Early Life and Education of John Cena: A Complete Timeline

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 retired professional wrestler, widely considered one of WWE's greatest. He held a record-tying 17 world championships during his in-ring career from 2001 to 2025. As of December 2025, he remains signed with WWE as a brand ambassador, continuing his association with the company after retiring from active wrestling.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

April 23, 1977: John Cena's Birth

On April 23, 1977, John Felix Anthony Cena was born. He later became a professional wrestler, actor, writer, and rapper.

Others born on this day/year

2002: Villainous Run

From 2002 to 2003, John Cena portrayed a villainous character in WWE.

2002: First Make-A-Wish granted

In 2002, John Cena granted his first wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, beginning his record-breaking involvement with the charity.

2003: Heel Turn

In 2003, John Cena had turned heel.

2003: Origin of "You Can't See Me" catchphrase

In 2003, the catchphrase 'You Can't See Me' originated when John Cena was producing his new theme song and was dared by his brother to do the yayo dance on TV. Cena instead waved his hand in front of his face, leading to the catchphrase.

2006: Character Shift

In 2006, shortly after his debut film, The Marine, John Cena's 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.

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2007: Romantic relationship with Mickie James

From 2007 to 2008, John Cena was in a romantic relationship with fellow wrestler Mickie James.

2008: Romantic relationship with Mickie James

From 2007 to 2008, John Cena was in a romantic relationship with fellow wrestler Mickie James.

2008: Name Changes

In mid-2008, during WWE's change from TV-14 to TV-PG (the PG Era), the name of John 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.

July 11, 2009: Marriage to Elizabeth Huberdeau

On July 11, 2009, John Cena married Elizabeth Huberdeau.

2011: Salute Meaning

In a 2011 interview with WWE.com, John Cena explained that the salute he performs is a sign of respect to the men and women in the Armed Forces.

May 1, 2012: Divorce filing from Elizabeth Huberdeau

On May 1, 2012, John Cena filed for divorce from Elizabeth Huberdeau.

2015: "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'.

April 2016: ESPN Report on Recuperative Abilities

In April 2016, ESPN reporter David Shoemaker commented on John Cena's remarkable recuperative abilities, comparing him to German platelet-rich plasma therapy and Deadpool.

2016: Learning to play Piano

In 2016, John Cena started learning to play the piano, becoming a self-taught pianist.

2016: Started learning Mandarin Chinese

John 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.

April 2, 2017: Engagement to Nikki Bella

On April 2, 2017, John Cena became engaged to fellow wrestler Nikki Bella at WrestleMania 33.

April 2018: End of relationship with Nikki Bella

In April 2018, John Cena and Nikki Bella ended their relationship after being engaged.

November 2018: Lived in Yinchuan, China for film

From July to November 2018, John Cena lived in Yinchuan, China, to work with Jackie Chan on the film 'Hidden Strike'. He also created a YouTube show highlighting his local trips.

2019: Relationship with Shay Shariatzadeh

John Cena began dating engineer Shay Shariatzadeh in early 2019.

October 12, 2020: Marriage to Shay Shariatzadeh

On October 12, 2020, John Cena married Shay Shariatzadeh in a private ceremony in Tampa, Florida.

May 10, 2021: "Bing Chilling" meme origin

On May 10, 2021, John Cena posted a video on his Weibo account promoting 'Fast & Furious 9', where he ate ice cream and sang in Mandarin. This led to the creation of the 'Bing Chilling' meme.

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July 6, 2024: Money in the Bank Appearance

On July 6, 2024, John Cena made a surprise appearance at Money in the Bank to announce his retirement from in-ring action at the end of 2025.

March 31, 2025: Skin Cancer revelation

On March 31, 2025, John Cena revealed that he previously had skin cancer.

December 9, 2025: Contract Extension Announcement

On December 9, 2025, four days before his retirement match, John Cena revealed that he would be signing a five-year contract extension that would allow him to remain in WWE as an ambassador.

December 13, 2025: Final Wrestling Match

On December 13, 2025, John Cena wrestled his final match at Saturday Night's Main Event XLII, losing to the Last Time is Now Tournament winner Gunther via submission, officially ending his 26-year long career.