John Cena has opened up about life after retirement from professional wrestling, revealing how he has adjusted to his new routine alongside his wife, Shay. In a candid interview with PEOPLE, Cena expressed that he does miss the thrill of being in the wrestling ring but has been able to focus on family and personal growth since stepping away from his WWE career.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/John-Cena-and-Shay-Shariatzadeh-attend-the-UK-Special-Screening-for-Heads-of-State-120825-8a461465db7740369b4d821820104436.jpg)
Having last competed in December 2024, Cena, who is now 48 years old, is exploring various projects, including hosting WrestleMania 42 scheduled for April 18, 2025, acting in a romantic comedy for Netflix, and engaging in a partnership with the financial institution, Chime. “Of course, I miss being in the ring,” Cena admitted. However, he highlighted the importance of spending quality time with friends and family, acknowledging that leaving wrestling has opened new doors for him.
Growing up with four brothers in an environment fraught with financial difficulties has greatly influenced Cena’s perspective on money and stability. He shared that he grew up in a household where debt was a common struggle, leading him to understand the value of financial responsibility. “I came up in an environment where everyone around me was in debt, and nobody taught anybody,” he reflected.
Recently, a heartfelt conversation with one of his brothers prompted Cena to focus even more on financial literacy. “I had coffee with one of my brothers, and he was pretty depressed. I asked him what he wanted out of life, and he said ‘to be happy’. But when I followed up and asked what that meant, he replied, ‘I don’t know,'” Cena revealed. This interaction reinforced his belief that financial knowledge can be a critical component of achieving happiness and security.
Cena has been proactive in supporting his family members with their economic education, assisting three of his brothers, his parents, and even a cousin in understanding their financial situations better. He expressed gratitude towards Chime for recognising his passion for promoting financial literacy. “I’m really grateful that Chime found me,” Cena stated. He sees this partnership as a way to extend his efforts beyond his family and help others achieve financial security.
Amid his various commitments, Cena has found more time to nurture his relationship with Shay. In the past, balancing his wrestling career with film projects left little time for personal connections. “The one thing that felt deficient was my relationship with Shay,” he admitted. “Sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day, and she’s such a trooper in understanding that.” With his new schedule, Cena feels that he and Shay can reconnect, something he deeply values.
Their routine now includes sharing moments over coffee, which serves as a time for planning and reflection. “We journal, we talk, and at the end of the day, we’ll end our days whenever we can with date nights,” Cena shared. He emphasised that these simple acts have fostered deeper conversations and connections between them, which have been enriching for their relationship.
When it comes to indulgences, Cena mentioned that he and his wife enjoy quality coffee and fine wine as their main splurges. “Those coffee or date night drinks are probably things that I’d splurge on, but the yield is tremendous,” he said, highlighting the value of these shared moments. They create a space for memorable conversations and strengthen their bond, making every moment spent together worthwhile.
As Cena navigates this new chapter of his life, his focus remains on extending his understanding of financial responsibility and enhancing his personal relationships. While he may miss the excitement of wrestling, it is clear that he is embracing his new roles and challenges with an open heart and a commitment to growth.