WWE World Champion John Cena Celebrates 49th Birthday

WWE Grand Slam Champion John Cena, often regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, turns 49 today.

While the 'Peacemaker' star hung up his kneepads for good in 2025, after a 24-year career, health and fitness remain a major priority as he approaches 50.

“When I was in the WWE, every day, I tried to be the strongest version I [could] be that day," he shared with GQ. "Now, I’m trying to be able to lift weights when I’m 80, so I need to take a little bit more care of myself for the long term. I have a 40,000-foot perspective. It’s a lot more work on flexibility and a lot more warming up. The stuff that I hated to do? I’ve learned to like just because it gets me feeling good for the stuff that I like.”

Cena, who hosted Wrestlemania 42 on April 18, undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the WWE. From his catchphrase—"You can't see me"— to his signature move, the Attitude Adjustment, Cena's legacy remains iconic. He holds the record for the most WWE World Championships of all time, with 17 wins.

Born to a working-class family of four boys in West Newbury, Massachusetts, Cena was athletic from a young age. He began weightlifting at 12 and played football through his undergraduate career. Cena was an NCAA Division III All-American center and team captain of the Springfield College team. Post-graduation, he pursued a bodybuilding career before making his WWF debut in 2001.

After breaking into film in 2006 with 'The Marine,' Cena found major success in comedies 'Trainwreck' and 'Sisters,' both released in 2015. Since then, he's fearlessly flexed his funny bone in hits like 'Blockers' (2018), 'Vacation Friends' (2021), 'Barbie' (2023) and 'Ricky Stanicky' (2024).

"You have to do those embarrassing moments on screen where you're asked to give of yourself and be vulnerable — whether it's dressed as a merman, whether it's in your tighty whities or in a Britney Spears outfit — you've got to wholeheartedly commit," Cena told People.

The WWE, he added, was the perfect arena to hone his comedy chops. "I come from a world where guys go out in their underwear, throw oil all over themselves and talk trash to each other. That in itself is ridiculous."

Cena's defining role is arguably Christopher Smith, AKA Pacemaker, a part he's played in 'The Suicide Squad' (2021) and across two seasons of television. Surprisingly, he wasn't writer/director James Gunn's first choice. Cena recently opened up about landing the part, which was originally conceived with Dave Bautista in mind.

“Well, I mean, first of all, I could care less about being anybody’s first, second, third or fourth pick," he said. "Opportunity in life comes to you in a myriad of different ways, and if I wanted to be salty about like, ‘Oh, I wasn’t first pick, that’s beneath me.’ I wouldn’t have ever gotten a chance. And keep in mind I got killed off in The Suicide Squad.”

While Cena has set many records in his career, the one closest to his heart might be granting the most Make-A-Wish Foundation wishes of all time, 500 and counting.

Happy birthday to John Cena!