Early Life and Education of John Cena: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 31, 2026

Discover the defining moments in the early life of John Cena. From birth to education, explore key events.

John Cena is an American actor, retired professional wrestler, writer, and former rapper. Celebrated as one of the greatest professional wrestlers, he holds a record 17 world championship reigns in WWE. Cena was actively involved in WWE as an in-ring performer from 2001 to 2025 and continues to work with the company as a brand ambassador as of December 2025.

Sections (4)

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

1974: Streaker interrupted the Academy Awards

In 1974, a streaker interrupted the Academy Awards, which John Cena referenced in March 2024.

July 11, 2009: Married Elizabeth Huberdeau

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

May 1, 2012: Filed for divorce from Elizabeth Huberdeau

On May 1, 2012, John Cena filed for divorce from Elizabeth Huberdeau, which was finalized on July 18.

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.

July 2016: Appeared in "We Are America" public service announcement

In July 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.

2016: Started learning to play the piano

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

April 2, 2017: Engaged to Nikki Bella at WrestleMania 33

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

April 2018: Ended relationship with Nikki Bella

In April 2018, John Cena and Nikki Bella ended their relationship; they had been planning to marry on May 5.

June 2020: Donated $1 million to Black Lives Matter

In June 2020, John Cena made a $1 million donation to Black Lives Matter as part of the #MatchAMillion initiative made popular by K-pop band BTS.

October 12, 2020: Married Shay Shariatzadeh

On October 12, 2020, John Cena married engineer Shay Shariatzadeh in a private ceremony in Tampa, Florida. They had met during the production of Cena's 2019 film Playing with Fire.

May 10, 2021: Posted "Bing Chilling" video on Weibo account

On May 10, 2021, John 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. This led to the creation of the "Bing Chilling" meme.

2021: Taiwan Controversy

During the promotional tour for F9 in 2021, John Cena referred to Taiwan as "a country", leading to controversy and a subsequent apology on social media due to China's stance on Taiwan.

Loading Video...

July 6, 2024: Money in the Bank Announcement

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.

January 6, 2025: Royal Rumble Announcement and Heel Turn

On January 6, 2025, at the Raw premiere on Netflix, John Cena announced that he would compete at Royal Rumble on February 1. After winning the Elimination Chamber match on March 1, Cena viciously attacked Cody Rhodes and aligned himself with The Rock and Travis Scott, turning heel for the first time since 2003.

March 31, 2025: Revealed past skin cancer

On March 31, 2025, John Cena revealed 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. This extension would allow him to remain in WWE as an ambassador.

December 13, 2025: Final Match

On December 13, 2025, at Saturday Night's Main Event XLII, John Cena wrestled his final match, losing to Gunther via submission. This event officially ended his 26-year-long career.