John Cena Opens Up About Why He Doesn’t Intend to Have Children — Fans Are Split Over His Decision
At 48 years old, wrestling legend John Cena has lived a life many can only dream of. From his record-breaking career in WWE to his success as a Hollywood actor, Cena has achieved global fame, respect, and financial security. But while he has worn many titles — champion, actor, philanthropist, and entertainer — there’s one title he has openly said he never intends to claim: father. Over the years, Cena has been remarkably open about his personal life. Known for his discipline, work ethic, and humble attitude toward fans, he has managed to maintain a career largely free of controversy — a rare feat in the world of entertainment.
Yet one subject continues to spark discussion among his fans: his firm decision not to have children. Cena has been married twice. His first marriage was to Elizabeth Huberdeau, whom he wed in 2009. The couple later divorced in 2012. In 2020, he married Shay Shariatzadeh, a Canadian engineer he met while filming a movie in Vancouver. The two tied the knot in a private ceremony and remain happily married to this day.
For many people, starting a family is a natural and expected part of life. But for John Cena, the choice has always been different. Years ago, he made the conscious decision that fatherhood wasn’t for him — and that belief has never changed. In an interview on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast last year, Cena spoke candidly about his views on parenthood. When asked directly about whether he planned to have children, he didn’t hesitate. “I don’t want them,” he said plainly.
He went on to elaborate, explaining that his decision wasn’t rooted in selfishness, but in self-awareness. “I have a certain curiosity about life, and I also know the investment that it takes,” Cena said. “My biggest fear is that as someone who’s driven, often stubborn and selfish — even though I try to approach the world with kindness and curiosity — I don’t think I’m personally ready, nor will I ever be, to invest the time it takes to be a great parent. Because I want to live life for all it is. I still have a lot to do. And I still want to do a lot.”
Cena also emphasized that his wife Shay fully understands and supports his decision. “I have a wonderful partner I do it with,” he said. “We’ve had open conversations about this. We share the same values.”
The wrestler-turned-actor acknowledged that society often places pressure on individuals and couples to have children — and that those who choose not to are sometimes unfairly judged. “I feel like people put others into a category when they decide not to have kids,” Cena noted. “But I’d like to believe that everyone should be free to live their life however they choose. My opinions only hit that gray area during emotionally difficult times. But I’m happy with where I stand. I have a lot of joy and fulfillment in my life, and that’s pretty much where I stand on it.”
Earlier this year, Cena was asked again about his decision, and his answer showed just how firmly he stands by his beliefs. During an interview promoting his film “Little Brother,” he revealed that he had been working for 43 days straight, with another 20 days ahead of him. His intense work schedule, he explained, is one of the main reasons he feels unprepared for parenthood.
“If I were to bring a life into this world, that life deserves care, nurture, and unconditional love,” Cena said. “And I know how much time that takes. Right now, I’m blessed with incredible opportunities. Life has given me a chance to do amazing things, and I want to make the most of them. So I don’t want to make an irresponsible choice — to bring a child into the world and then not be able to give them the time and attention they deserve. That wouldn’t be fair.” For Cena, the decision not to have children isn’t about avoiding responsibility — it’s about honoring it. He believes that parenting is a lifelong commitment that requires total dedication, something he admits he can’t give at this stage of his life.
His honesty has struck a chord with fans around the world. Some praise him for being self-aware and responsible, admiring his courage to go against societal expectations. Others, however, find his stance difficult to understand, believing that his success and stability would make him an ideal father. The debate continues to divide opinions, but Cena’s reasoning remains consistent and genuine.
Over the years, Cena has also shown deep compassion for children in another way — through his extensive work with charities, especially the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He holds the record for granting the most wishes of any celebrity, with over 650 wishes fulfilled for children with life-threatening illnesses. In that sense, while he may not have children of his own, his kindness and generosity have touched the lives of countless kids around the world.
For now, Cena continues to focus on his marriage, career, and personal growth. Whether in the wrestling ring or on the big screen, he approaches every role — professional or personal — with the same dedication and authenticity that have made him one of the most respected figures in entertainment.
In the end, his message is simple but powerful: everyone’s path in life is different, and happiness doesn’t have to follow one formula. As Cena put it himself, “I’m very happy with where I am. I have a lot of joy and fulfillment in my life. And that’s enough.”
At 48 years old, wrestling legend John Cena has lived a life many can only dream of. From his record-breaking career in WWE to his success as a Hollywood actor, Cena has achieved global fame, respect, and financial security. But while he has worn many titles — champion, actor, philanthropist, and entertainer — there’s one title he has openly said he never intends to claim: father. Over the years, Cena has been remarkably open about his personal life. Known for his discipline, work ethic, and humble attitude toward fans, he has managed to maintain a career largely free of controversy — a rare feat in the world of entertainment.
Yet one subject continues to spark discussion among his fans: his firm decision not to have children. Cena has been married twice. His first marriage was to Elizabeth Huberdeau, whom he wed in 2009. The couple later divorced in 2012. In 2020, he married Shay Shariatzadeh, a Canadian engineer he met while filming a movie in Vancouver. The two tied the knot in a private ceremony and remain happily married to this day.
For many people, starting a family is a natural and expected part of life. But for John Cena, the choice has always been different. Years ago, he made the conscious decision that fatherhood wasn’t for him — and that belief has never changed. In an interview on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast last year, Cena spoke candidly about his views on parenthood. When asked directly about whether he planned to have children, he didn’t hesitate. “I don’t want them,” he said plainly.
He went on to elaborate, explaining that his decision wasn’t rooted in selfishness, but in self-awareness. “I have a certain curiosity about life, and I also know the investment that it takes,” Cena said. “My biggest fear is that as someone who’s driven, often stubborn and selfish — even though I try to approach the world with kindness and curiosity — I don’t think I’m personally ready, nor will I ever be, to invest the time it takes to be a great parent. Because I want to live life for all it is. I still have a lot to do. And I still want to do a lot.”
Cena also emphasized that his wife Shay fully understands and supports his decision. “I have a wonderful partner I do it with,” he said. “We’ve had open conversations about this. We share the same values.”
The wrestler-turned-actor acknowledged that society often places pressure on individuals and couples to have children — and that those who choose not to are sometimes unfairly judged. “I feel like people put others into a category when they decide not to have kids,” Cena noted. “But I’d like to believe that everyone should be free to live their life however they choose. My opinions only hit that gray area during emotionally difficult times. But I’m happy with where I stand. I have a lot of joy and fulfillment in my life, and that’s pretty much where I stand on it.”
Earlier this year, Cena was asked again about his decision, and his answer showed just how firmly he stands by his beliefs. During an interview promoting his film “Little Brother,” he revealed that he had been working for 43 days straight, with another 20 days ahead of him. His intense work schedule, he explained, is one of the main reasons he feels unprepared for parenthood.
“If I were to bring a life into this world, that life deserves care, nurture, and unconditional love,” Cena said. “And I know how much time that takes. Right now, I’m blessed with incredible opportunities. Life has given me a chance to do amazing things, and I want to make the most of them. So I don’t want to make an irresponsible choice — to bring a child into the world and then not be able to give them the time and attention they deserve. That wouldn’t be fair.” For Cena, the decision not to have children isn’t about avoiding responsibility — it’s about honoring it. He believes that parenting is a lifelong commitment that requires total dedication, something he admits he can’t give at this stage of his life.
His honesty has struck a chord with fans around the world. Some praise him for being self-aware and responsible, admiring his courage to go against societal expectations. Others, however, find his stance difficult to understand, believing that his success and stability would make him an ideal father. The debate continues to divide opinions, but Cena’s reasoning remains consistent and genuine.
Over the years, Cena has also shown deep compassion for children in another way — through his extensive work with charities, especially the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He holds the record for granting the most wishes of any celebrity, with over 650 wishes fulfilled for children with life-threatening illnesses. In that sense, while he may not have children of his own, his kindness and generosity have touched the lives of countless kids around the world.
For now, Cena continues to focus on his marriage, career, and personal growth. Whether in the wrestling ring or on the big screen, he approaches every role — professional or personal — with the same dedication and authenticity that have made him one of the most respected figures in entertainment.
In the end, his message is simple but powerful: everyone’s path in life is different, and happiness doesn’t have to follow one formula. As Cena put it himself, “I’m very happy with where I am. I have a lot of joy and fulfillment in my life. And that’s enough.”
