John Cena Reflects on Career, Retirement, and New Priorities Ahead of 2025 Farewell
In an exclusive and vulnerable conversation with PEOPLE, wrestling icon and multifaceted actor John Cena, 48, pulls back the curtain on a remarkable 23-year career with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and opens up about the pivotal shifts in his life as he prepares for retirement from the ring in 2025. As Cena embarks on his year-long “farewell tour,” he reveals a new set of priorities: placing his health and his four-year marriage at the forefront.
Known for his fearless performances in front of tens of thousands, his direct fan engagement dressed as Peacemaker at San Diego Comic-Con, and even his nearly-naked appearance at the 2024 Oscars for a laugh, Cena surprisingly admits to a different kind of fear when sitting for a cover shoot. “Gosh, these photo shoots are tough. Because the voice inside me is like, ‘I’m not cool enough, and someone’s telling me how to look cool.’ So I’m scared of that. I’m scared of this interview, because I don’t know what’s going to happen,” he confessed on July 27.
This candidness offers a rare glimpse into the man behind the larger-than-life personas, a side rarely seen whether he’s pummeling opponents or battling villains as his superhero alter ego. “My job is to entertain folks,” Cena states, yet he readily explores themes of aging, the profound impact of helping others, and his readiness for the next chapter beyond professional wrestling. “I try to just do the best that I can each day, because I’m not perfect. But I try to just be as useful and grateful as I can.”
Cena’s journey into the world of professional wrestling began early. Like many children of the 1980s, he was captivated by wrestling on MTV, a passion that ignited a theatrical “kick the crap out of each other” dynamic with his four brothers in their West Newbury, Massachusetts home. These “full-blown” sports entertainment shows, complete with “entrances and music and characters,” laid the groundwork for his future.
At the age of 13, a desire to stand up to bullies prompted him to ask his father for a weight set, marking the beginning of his fitness regimen. This early experience instilled a profound lesson: “It made me realize what was important in my life. I doubled down on being myself… I just knew, ‘Hey, man, don’t waver. Just be you.’ That’s what helped me.”
After graduating from Springfield College, Cena steadily ascended the ranks, first at Ultimate Pro Wrestling before making his highly anticipated WWE debut in 2002 at 25 years old. He initially adopted the controversial “The Doctor of Thuganomics” persona, quickly transitioning to the “Superman, Goody Two-shoes” archetype that would define his character for the next two decades. For an astounding 22 years, Cena maintained his heroic image, a record recognized by Guinness World Records for the longest run without turning into a “bad guy.” This legendary streak, however, came to a shocking end on March 1, when he executed a dramatic “heel turn” by attacking Cody Rhodes and aligning with his long-time rival, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Just a month later, on April 20, 2025, at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, Cena solidified his status as the “G.O.A.T.” (greatest of all time) by clinching his 17th WWE World Championship, making him the most decorated professional wrestler in history. These recent milestones are all part of his announced farewell tour, which began last July, culminating in his departure from the ring in 2025.
“Age plays a factor,” Cena candidly admits, acknowledging that he’s “not as strong or as fast as I used to be.” He made a promise early in his career: “when I’m a step slower, I will go, because there will be kids just as hungry as I was who have earned a shot to see if they can make it.”
Beyond the physical demands of wrestling, Cena’s personal life has evolved significantly. His nearly five-year marriage to engineer Shay Shariatzadeh, whom he met in Vancouver in 2019 while filming and married in 2020 after a chance encounter at a Super Bowl-watching restaurant, has profoundly shifted his perspective. “My health and my dedication to my partner are the tip of my spear in life right now,” he emphasizes. “So I think every time I go out [in the ring], I just want to make sure I’m able to give my all, but it’s time to step away.”
His year-long farewell tour isn’t just about him; it’s an opportunity to provide “closure” for his devoted fanbase. “They’re the reason for my optimism, my perseverance, my passion. They don’t let you get away with phoning it in, because they’ll eat you alive.” This fervent fan base also played an unexpected role in another personal journey: his decision to address hair loss. “As I was trying to hide my hair loss, the audience was bringing it to light,” Cena recounts, noting signs that read “The bald John Cena.” This prompted him to explore solutions, leading to a routine of “red-light therapy, minoxidil, vitamins, shampoo, conditioner” and, crucially, a hair transplant last November. “I hate the fact that if there wasn’t so much shame around it, I’d have gotten it done 10 years ago. I thought I was alone, but seven or eight out of 10 [men] suffer from thinning or baldness.” Cena now embraces his new look, noting how it has “completely changed the course of my life,” even providing more versatility as an actor.
Cena’s foray into acting began in 2006 with ‘The Marine’, initially as a means to draw more viewers to the WWE. However, he quickly learned the nuances of Hollywood. “I was run out of the movie business in 2009 for doing bad movies where I wasn’t present,” he admits. “I thought that just because I wore a golden leather belt on Monday and Friday, they’d come see whatever I’m doing. It’s not true.” He successfully rebounded with acclaimed comedic roles in 2015’s ‘Trainwreck’, ‘Sisters’, and ‘Daddy’s Home’, before transitioning to action franchises like ‘Transformers’ and ‘Fast & Furious’. His portrayal of the egotistical vigilante Peacemaker in 2021’s ‘The Suicide Squad’ led to the critically acclaimed HBO Max series a year later. “This has changed my life,” Cena says of the ‘Peacemaker’ role, which he reprises in season 2, airing August 21 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max. He praises the show for being “more than just action. It’s a love story. It’s a workplace comedy. We’re the long shots, the lovable losers,” crediting costars Danielle Brooks and Jennifer Holland for fostering a supportive environment.
When not on screen, Cena dedicates himself to philanthropy, notably breaking the Make-a-Wish Foundation’s record for most wishes granted, with an astounding 650 wishes fulfilled for children battling critical illnesses by 2022. He also prioritizes recharging, allowing himself “16 hours of sleep” and indulging in “junk food, sit on the couch with the arm around the one I love, we’re going to watch whatever we want or nothing at all.” Balancing his demanding career and personal life is a constant effort. “If I’m deficient on physical strength and connection with ones I love, I will push those minutes wherever I can,” he explains, highlighting the importance of diligent calendar management with his wife.
As John Cena gracefully winds down his legendary WWE career, he looks to the future with an optimistic and reflective spirit. “I hope to remain curious and healthy — and that’s physically, spiritually, mentally,” he concludes. “As long as I have love, health and curiosity for what life has to offer, I think it’ll work out.”
