John Cena

Biography

John Felix Anthony Cena was born on April 23, 1977, in West Newbury, Massachusetts. Before entering professional wrestling, Cena was a collegiate football player at Springfield College and later worked as a bodybuilder and a limousine driver.

Cena began his professional wrestling career in 1999 with Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) under the ring name "The Prototype." He signed with WWE (then WWF) in 2001 and was assigned to their developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW).

He made his WWE main roster debut in June 2002, answering an open challenge by Kurt Angle. Cena initially portrayed a rapper character, which gained popularity and led to his first major push. He won his first singles championship, the United States Championship, at WrestleMania XX in 2004.

Cena's rise to the top of WWE began in 2005 when he won his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania 21 by defeating JBL. Over the next decade, he became the face of WWE, headlining numerous pay-per-views and becoming a 16-time world champion, tying Ric Flair's record.

Outside of wrestling, Cena has found success as an actor in Hollywood, starring in films such as "The Marine," "Trainwreck," "Bumblebee," "F9," "The Suicide Squad," and "Peacemaker." He is also known for his extensive charity work, particularly with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he has granted over 800 wishes, more than any other celebrity.

In recent years, Cena has transitioned to a part-time schedule with WWE due to his Hollywood commitments. However, he still makes occasional appearances, including his most recent run in 2024-2025 where he announced his retirement tour that will conclude at WrestleMania 42 in 2026.

Throughout his career, Cena has been a polarizing figure among wrestling fans, with his character often receiving mixed reactions despite being positioned as the company's top babyface. Nevertheless, his impact on professional wrestling and pop culture is undeniable, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time.

Championship History

World Championships

WWE Championship (13 times)

World Heavyweight Championship (3 times)

Other Championships

United States Championship (5 times)

World Tag Team Championship (2 times)

WWE Tag Team Championship (2 times)

Accomplishments

• 16-time World Champion (tied with Ric Flair for most world championship reigns)
• 5-time United States Champion
• 4-time Tag Team Champion
• 2-time Royal Rumble winner (2008, 2013)
• Money in the Bank winner (2012)
• WWE Championship Tournament winner (2007)
• Slammy Award - Superstar of the Year (2009, 2010, 2012)
• Slammy Award - Match of the Year (2011, 2013, 2014)
• WWE Hall of Fame - Class of 2025 (Headliner)
• Most wishes granted in Make-A-Wish Foundation history (800+)
• PWI Wrestler of the Year (2006, 2007, 2010)
• PWI Match of the Year (2007, 2011, 2013)
• PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (2004, 2005, 2007, 2012)
• PWI ranked #1 in the PWI 500 (2006, 2007, 2013)
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter Best Box Office Draw (2007-2014)
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter Most Charismatic (2006-2010)
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter Wrestler of the Year (2007, 2010)
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter Best on Interviews (2007)

Career Highlights