Categories: Sports

Who is John Cena? Wrestling Icon Announces Retirement at 48 | Bio, Career, Wife, Net Worth, Movies & More

John Cena has retired from WWE competition after a historic 24-year career as a 17-time world champion. The global icon leaves the ring to focus on his Hollywood career and role as a WWE ambassador, leaving behind a legacy built on hustle, loyalty, and respect.

Published by
Prakriti Parul

Kids literally grown watching entire chilhood thier ‘GOD’ of WWE are now disheartened as the final bell has rung on one of professional wrestling’s most celebrated careers. John Cena, the longtime face of WWE, announced his retirement after his last match on December 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The 48-year-old icon stated he is stepping away to make room for the next generation, marking the end of a 24-year in-ring journey defined by “Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect.”

Who is John Cena?

John Cena is far more than a retired wrestler; he is a modern pop culture phenomenon. He is a record 17-time WWE world champion, a successful Hollywood actor, a former rapper, and one of entertainment’s most active philanthropists. His career smoothly connected professional wrestling and mainstream films, turning him into a global household name.

Born on April 23, 1977, Cena is married to Shay Shariatzadeh, an engineer. He is renowned for his charity work, notably holding the record for granting the most wishes (over 650) for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Following his retirement, he has signed a five-year deal to remain a WWE ambassador.

John Cena Wrestling Career & Highlights

John Cena recently concluded his illustrious 24-year in-ring career. He is a record-setting 17-time world champion in WWE, which is the most world championship reigns in history. Famous for “Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect” and “You Can’t See Me,” Cena has claimed two Royal Rumble victories and one Money in the Bank win. His career Grand Slam was completed in November 2025 with an Intercontinental Championship win.

John Cena Acting Career

John Cena has built a successful acting career in both comedy and action films. His well-known movies include Trainwreck (2015), Blockers (2018), Bumblebee (2018), and F9 (2021). On television, he starred as the title character in the superhero series Peacemaker (2022–2025).

John Cena Desi Connection

Cena has frequently mentioned his admiration for Bollywood. He has praised stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, and Amitabh Bachchan and expressed a desire to work in Bollywood films. Shah Rukh Khan once described Cena as a “rock star” who is “very humble and kind.” Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared the screen with Cena in the movie Heads of State (2024).

Celebrities React

News of his retirement prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the globe. Indian celebrities like Varun Dhawan and Lilly Singh shared nostalgic posts on social media. WWE legends also paid homage. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson wrote, “You epitomise… ‘It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice’.” The Undertaker posted a heartfelt message concluding with, “Enjoy the last ride tonight my friend and one final time…nice job.”

John Cena Wife

John Cena is married to Shay Shariatzadeh, an Iranian-born Canadian engineer. The couple met in 2019 and got married in October 2020.

Also Read: Fire Near Roswell’s Infamous Hangar 84 Ignites Fresh UFO Cover-Up Theories

John Cena Movies

His filmography includes The Marine (2006), Trainwreck, Blockers, Bumblebee, the Fast & Furious franchise, The Suicide Squad (2021), Barbie (2023), Argylle (2024), and Ricky Stanicky (2024).

John Cena Net Worth

As of late 2025, John Cena’s personal net worth is estimated to be close to $80 million. His combined net worth with his wife, Shay, is nearing $82 million.

John Cena Last Match

His final professional wrestling match was on December 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C., where he lost to Gunther.

John Cena Age

He was born on April 23, 1977, making him 48 years old.

John Cena Weight

His billed wrestling weight is 251 pounds (114 kg).

Other Ventures

Beyond wrestling and acting, Cena is renowned for his philanthropic work. He holds the record for granting the most wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, with over 650 wishes fulfilled. He also released a platinum-selling rap album, You Can’t See Me, in 2005. Following his retirement, Cena has signed a five-year deal to serve as a WWE ambassador.

Immediate FAQs

Q: Why did John Cena retire?

A: Cena stated he retired because his physical skills no longer matched the WWE’s product quality, and he wanted to keep a promise to not overstay his welcome.

Q: What was John Cena’s last match?

A: It was on December 13, 2025, at a WWE event where he lost to Gunther.

Q: Is John Cena still working with WWE?

A: Yes, he has signed a five-year deal to be a WWE ambassador following his in-ring retirement.

Q: How many world championships did John Cena win?

A: He is a 17-time world champion, holding the record for the most reigns.

Also Read: ‘Long Time Coming’: Schumer’s Marriage Took Back Seat to Motherhood and Career Goals?

Prakriti Parul
Published by Prakriti Parul