Looking Back At John Cena’s Career: Wrestling, Acting, And More – As John Cena approaches his retirement from the WWE, fans and critics alike are reflecting on the monumental legacy he’s built across multiple industries. Few athletes have dominated the world of sports entertainment like John Cena. From his explosive WWE debut to becoming a box office draw in Hollywood, Cena’s journey is nothing short of iconic. But his story doesn’t stop at wrestling championships and cinema, his impact stretches into music, philanthropy, and beyond.
The Rise of a Wrestling Icon: Cena’s Early WWE Career
John Cena burst onto the WWE scene in June 2002, answering Kurt Angle’s open challenge on SmackDown and introducing fans to what would become a career-defining era. Though his initial run featured a generic persona, it was the emergence of the “Doctor of Thuganomics” that propelled him into fan-favorite territory. Armed with freestyle raps, flashy ring gear, and a rebellious attitude, Cena captivated audiences and proved he had the charisma to match his athleticism.
By 2005, Cena captured his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania 21, defeating JBL. From there, he became the face of the company throughout the PG Era, engaging in legendary rivalries with the likes of Edge, Triple H, Randy Orton, and The Rock. His catchphrases, “You can’t see me” and “Never give up”, became and iconic part of wrestling’s history. With 17 World Championship wins, Cena has secured his place among WWE’s all-time greats.
Breaking Into Hollywood: John Cena, the Movie Star
As his wrestling fame soared, Cena set his sights on Hollywood and has since played many iconic roles. Early roles in action flicks like The Marine (2006) and 12 Rounds (2009) were modest but showed potential. Some of John Cena’s best movies and TV shows include Daddy’s Home 2 (2017), as well as Blockers and Bumblebee (2018) where he started getting serious attention from the film industry.
His big break came when he joined the Fast & Furious franchise as Jakob Toretto in F9 (2021), followed by a standout role in James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad (2021) as Peacemaker. This led to his own HBO Max spinoff, Peacemaker, where his performance received critical acclaim for blending both humor and heart.
With many iconic fighters in WWE, UFC, and MMA taking to the big screen in recent years, Cena is part of a growing class of athletes who have turned to acting careers. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Dave Bautista, Gina Carano, and Ronda Rousey, have seamlessly crossed over into Hollywood, three of which have also starred in the Fast and Furious franchise.
Still in the Ring: Cena’s Recent WWE Appearances
Despite his Hollywood commitments, Cena has maintained a presence in WWE. Over the last few years, he’s returned for special appearances at SummerSlam, Money in the Bank, and WrestleMania, engaging with rising stars and fan favorites alike. Whether hyping up crowds on SmackDown or putting younger talent over, Cena has embraced the role of a mentor and legacy figure.
But in a stunning twist at WrestleMania 41, Cena shocked the world by defeating Roman Reigns to become the Undisputed WWE Champion—his 17th World Title, officially surpassing Ric Flair’s record and etching his name into wrestling history once again.
The win was not just symbolic, it showed Cena still has what it takes at the highest level and reminded fans that he’s more than just a nostalgia act. He’s still very much a competitor, capable of delivering on the biggest stages.
With a possible retirement at the end of this year, more SmackDown dates have been added to his already busy schedule of appearances.
Beyond the Spotlight: John Cena’s Broader Impact
John Cena’s contributions go far beyond wrestling and acting, as he’s dipped into various other ventures throughout his career. Early in his wrestling career, he released the rap album You Can’t See Me in 2005, featuring the popular entrance track “The Time Is Now.” It debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 and became a cult favorite among fans.
From his involvement in WWE, Cena’s been featured as the cover star for multiple WWE video games, including WWE 2K15 and WWE 2K23. His likeness is also regularly featured in mobile games, merchandise, and promotional campaigns. His appearances in commercials and late-night interviews have made him a beloved public figure, even to non-wrestling audiences.
Outside of entertainment, Cena is also currently a record-holder with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, having granted over 650 wishes to seriously ill children. No other celebrity comes close, underscoring his genuine commitment to a charitable cause.
John Cena’s journey is a masterclass in versatility. Whether lifting world titles, cracking jokes on screen, granting wishes, or starring in action thrillers, he’s got an impressive and varied career under his belt.
Looking Back At John Cena’s Career: Wrestling, Acting, And More
