk, who also claimed to be champion.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena lost to Punk at SummerSlam on August 14 in a championship unification match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Night of Champions on September 18, Cena defeated Alberto Del Rio for his tenth WWE Championship, but lost it back to Del Rio at Hell in a Cell on October 2 in a triple threat Hell in a Cell match also involving Punk.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena lost his rematch to Del Rio at Vengeance on October 23 in a Last Man Standing match due to interference by The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After weeks of them attacking Cena and employees, Cena was allowed to choose his partner to face them on November 20 at Survivor Series. He chose The Rock as his partner, and they defeated Miz and Truth; after the match, The Rock gave Cena a Rock Bottom.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena and The Rock face off at WrestleMania XXVIII in April 2012

Cena briefly feuded with Kane, who he fought to a double countout at Royal Rumble on January 29, 2012, and defeated in an Ambulance match on February 19 at Elimination Chamber.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On March 19, Cena was involved in a three-car accident in Philadelphia, but suffered no severe injuries.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At WrestleMania XXVIII on April 1, Cena lost to The Rock in the main event after attempting to hit the People's Elbow on The Rock, who countered with a Rock Bottom for the pinfall.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Brock Lesnar faces off with Cena after his return in April 2012

The following night on Raw SuperShow, Cena invited The Rock to the ring to congratulate him on his victory, however, his call was answered instead by the returning Brock Lesnar, who attacked Cena with an F-5.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Raw and SmackDown General Manager John Laurinaitis revealed that he signed Lesnar to bring "legitimacy" to the WWE and for him to become its "new face".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Extreme Rules on April 29, Cena defeated Lesnar in an Extreme Rules match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Over the Limit on May 20, Big Show helped Laurinaitis defeat Cena, but he was fired at No Way Out on June 17 after Cena defeated Big Show in a steel cage match with both their jobs on the line.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena won the WWE Championship Money in the Bank ladder match at Money in the Bank on July 15, earning a contract for a shot at the WWE Championship anytime within a year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Raw 1000 on July 23, Cena cashed in his contract on Punk and won by disqualification after Big Show interfered, becoming the first person to cash in a Money in the Bank contract and not win a title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena failed to win the title from Punk in a triple threat match involving Big Show at SummerSlam on August 19, and fought him to a draw at Night of Champions on September 16.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After being sidelined with a legitimate arm injury, Cena was pinned by Punk in a triple threat match involving Ryback at Survivor Series on November 18.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He then feuded with Dolph Ziggler over an alleged relationship with AJ Lee and lost to Ziggler in a ladder match at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on December 16 for his World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank contract, after AJ turned on Cena.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena defeated Ziggler on the January 7 and 14 episodes of Raw despite interferences from AJ and Big E Langston, ending the feud.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On January 27, 2013, Cena won his second Royal Rumble match, announcing that he would pursue the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 29.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Elimination Chamber on February 17, Cena, Ryback and Sheamus lost to The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the February 25 episode of Raw, Cena defeated Punk to retain his number one contendership to the WWE Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At WrestleMania on April 7, Cena defeated The Rock in their rematch to win his eleventh WWE Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena then began a rivalry with Ryback and suffered a legitimate achilles tendon injury, but retained the title in a Last Man Standing match (which ended in a no contest) at Extreme Rules on May 19 and a Three Stages of Hell match on June 16 at Payback.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He defeated Mark Henry via submission to retain the title on July 14 at Money in the Bank.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At SummerSlam on August 18, Cena lost the WWE Championship to Daniel Bryan with Triple H as the special guest referee, ending his reign at 133 days.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following night on Raw, Cena announced he would undergo surgery for a triceps tear and would be out for four to six months.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

World championship pursuits and reigns (2013–2015)

Cena returned at Hell in a Cell on October 27, defeating Del Rio to win his third World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He retained the title against Del Rio on November 24 at Survivor Series.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena next challenged then-WWE Champion Randy Orton to unify their respective championships, leading to a Tables, Ladders and Chairs title unification match at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on December 15, which Cena lost.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena failed to win the now-unified WWE World Heavyweight Championship from Orton at Royal Rumble on January 26, 2014, and in the Elimination Chamber match at the titular event on February 23 after being distracted by The Wyatt Family.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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Following the event, Bray Wyatt accepted Cena's challenge for a match at WrestleMania XXX on April 6 to prove that Cena's heroic act was a façade characteristic of "this era of lies" and turn Cena into a "monster".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At WrestleMania, Cena defeated Wyatt despite interference from Luke Harper and Erick Rowan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The feud continued based on the story that Wyatt was capturing Cena's fanbase, exemplified by Wyatt leading a children's choir to the ring on the April 28 episode of Raw, where they later donned sheep masks.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Extreme Rules on May 4, Wyatt defeated Cena in a steel cage match after repeated interference from the rest of the Wyatt Family members and a demonic child.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Payback on June 1, Cena defeated Wyatt in a Last Man Standing match after burying him under multiple equipment cases, ending their feud.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

At Money in the Bank on June 29, Cena won the ladder match for the vacant WWE World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He retained the title at Battleground on July 20 in a fatal four-way match against Orton, Kane and Reigns.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At SummerSlam on August 17, Cena lost the title to Lesnar in a squash match after sixteen suplexes and two F-5s, ending his reign at 49 days.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In their rematch at Night of Champions on September 21, he failed to regain the title after Rollins attacked him, causing a disqualification.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Hell in a Cell on October 26, Cena defeated Orton in a Hell in a Cell match to become the number one contender for the championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The next night on Raw, Cena rejected The Authority's offer to join forces, resulting in a 5-on-5 Survivor Series elimination tag match between Team Cena (Cena, Ziggler, Rowan, Big Show and Ryback) and Team Authority (Rollins, Kane, Harper, Henry and Rusev) at Survivor Series on November 23.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Big Show turned on Cena, causing his elimination, but Ziggler won the match for Team Cena with the interfering Sting's help. Per the stipulation, The Authority were stripped from power and only Cena could bring them back.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on December 14, Cena defeated Rollins in a tables match to retain his number one contendership to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and face Lesnar for the title at Royal Rumble.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the December 29 episode of Raw, Rollins and Big Show held guest host Edge hostage, forcing Cena to reinstate The Authority, who added Rollins to his title match and "fired" Ziggler, Ryback and Rowan for joining Team Cena. He won their jobs back by defeating Rollins, Big Show and Kane in a handicap match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Royal Rumble on January 25, 2015, Cena was unsuccessful in capturing the title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena after defeating Rusev for the United States Championship at WrestleMania 31 in March 2015

United States Champion (2015–2016)

Cena then began feuding with United States Champion Rusev and failed to win the title at Fastlane on February 22, when he passed out from Rusev's submission, the Accolade, after Rusev hit Cena with a low blow following a distraction by his manager Lana.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena challenged Rusev to a rematch, which was declined, and Stephanie McMahon decreed that Cena would not compete at WrestleMania 31 unless Rusev agreed to a rematch.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the March 9 episode of Raw, Cena attacked Rusev, refusing to release the STF submission hold, causing Lana to grant Cena the match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena defeated Rusev at WrestleMania on March 29 to win his fourth United States Championship, marking Rusev's first pinfall loss in the main roster.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He issued weekly open challenges for the title, culminating in successful defenses against the likes of Dean Ambrose,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Stardust,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Bad News Barrett,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Kane,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Sami Zayn,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Neville,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Zack Ryder<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Cesaro.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He retained his title against Rusev in a Russian Chain match on April 26 at Extreme Rules, and an "I Quit" match on May 17 at Payback, ending their feud.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following night on Raw, Cena was attacked by then-NXT Champion Kevin Owens, setting up a Champion vs. Champion match at Elimination Chamber on May 31, which Owens won.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena defeated Owens at Money in the Bank on June 14 and at Battleground on July 19 to retain the United States Championship and end their feud.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena resumed his feud with then-WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, with Rollins refusing Cena's challenges for the title. On the July 27 episode of Raw, The Authority forced him to defend the title against Rollins, successfully doing so despite suffering a legitimate broken nose.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At SummerSlam on August 23, Cena lost to Rollins in a "Winner Takes All" match for both the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and the United States Championship after guest host Jon Stewart attacked him with a steel chair, ending his reign at 147 days.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He won his fifth United States Championship from Rollins on September 20 at Night of Champions (a record in the WWE ownership era of the title), defeating him to retain the title the next night on Raw and in a steel cage match on October 3 at WWE Live from Madison Square Garden.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena also resumed his open challenges for the title, which he lost to the returning Alberto Del Rio at Hell in a Cell on October 25.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He underwent shoulder surgery on January 7, sidelining him for an undisclosed length of time.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Feud with AJ Styles (2016–2017)

Cena returned at WrestleMania 32 on April 3, 2016, helping The Rock fend off The Wyatt Family.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena made his full return on the Memorial Day edition of Raw on May 30, four months earlier than had been expected for his type of injury.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was confronted by AJ Styles, who betrayed Cena when he joined his former The Club teammates Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson in attacking him.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On June 19, at Money in the Bank, Cena lost to Styles after interference from Gallows and Anderson.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Battleground on July 24, Cena, Enzo Amore and Big Cass defeated The Club in a six-man tag team match after Cena pinned Styles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During the 2016 WWE draft on July 19, Cena was drafted to the SmackDown brand.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At SummerSlam on August 21, Cena again lost to Styles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> With Styles later winning the renamed WWE World Championship, Cena challenged him and Dean Ambrose in a triple threat match for the title on October 9 at No Mercy, but lost after being pinned by Styles, which came after Ambrose and Cena simultaneously made Styles submit, therefore restarting the match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena took a sabbatical from WWE to film American Grit season 2.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On January 29, 2017, Cena defeated Styles at Royal Rumble to win the WWE Championship and tie Ric Flair for the most recognized world title reigns at 16.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Efn He lost the title in an Elimination Chamber match at the titular event on February 12 to Bray Wyatt, and failed to regain it two nights later on SmackDown Live in a triple threat match also featuring Styles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena then began a feud with The Miz, with The Miz accusing Cena of being a hypocrite because of his movie commitments, while Cena accused The Miz of stealing other wrestlers' moves and personalities. The Miz's wife Maryse then slapped Cena before Cena and his girlfriend Nikki Bella sent The Miz and Maryse retreating.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena and Bella defeated them in a mixed tag team match at WrestleMania 33 on April 2, after which Cena proposed marriage to Bella, which she accepted.<ref name="WM33">Template:Cite web</ref>

Free agent (2017–2019)

Cena in March 2018

In July 2017, WWE dubbed Cena a "free agent" during the Superstar Shake-up, meaning he could work for both the Raw and SmackDown brands.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena defeated Rusev in a flag match at Battleground on July 23, Baron Corbin at SummerSlam on August 20, and lost to Roman Reigns on September 24 at No Mercy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena returned to SmackDown the next month after Commissioner Shane McMahon named him as the final member of Team SmackDown for the men's 5-on-5 elimination match against Team Raw at Survivor Series on November 19; Cena was eliminated by Kurt Angle and Team SmackDown was defeated.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena failed to win the Royal Rumble on January 28, 2018, an Elimination Chamber match to determine the number one contender for the Universal Championship on February 25 at the titular event, and a six-pack challenge for the WWE Championship on March 11 at Fastlane.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On April 8, at WrestleMania 34, Cena was quickly defeated by The Undertaker.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He defeated Triple H on April 27 at the Greatest Royal Rumble, and teamed with Bobby Lashley to defeat Elias and Owens at Super Show-Down on October 6.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was scheduled for a match at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia on November 2, but refused to work the event following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Cena returned to WWE television on the January 1, 2019 episode of SmackDown, where he and Becky Lynch defeated Andrade Cien Almas and Zelina Vega in a mixed tag team match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the January 14 episode of Raw, Cena lost to Finn Bálor in a fatal four-way match also involving Drew McIntyre and Corbin to determine the number one contender for the Universal Championship at Royal Rumble.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena was scheduled to compete in the Royal Rumble on January 27, but was taken out due to an in-storyline ankle injury supposedly suffered during the match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Part-time performer (2019–2024)

He appeared at WrestleMania 35 on April 7 in his "Doctor of Thuganomics" persona and interrupted Elias' concert, performing his finisher on Elias (calling it by its original name of the F-U) after insulting him.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the July 22 episode of Raw titled Raw Reunion, he engaged in a rap battle with The Usos.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena returned to WWE again on the February 28, 2020 episode of SmackDown, seemingly announcing his retirement before he was confronted by "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt, who challenged him to a match at WrestleMania 36, which Cena accepted.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On Night 2 of WrestleMania on April 5, rather than a traditional wrestling match, the two fought in a surreal cinematic-style match called a Firefly Fun House match, showcasing moments from Cena's and Wyatt's history. Wyatt ultimately defeated Cena, after which his motionless body vanished from the middle of the ring.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cena was unable to appear at WrestleMania 37, marking the first time he missed a WrestleMania in nearly 20 years, as he had wrestled or appeared at the event every year since his first appearance in 2003. At the time, Cena was in Canada filming the HBO Max series Peacemaker and couldn't travel to Tampa, Florida for WrestleMania 37 without facing a two-week quarantine, which would have shut down production on the series.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> He made his return to WWE programming at Money in the Bank on July 18, 2021, confronting Roman Reigns after the latter retained his Universal Championship against Edge in the main event.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After initially being scheduled to face Finn Bálor for the title, Cena hijacked a contract signing on the July 30 episode of SmackDown so he would challenge Reigns at SummerSlam on August 21,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> where Cena failed to win the title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena returned on the June 27, 2022 episode of Raw, which marked the 20th anniversary of his main roster in-ring debut. He cut a promo recalling all his memories and thanking the fans for their support, also making appearances backstage with The Street Profits, Ezekiel, Theory, Seth "Freakin" Rollins, and Omos.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the December 30 episode of SmackDown, in his first SmackDown match since January 2019, Cena and Kevin Owens defeated The Bloodline's Reigns and Sami Zayn.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the March 6, 2023 episode of Raw, Cena accepted Theory's challenge for a United States Championship match at WrestleMania 39.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On Night 1 of WrestleMania on April 1, Cena lost to Theory.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Money in the Bank on July 1, Cena made a surprise appearance and was confronted by Grayson Waller after Cena stated that WrestleMania should come to the United Kingdom. Waller then attacked Cena, who retaliated by hitting the Attitude Adjustment on Waller.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena face to face with The Rock at WrestleMania XL in April 2024

At Payback on September 2, Cena served as the host and special guest referee for the match between LA Knight and The Miz.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the September 15 episode of SmackDown, Cena was attacked on The Grayson Waller Effect by Jimmy Uso and his Bloodline partner Solo Sikoa, before AJ Styles saved Cena.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They were set to sign a contract for a tag team match at Fastlane on October 7, but Styles was left unable to compete after a backstage assault from the Bloodline.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Knight eventually signed a contract to join Cena in the match at Fastlane, which they won.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena made his first appearance on WWE NXT on October 10, being in Carmelo Hayes' corner during Hayes' match against Bron Breakker.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the October 20 episode of SmackDown, Cena teased retirement before calling out anyone to face him, leading to Sikoa coming out and brawling with Cena, setting up a match between the two at Crown Jewel on November 4, which Cena lost after nine Samoan Spikes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On Night 2 of WrestleMania XL on April 7, 2024, Cena appeared during the main event between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns to aide Rhodes and take out both Sikoa and Reigns with the Attitude Adjustment. Afterwards, The Rock appeared and performed a Rock Bottom on Cena.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The next night on Raw, Cena competed in his first match on Raw since January 2019, where he teamed with Raw Tag Team Champions Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) to defeat Judgment Day members Finn Bálor, JD McDonagh, and Dominik Mysterio.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Retirement tour (2024–present)

Cena participated at Royal Rumble, his last Royal Rumble match

Cena made a surprise appearance at Money in the Bank on July 6, 2024, to announce his retirement from in-ring action at the end of 2025.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

At the Raw premiere on Netflix on January 6, 2025, he announced that he would compete at the Royal Rumble on February 1 in the eponymous match, where he was the last man eliminated by Jey Uso.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena won the Elimination Chamber match at the namesake event on March 1 by last eliminating CM Punk, tying Triple H's record for the most Elimination Chamber victories at four and earning an Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41. Following the match, Cena viciously attacked Rhodes and aligned himself with The Rock and Travis Scott, turning heel for the first time since 2003.<ref name="EC2025">Template:Cite web</ref> In subsequent appearances, Cena criticized the fans for their treatment of him over the years, vowing to "ruin" wrestling and retire as champion.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the main event of Night 2 of WrestleMania 41 on April 20, Cena defeated Rhodes with help from Travis Scott to win the Undisputed WWE Championship, becoming a record 17-time world champion.<ref name="WM41"/>

During his retirement tour, Cena wrestled past rivals, like Randy Orton at Backlash

On the Raw after WrestleMania 41, Cena was attacked by Randy Orton, setting up a title match at Backlash on May 10, where Cena defeated Orton to retain the title after interference from R-Truth.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the post-show press conference, Cena hit R-Truth with an Attitude Adjustment when the latter interrupted him,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> setting up a match between them at Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIX on May 24, which Cena won after a low blow. He later interfered in the main event between Jey Uso and Logan Paul for the World Heavyweight Championship, which Uso won with an assist from a returning Rhodes, setting up a tag team match between Cena and Paul against Uso and Rhodes at Money in the Bank on June 7, which Cena and Paul lost after interference from R-Truth.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He lost to R-Truth via disqualification on the June 20 episode of SmackDown after hitting him with the title belt.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Night of Champions on June 28, Cena defeated CM Punk to retain the title after interference from The Vision.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On the August 1 episode of SmackDown, Cena reverted back to a face after the 2025 King of the Ring tournament winner Cody Rhodes attacked Cena, and forced Cena to sign the contract for a Street Fight for the title at SummerSlam after Cena had tried to back out of the match.<ref name="SmackDown07182025">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On Night 2 of the event on August 3, Cena lost the title to Rhodes, and was subsequently confronted and attacked by a returning Brock Lesnar.<ref name="SSlam2025N2">Template:Cite web</ref> His match with Rhodes marked Cena's second five star match, as rated by Dave Meltzer.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On August 31 at Clash in Paris, Cena defeated Logan Paul.<ref name="ClashinParis">Template:Cite web</ref> In Cena's final SmackDown appearance as an in-ring performer on September 5, he challenged Sami Zayn for the United States Championship; the match would end in a no-contest after Lesnar appeared and attacked both of them.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Wrestlepalooza on September 20, Cena lost to Lesnar.<ref name="Wrestlepalooza2025">Template:Cite web</ref> On September 23, it was announced that Cena would face AJ Styles at Crown Jewel on October 11, where he won in what was his 100th win at a WWE PPV and livestreaming event.<ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref><ref name="CrownJewel2025">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On November 1, at Saturday Night's Main Event, it was announced that Cena's final opponent at the subsequent Saturday Night's Main Event on December 13 would be decided in the Last Time Is Now Tournament, beginning on the November 10 episode of Raw in Boston, Massachusetts, near Cena's hometown.<ref name="SNMEXLI">Template:Cite web</ref> On that episode of Raw, Cena defeated Dominik Mysterio to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship for the first time in his career, becoming a Triple Crown and a Grand Slam Champion in the process.<ref name="IC title">Template:Cite web</ref> In his final appearance on Raw as an in-ring performer on November 17, he teamed with Rey Mysterio and Sheamus to defeat The Judgment Day (Dominik Mysterio, Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Professional wrestling style and persona

In-ring style

Cena performing his finishing move, a fireman's carry slam known as the "Attitude Adjustment", on Kane in January 2012

Cena's original gimmick, known as the "Doctor of Thuganomics", portrayed a white rapper who wore jerseys, backwards hats, and a chain with a padlock around his neck.<ref name="flintstones"/> First as "The Prototype", and later under his real name, Cena sometimes used underhanded tactics to score victories, occasionally using his chain as a weapon behind the referee's back. He often rapped before his matches, insulting his opponents, events that happened in the media and the crowd.<ref name="slam"/> He also performed "rap battles", where he and his opponent took turns rapping on each other.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2006, shortly after his debut film, The Marine, his wrestling character shifted from that of a rapper to a young military upstart, wearing dog tags and cargo shorts to the ring and also performing a salute to the crowd. Cena said in a 2011 interview with WWE.com that "every night when I do that salute, it's also a sign of respect to the men and women that don the uniform of the Armed Forces."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

During WWE's change from TV-14 to TV-PG in mid-2008, the name of Cena's finishing move, the "FU", was changed to the "Attitude Adjustment" and his finishing submission move, the "STFU", was renamed the "STF" to fit with WWE's new policies.<ref name="gray">Template:Cite magazine</ref> During his career, he has been known for ending his matches with a sequence of moves, dubbed the "Five Moves of Doom". The moves typically go in the following order: two flying shoulder blocks, protobomb, "Five Knuckle Shuffle", and "Attitude Adjustment".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena has portrayed a heroic character throughout his WWE career, except for a villainous run from 2002 to 2003,<ref name="flintstones"/> and his heel turn at Elimination Chamber in 2025.<ref name="EC2025"/> Despite the initial reception to his heel turn, the execution of his villainous character had negative reception.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena himself labeled his heel work as a failure.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His signature ring gear includes jean shorts, sneakers, wristbands, and armbands.<ref name="newburyport"/> He also wears a variety of T-shirts and baseball caps, which commonly include one of his catchphrases: "Never Give Up", "You Can't See Me", "Hustle, Loyalty, Respect", and "Respect. Earn it".<ref name="espn"/><ref name="tshirts">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="gray"/> He has a history of returning from both real and scripted injuries much sooner than expected. ESPN reporter David Shoemaker said in April 2016, "Never underestimate Cena's recuperative abilities. He's somewhere on the recovery scale between German platelet-rich plasma therapy and Deadpool".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Fellow wrestler Big Show said he felt most stable being lifted by Cena, despite Cena being over 200 lbs lighter and almost a foot shorter—a testament to Cena's functional strength.<ref>Template:CitationTemplate:Cbignore</ref>

Fashion

Cena's T-shirt (left) next to The Miz's ring gear (right) in 2012

During his WWE career, Cena has used his attire in an attempt to reflect the most current fashions and styling within the hip hop culture that his character represents. Cena started out wearing "throwback jerseys" and Reebok pumps until WWE produced specific Cena merchandise which he began wearing.<ref name="flintstones"/><ref name="tshirts"/> While Cena was a member of the SmackDown brand, one of his WWE-produced T-shirts bore the suggestive spoonerism "Ruck Fules". Whenever it appeared on television, the image was censored, not by the network, but by WWE to sell more shirts under the premise that it was "too hot for TV".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He also wore a chain with a large padlock, occasionally using it as a weapon,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> until WrestleMania 21, when it was replaced with a chromed and diamond studded "Chain Gang" spinner medallion matching his spinner title belt.

Around the time The Marine was released, Cena began wearing more military related attire, including camouflage shorts, dog tags, a Marine soldier cap, and a WWE produced shirt with the legend "Chain Gang Assault Battalion".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Shortly after WrestleMania 23, when promotion for The Marine ended, the military attire diminished and was replaced with apparel bearing his new slogan "American Made Muscle" along with denim shorts, not seen since he was a member of the SmackDown roster.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He then wore shirts that promoted Cenation and his trademark line "You Can't See Me".<ref name="tshirts"/>

Legacy

Cena has been called the greatest professional wrestler of all time by his peers Kurt Angle,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> John "Bradshaw" Layfield, and veteran industry personality Paul Heyman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Timothy Bella of The New York Times described Cena as "perhaps the last of the monocultural, crossover stars, following the likes of Hulk Hogan, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and the Rock."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> WWE chairman Vince McMahon said he regarded Cena as the WWE's Babe Ruth.<ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref> Bleacher Report named Cena one of the 10 greatest WWE wrestlers of all time.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Shawn Michaels's one hour long match on WWE Raw against Cena is touted as one of the best matches in history, and Michaels said that after a fortnight WWE tour in the United Kingdom, he did not want to do the match with anyone else other than him.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2012, WrestleMania XXVIII, headlined by the John Cena vs. The Rock main event, became the highest drawing event in WWE history with 1,217,000 buys.<ref name=WM27buy>Template:Cite press release</ref> The event held the record for the highest grossing live event in WWE history in 2012, grossing $8.9 million,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> before being surpassed by WrestleMania 29 the following year, also headlined by Cena vs. Rock.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Acting career

Template:Further

Film

Cena with members of the United States Marine Corps at the premiere of his film The Marine in October 2006

WWE Studios, a division of WWE which produces and finances motion pictures, produced Cena's first movie—The Marine, which was distributed theatrically by 20th Century Fox America beginning on October 13, 2006. In its first week, the film made approximately US$7 million at the United States box office.<ref name="boxoffice">Template:Cite web</ref> After ten weeks in theaters, the film grossed $18.7 million.<ref name="boxoffice"/> Once the film was released on DVD, it fared better, making $30 million in rentals in the first twelve weeks.<ref name="boxoffice"/>

Cena filming on the set of 12 Rounds in March 2008

His second film, also produced by WWE Studios and distributed by 20th Century Fox was 12 Rounds.<ref name="mf">Template:Cite news</ref> Filming began on February 25, 2008, in New Orleans;<ref name="mf"/><ref name=NOLA>Template:Cite news</ref> the film was released on March 27, 2009.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena co-starred in his third film produced by WWE Studios, titled Legendary, which was played in selected theaters beginning on September 10, 2010, for a limited time.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was released on DVD on September 28.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> That same year, Cena starred in the children's film Fred: The Movie, a film based on Lucas Cruikshank's YouTube videos of the same name, where he plays Fred's imaginary father.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The movie was first aired on Nickelodeon in September 2010.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2015, Cena made appearances in the comedy films Trainwreck, Sisters and a cameo in Daddy's Home.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2017, Cena starred in the war drama The Wall<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and lent his voice for the animated films Surf's Up 2: WaveMania and Ferdinand.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He also appeared in Daddy's Home 2, reprising his role in a larger capacity than the 2015 film.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2018, Cena starred in the comedy Blockers and had a leading role in the Transformers spin-off prequel, Bumblebee.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2019, he starred in Playing with Fire, playing the role of smokejumper superintendent Jake Carson.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2020, he voiced Yoshi, a polar bear, in the adventure comedy film Dolittle.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2019, Cena was cast in Justin Lin's F9, playing Jakob Toretto, the brother of Vin Diesel's character Dominic Toretto.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During the film's promotional tour in 2021, Cena referred to Taiwan as "a country". He subsequently posted an apology on social media as China considers Taiwan a part of China.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena also was cast as Christopher Smith / Peacemaker in James Gunn's The Suicide Squad, a role originally intended for Dave Bautista.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2023, he reprised his role as Jakob Toretto in Fast X, which premiered in theaters on May 19.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was also the voice of Rocksteady in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, which was released on August 2.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Guest appearances

Before his WWE debut, Cena made an appearance on the webcast Go Sick as Bruebaker, an angry, cursing wrestler in 2001.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

During his WWE career, Cena appeared on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! three times. He has also appeared on morning radio shows including the CBS and XM versions of Opie and Anthony as part of their "walkover" on October 10, 2006.<ref name="busy">Template:Cite web</ref> Other appearances have included NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Fuse's Celebrity Playlist,<ref name="busy"/> Fox Sports Net's The Best Damn Sports Show Period,<ref name="busy"/> FOX's MADtv,<ref>Template:Cite episode</ref> G4's Training Camp (with Shelton Benjamin),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and two appearances on MTV's Punk'd (August 2006 and May 2007), as the victim of a practical joke.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He also served as a co-presenter with Hulk Hogan at the 2005 Teen Choice Awards, as a guest judge during the third week of the 2006 season of Nashville Star,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and appeared at the 2007 Nickelodeon UK Kids Choice Awards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena in December 2008

In January 2007, Cena, Batista, and Ashley Massaro appeared representing WWE on an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, giving the children of the family whose house was being renovated WWE merchandise and eight tickets to WrestleMania 23.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite video</ref> Two months later, he and Bobby Lashley appeared on the NBC game show Deal or No Deal as "moral support" to longtime WWE fan and front row staple, Rick "Sign Guy" Achberger. Edge and Randy Orton also appeared as antagonists.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On April 9, 2008, Cena, along with fellow wrestlers Triple H and Chris Jericho, appeared on the Idol Gives Back fund-raising special.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In March 2009, Cena made an appearance on Saturday Night Live during the show's cold opening sequence.<ref>Template:Cite episode</ref> On March 7, he was a guest on NPR's quiz show Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! in a Not My Job sequence titled "Sure, pro wrestling is a good gig, but when you win, do they throw teddy bears into the ring?".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Television

In 2001, between his training in Ultimate Pro Wrestling and Ohio Valley Wrestling,<ref name="realitynews">Template:Cite web</ref> Cena was involved in the UPN produced reality show Manhunt, in which he portrayed Big Tim Kingman, leader of the group of bounty hunters who chased down the contestants who acted as fugitives. The show, however, was mired in controversy when it was alleged that the portions of the show were rigged to eliminate certain players, scenes were re-shot or staged to enhance drama and contestants read from scripts.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena was featured on the ABC reality series Fast Cars and Superstars: The Gillette Young Guns Celebrity Race, which aired in June 2007,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> making it to the final round before being eliminated on June 24, placing third in the competition overall.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2007, Cena was interviewed for the CNN Special Investigations Unit documentary Death Grip: Inside Pro Wrestling, which focused on steroid and drug use in professional wrestling. When asked if he had taken steroids, he was heard to reply, "I can't tell you that I haven't, but you will never prove that I have".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The day after the documentary aired, WWE accused CNN of taking Cena's comments out of context to present a biased point of view, backing up their claim by posting an unedited video of Cena answering the same question – filmed by WWE cameras from another angle – in which he is heard beginning the same statement with "absolutely not".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A text interview on the website with Cena later had him saying the news outlet should apologize for misrepresenting him,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> which CNN refused, saying they felt the true answer to the question began with the phrase "my answer to that question".<ref name="noapology">Template:Cite news</ref> However, they did edit the documentary on subsequent airings to include the "absolutely not".<ref name=noapology/>

Cena hosted the Australian Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards with Natalie Bassingthwaighte on October 11, 2008, in Melbourne.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He guest starred as Ewan O'Hara, brother of Juliet O'Hara, in an episode of the fourth season of the comedy drama Psych.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He also guest starred as himself in the seventh episode of Disney Channel's Hannah Montana Forever.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On August 17, 2015, Cena guest co-hosted Today on NBC.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Three nights later, Cena made an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Cena hosted two seasons of American Grit on Fox, a reality television series with 10 episodes. 16 men and women were split into four teams, where challenges were given. A US$1 million prize was given to the winning team. American Grit premiered on Fox on April 14, 2016, and the finale of season 1 aired on June 9.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Cena hosted the ESPN ESPY Awards on July 13.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On December 10, Cena was the guest host of Saturday Night Live on NBC.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

On January 24, 2017, Nickelodeon announced that Cena would host the 2017 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards ceremony on March 11.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On January 11, 2018, it was announced that he would be hosting the awards ceremony again on March 24, becoming the third host behind Whitney Houston and Rosie O'Donnell to host the ceremony in back to back years. Two days later, the game show Keep It Spotless premiered with Cena as an executive producer. In addition, he was cast on Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as the voice of the villain Baron Draxum.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On February 14, 2019, it was announced that Cena would host a revival of Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader on the network, which premiered on June 10.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

In 2021, Cena co-hosted the TV game show Wipeout.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In March 2024, an almost completely nude Cena appeared onstage at the 96th Academy Awards to present the award for best costume design in reference to a streaker interrupting the ceremony in 1974.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Music career

Template:Infobox musical artist

In addition to his wrestling career, Cena is a rapper. He performed his fifth WWE theme song, "Basic Thuganomics", and it was featured on the WWE soundtrack album WWE Originals. He also recorded a song, "Untouchables", for the company's next soundtrack album WWE ThemeAddict: The Music, Vol. 6. He was featured on the remix for Murs's song "H-U-S-T-L-E", appearing in the video clip.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena's debut album, You Can't See Me, was recorded with his cousin Tha Trademarc. It features, among other songs, his entrance theme, "The Time is Now", and the single "Bad, Bad Man" alongside Bumpy Knuckles, for which a music video was made that parodied 1980s culture, notably the television show The A-Team. A video was also made for the second single, "Right Now", that premiered on WWE Monday Night Raw on August 8, 2005.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cena and Tha Trademarc were later featured on a track by the Perceptionists called "Champion Scratch". Cena was featured on T-Boz's postponed album, Still Cool.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In October 2014, Cena was featured on two songs with rapper Wiz Khalifa, "All Day" and "Breaks", as part of the soundtrack for the WWE 2K15 video game.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Cena is a self-taught pianist, starting to learn the instrument in 2016.<ref name="classic">Template:Cite news</ref> In 2022, he performed a piano rendition of Mötley Crüe's "Home Sweet Home" for the Peacemaker soundtrack, playing it onscreen as his Peacemaker character in a poignant scene to close the episode "Murn After Reading".<ref name="classic"/>

Discography

Studio albums

Soundtrack albums

Other ventures

Endorsements

Cena signing merchandise for a young fan

Before his professional wrestling career, Cena appeared in an advertisement for Gold's Gym. As a wrestler, he has endorsed the energy drink YJ Stinger,<ref>Template:Cite episode</ref> appearing in commercials beginning in October 2003, and Subway, for whom he filmed advertisements with their spokesperson Jared Fogle in November 2006 that began airing the following January.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2007, he also endorsed two "signature collections" of energy drinks and energy bars sold by American Body Builders.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2008, Cena filmed a commercial as part of Gillette's "Young Guns" NASCAR campaign.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2009, Cena expanded his relationship with Gillette by introducing a new online campaign called "Be A Superstar" featuring himself alongside fellow WWE wrestlers Chris Jericho and Cody Rhodes. The campaign features motivational videos.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson called Cena "Fruity Pebbles" during their feud, in reference to Cena's colorful merchandise, Cena appeared on the box of Fruity Pebbles cereal in 2013.<ref name="espn"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

He was the pace car driver for the 58th annual Daytona 500.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On October 13, 2016, Cena made his debut as the voice of Ernie the Elephant in a new commercial campaign launched by Wonderful Pistachios. He was named to Adweek's "Creative 100" and received praise for his performance.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2020, Cena and Honda announced a partnership, with Cena becoming the new voice of Honda.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Philanthropy

Cena posing with children

Cena has granted over 650 wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses through the Make-A-Wish Foundation—the most in Make-A-Wish history,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> with his first wish dating back to 2002.<ref name="guinnesswishes"/> The Guinness Book of World Records confirmed that not only had Cena granted this many wishes by mid-2022, but that second place was fewer than 200.<ref name="guinnesswishes"/> In 2009, Cena received the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

From late 2011 until WrestleMania XXVIII, Cena wore a black "Rise Above Hate" T-shirt promoting WWE's "Be a Star" anti-bullying campaign. In September and October 2012, Cena wore pink and black with the phrase "Rise Above Cancer" in partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.<ref name="tshirts"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In July 2016, Cena appeared in a public service announcement, "We Are America", sponsored by the Ad Council as part of its "Love Has No Labels" campaign.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena made a $1 million donation to Black Lives Matter in June 2020 as part of the #MatchAMillion initiative made popular by K-pop band BTS.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Books

Cena also wrote a children's book called "Elbow Grease", with illustrations by Howard McWilliam.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

His catchphrase "You Can't See Me" originates from 2003 when Cena was producing his new theme song, during which he was dared by his little brother to do the yayo dance on TV, which consists of moving your head while looking into the palm of your hand. Cena accepted the dare, but did it in reverse by waving his hand in front of his face instead to make it look more visible to his brother. Over time, this evolved into his signature catchphrase "You Can't See Me".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In mid-2015, Cena was the subject of the Internet meme "Unexpected John Cena", also known as simply "Unexpected Cena" or "IT'S JOHN CENA".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He has also been the subject of many memes due to his "You can't see me" catchphrase, such as being invisible in photos.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On May 10, 2021, Cena posted a video on his Weibo account, in which he sat in a car and ate ice cream while promoting the upcoming film Fast & Furious 9. In the video, Cena speaks Mandarin and sings into the ice cream cone as if it were a microphone. The video was viewed by millions of users and inspired the creation of the meme "Bing Chilling", a mishearing of bīngqílín (冰淇淋), which means ice cream and is said repeatedly in the video.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Personal life

Cena resides in Land O' Lakes, Florida.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He has often said that he does not want children because he would not want to be an absentee parent due to focusing on his career.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He is a supporter of New England based sports teams such as the Boston Celtics and New England Patriots,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and enjoys reading in his spare time.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref>

Cena with then-fiancée Nikki Bella in March 2018

While promoting his 2009 film 12 Rounds, Cena announced his engagement to Elizabeth Huberdeau.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> They were married on July 11, 2009. Cena filed for divorce on May 1, 2012,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> which was finalized on July 18.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Later that year, he began dating fellow wrestler Nikki Bella.<ref name="split"/> They became engaged on April 2, 2017, when Cena proposed to her at WrestleMania 33,<ref name="WM33"/> but ended their relationship in April 2018;<ref name="split">Template:Cite web</ref> they had been planning to marry the following month, on May 5.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Cena began dating engineer Shay Shariatzadeh in early 2019, and they were married on October 12, 2020, in a private ceremony in Tampa, Florida. The two had met during the production of Cena's 2019 film Playing with Fire, which was filmed in Vancouver, where Shariatzadeh was working.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cena started learning Mandarin Chinese in 2016 to help the WWE expand its reach, and he spoke in Mandarin at a press conference in China.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In December 2017, the Ford Motor Company sued Cena for breach of the contract under which he had bought his 2017 Ford GT. Ford alleged that he had sold it for a profit shortly after receiving it, instead of keeping the car for at least two years as agreed.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Ford and Cena settled the dispute on June 19, 2018. While most of the settlement's details were not disclosed, it was reported that Cena had agreed to apologize to Ford, and that Ford had agreed to donate the amount they had received in the settlement to charity.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

From July to November 2018, Cena lived in Yinchuan, China, to work with Jackie Chan on the film Hidden Strike. While there, he also created a show on WWE's YouTube channel in which he highlighted his trips to local markets and other stores.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On March 31, 2025, Cena revealed he previously had skin cancer.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Nominated work Result Template:Abbr
2017 CinemaCon Action Star of the Year Template:N/a Template:Won
2017 Teen Choice Awards Choice Male Athlete Template:N/a Template:Nom
2018 People's Choice Awards The Comedy Movie Star of 2018 Blockers Template:Nom
2019 Teen Choice Awards Choice Action Movie Actor Bumblebee Template:Nom
2020 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Favorite TV Host Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? Template:Nom
2022 Critics' Choice Super Awards Best Actor in a Superhero Movie The Suicide Squad Template:Nom <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2022 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Favorite Movie Actor F9 Template:Nom <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards Best Comedic Performance Peacemaker Template:Nom <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2022 Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards Best Actor in a Streaming Series, Comedy Template:Nom
2023 Critics' Choice Super Awards Best Actor in a Superhero Series Template:Nom <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Video games

Video game credits
Year Title Notes
2003 WWE WrestleMania XIX Video game debut
WWE Raw 2
WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain
2004 WWE Day of Reckoning
WWE Survivor Series Cover athlete
WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw
2005 WWE WrestleMania 21
WWE Aftershock
WWE Day of Reckoning 2 Cover athlete
WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006
2006 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 Cover athlete
2007 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 Cover athlete
2008 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009
2009 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 Cover athlete
2010 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 Cover athlete
2011 WWE All Stars Cover athlete
WWE '12
2012 WWE WrestleFest
WWE '13
2013 WWE 2K14
2014 WWE 2K15 Cover athlete
WWE SuperCard
2015 WWE Immortals
WWE 2K16
2016 WWE 2K17
Marvel Avengers Academy Hulk
2017 WWE Champions
WWE Tap Mania
WWE 2K18
WWE Mayhem
2018 WWE 2K19
2019 WWE 2K20
2020 WWE 2K Battlegrounds Cover athlete
2022 WWE 2K22
Fortnite
2023 WWE 2K23 Cover athlete<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Mortal Kombat 1 Peacemaker
2024 WWE 2K24
2025 WWE 2K25

Championships and accomplishments

Template:Multiple image

Professional wrestling

Other awards and honors

Notes

Template:Notelist

References

Template:Reflist

Template:Commons category Template:Wikiquote

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