Discover the defining moments in the early life of John Cena. From birth to education, explore key events.
John Cena is an American actor and professional wrestler signed to WWE since 2001. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, holding a record-tying 16 world championships as recognized by WWE alongside Ric Flair. His career has made him a mainstream celebrity, leading to roles in film and television.
April 23, 1977: John Cena's Birth
On April 23, 1977, John Felix Anthony Cena was born. He later became a professional wrestler and actor.
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1998: Move to California for Wrestling
In 1998, John Cena moved to California to begin training for a professional wrestling career.
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1998: Move to California
In 1998, John Cena moved to California to pursue a bodybuilding career before transitioning to professional wrestling.
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1999: Graduation from Springfield College
In 1999, John Cena graduated from Springfield College with a degree in exercise physiology and body movement.
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2002: Granted his first Make-A-Wish
In 2002, John Cena granted his first wish for a child with a life-threatening illness through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
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2005: Origin of "You Can't See Me" catchphrase
In 2005, the catchphrase "You Can't See Me" originated when John Cena was dared by his little brother to do the yayo dance on TV, leading to the development of his signature move.
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February 25, 2008: 12 Rounds Film Start
Filming began for Cena's second film, 12 Rounds, on February 25, 2008, in New Orleans.
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July 11, 2009: Marriage to Elizabeth Huberdeau
On July 11, 2009, John Cena married Elizabeth Huberdeau.
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2011: Promotion of "Be a Star" anti-bullying campaign
From late 2011 until WrestleMania XXVIII, John Cena wore a black "Rise Above Hate" T-shirt promoting WWE's "Be a Star" anti-bullying campaign.
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2011: WWE.com Interview
In a 2011 interview with WWE.com, Cena stated that his salute is a sign of respect to the members of the Armed Forces.
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May 1, 2012: Filed for divorce from Elizabeth Huberdeau
On May 1, 2012, John Cena filed for divorce from Elizabeth Huberdeau.
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October 2012: Wore "Rise Above Cancer" apparel for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In October 2012, John Cena wore pink and black apparel with the phrase "Rise Above Cancer" in partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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2015: Subject of the "Unexpected John Cena" Internet meme
In mid-2015, John Cena became the subject of the Internet meme "Unexpected John Cena", also known as "Unexpected Cena" or "IT'S JOHN CENA".
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April 2016: Recovery Abilities
In April 2016, ESPN reporter David Shoemaker commented on Cena's recovery abilities.
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November 2016: Appeared in "We Are America" public service announcement
In November 2016, John Cena appeared in a public service announcement, "We Are America", sponsored by the Ad Council as part of its "Love Has No Labels" campaign.
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2016: Started learning Mandarin Chinese
In 2016, John Cena started learning Mandarin Chinese to help the WWE expand its reach.
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2016: Started learning the piano
In 2016, John Cena started learning to play the piano as a self-taught musician.
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April 2, 2017: Engagement to Nikki Bella at WrestleMania 33
On April 2, 2017, John Cena proposed to Nikki Bella at WrestleMania 33, and they became engaged.
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December 2017: Lawsuit from Ford over Ford GT sale
In December 2017, the Ford Motor Company sued John Cena for breach of contract after he sold his 2017 Ford GT shortly after receiving it, violating their agreement.
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April 2018: Ended relationship with Nikki Bella
In April 2018, John Cena and Nikki Bella ended their relationship, calling off their planned wedding.
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April 2018: Learned to play the piano
In April 2018, John Cena said that he had also learned to play the piano.
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June 19, 2018: Settlement with Ford over Ford GT sale
On June 19, 2018, Ford and John Cena settled the dispute over the sale of his 2017 Ford GT, with Cena agreeing to apologize and Ford donating the settlement amount to charity.
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November 2018: Lived in Yinchuan, China to work on Hidden Strike
From July to November 2018, John Cena lived in Yinchuan, China, to work with Jackie Chan on the film Hidden Strike.
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2019: Started dating Shay Shariatzadeh
In early 2019, John Cena began dating Shay Shariatzadeh, whom he met during the production of the film Playing with Fire.
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June 2020: Donation to Black Lives Matter
In June 2020, John Cena made a $1 million donation to Black Lives Matter as part of the #MatchAMillion initiative.
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October 12, 2020: Marriage to Shay Shariatzadeh
On October 12, 2020, John Cena married Shay Shariatzadeh in a private ceremony in Tampa, Florida.
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May 10, 2021: Posted "Bing Chilling" video on Weibo
On May 10, 2021, John Cena posted a video on his Weibo account promoting Fast & Furious 9, which led to the creation of the meme "Bing Chilling".
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2022: Guinness World Record for granting the most Make-A-Wishes
By mid-2022, the Guinness Book of World Records confirmed that John Cena had granted the most wishes in Make-A-Wish history, with his total exceeding 650 wishes.
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