Wrestling legend John Cena has taken his final bow in the ring, ending a record-breaking WWE career. But how much do you know about him?
Well, you can’t see him anymore – at least not in the ring. At the weekend, John Cena brought the curtain down on his illustrious wrestling career with a hugely anticipated farewell appearance.
After 24 years, Cena fought his final WWE match in Washington and received a standing ovation at the end of the match from fans. But he will remain a part of the WWE family, having signed on to be a brand ambassador for the next five years.
But how much do you know about John Cena? Here are some facts you might not know.
John Cena has a degree
Before John pursued a career in bodybuilding, he went to university at Springfield College in Massachusetts, where he gained a degree in exercise physiology and kinesiology. While at university, John was an NCA Division III All-American center and football team captain.
After graduation, he went into bodybuilding professionally, supplementing his income in the early days by working as a limo driver and in a gym.
He took up fitness to combat bullies
John first took up strength work as a teenager to combat bullies at his high school. In an interview with People in 2021, John recalled how he was picked on a lot due to the way he dressed and expressed himself in high school. “As you’re an adolescent, social cliques form and I didn’t fall into any one of those,” he said.
Tired of being beaten up, he got a weight set as a present at 13 and started working out – and hasn’t stopped.
Its fair to say John has done well from this decision – and made his bullies look stupid for decades.
His first persona was a part-robot
In his early forays in professional wrestling, John adopted a persona called the Prototype, with the conceit that he was semi-robotic. He used this persona when he wrestled in Ultimate Pro Wrestling, and during his unofficial WWE (then World Wrestling Federation) debut in October 2000 in a dark match – a match that isn’t televised – on Smackdown!
The Prototype didn’t last long however. John moved to Ohio Valley Wrestling, where he performed under the name ‘Mr P’.
John can speak Mandarin
John has a long-standing relationship with China. Back in 2016 he started learning Mandarin as part of an effort to help WWE expand its reach. At a press conference held in China, John gave his answers in Mandarin.
John has also lived in China – albeit briefly. From July to November 2018, John resided in Yinchuan while he was working with martial arts legend Jackie Chan on the film Hidden Strike. During his time off, he did visit local markets and stores.
He also spoke Mandarin in a promo he did for Fast & Furious 9 – which inspired the ‘Bing Chilling’ meme, thanks to a mishearing of the phrase in the video.
John can play piano
While John is famous for his rap career – having recorded an album, called, perhaps inevitably, You Can’t See Me – but he can also play the piano.
John started to teach himself the instrument in 2016 and got so good that he played it in an episode of Peacemaker. His character plays a piano version of Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue to close the end of the Murn After Reading episode.
John Cena – WWE record holder
John holds the WWE record having been a 17-time world champion, with his last victory to take the title coming against Cody Rhodes at Wrestlemania 41. He has also won numerous other belts over the years, including the US Championship, Intercontinental Championship and Tag-Team Championship.
He is also second on the list of all-time pay-per-view event wins, having scored 100 during his career. Only the Undertaker is ahead of him.
