Explore the timeline of John Cena, a professional wrestling superstar, actor, and philanthropist. From his early life and wrestling debut to his Hollywood career and charity work, discover the key moments that have defined John Cena's illustrious career.
John Felix Anthony Cena was born on April 23, 1977, in West Newbury, Massachusetts, United States. He is one of five brothers born to Carol and John Felix Anthony Cena Sr. Cena attended Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts before transferring to Cushing Academy, a private prep boarding school. Later, he attended Springfield College, where he was a NCAA Division III All-American center on the college football team and graduated with a degree in exercise physiology and body movement in 1998.
John Cena made his World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) debut on June 27, 2002, in an episode of 'SmackDown!' where he answered an open challenge by Kurt Angle. Cena showed impressive skills and immediately stood out with his 'ruthless aggression', a trait he would become famous for during his wrestling career. This debut marked the beginning of what would become a storied career in professional wrestling.
On April 3, 2005, at WrestleMania 21, John Cena defeated John 'Bradshaw' Layfield (JBL) to win his first WWE Championship. This victory was a significant milestone in Cena's career as it solidified his status as a top star in WWE. His win at WrestleMania marked the beginning of a long tenure as one of the company's premier attractions and faces, often referred to as the franchise player of WWE.
On May 10, 2005, John Cena released his debut studio album titled 'You Can't See Me'. The album, performed with his cousin Tha Trademarc, features the hit single 'The Time Is Now', which became Cena's entrance theme during WWE events. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 15 on the US Billboard 200 chart and selling over 143,000 copies in its first week of release.
In 2006, John Cena was awarded the Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) Wrestler of the Year. This accolade is a testament to Cena's growing influence and popularity in professional wrestling. That year, Cena had thrilling feuds with top wrestlers, captivating audiences worldwide. Being named Wrestler of the Year further cemented his status as a premier talent in the industry.
John Cena made his first significant appearance in a feature film with the action movie 'The Marine', released on January 29, 2010. In the film, Cena plays a marine seemingly unstoppable in his quest to save his kidnapped wife from a group of diamond thieves. The movie showcased Cena's potential as an action star and was notable for balancing his WWE persona with a promising film career.
John Cena captured the WWE United States Championship at WrestleMania 31 on March 29, 2015, after defeating Rusev. This victory began a critical phase in Cena's career, where he established the John Cena US Open Challenge, defending his title every week and showcasing his adaptability and commitment to elevating both himself and the WWE's talent pool through high-quality matches.
On April 6, 2015, John Cena co-hosted the 'Today Show', demonstrating his versatility beyond the wrestling ring. His appearance as a guest host was part of a broader effort by Cena to establish himself as a mainstream celebrity. Cena's charismatic demeanor and fan-friendly approach were well-received by audiences, showcasing his ability to cross over into various fields of entertainment.
On April 2, 2017, John Cena proposed to his longtime girlfriend and fellow WWE superstar Nikki Bella on live television at WrestleMania 33 after winning a mixed tag team match. The proposal was met with ecstatic applause from fans in attendance and millions watching worldwide, marking a personal moment in Cena's life intertwined with his professional wrestling career.
John Cena was honored with the Make-A-Wish Foundation's Chris Greicius Celebrity Award on April 5, 2018, for granting over 500 wishes, the most by a single individual for the foundation. This award highlights Cena's remarkable commitment outside the wrestling world, showcasing his dedication to bringing joy and hope to young children battling critical illnesses.
On August 20, 2021, John Cena starred as Peacemaker in James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad', part of the DC Extended Universe. Cena's performance was praised for its mix of humor and action, and it led to his own spinoff series, further establishing his credentials as a versatile actor capable of leading major Hollywood productions. His role capitalized on his ability to transition from wrestling to acting.
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