John Cena’s Wife: Shay Shariatzadeh, Marriage Story, and Private Life

When people search for John Cena’s wife, they’re often surprised to learn that the WWE legend turned Hollywood actor is married to a brilliant, low-profile engineer named Shay Shariatzadeh. While John Cena has been a household name for more than two decades—first as a charismatic WWE champion, then as a blockbuster movie star—Shay has built her life completely outside the entertainment industry. Their relationship, filled with privacy, mutual respect, and shared values, marks a new chapter in Cena’s life. After years of public romances and intense career pressure, this marriage represents a quieter, more grounded side of him. This article explores who Shay Shariatzadeh is, how the couple met, their wedding, public appearances, family plans, and why fans remain fascinated with their love story.

Who Is John Cena? A Brief Introduction

John Cena was born on April 23, 1977, in West Newbury, Massachusetts. He began his career in bodybuilding before entering the world of professional wrestling. His rise in WWE was meteoric: Cena became one of the most recognizable sports entertainment figures of all time, known for his mic skills, undeniable charisma, and signature catchphrases like “You can’t see me.”

But Cena didn’t remain confined to the wrestling ring. Over the last decade, he evolved into a successful actor, starring in films such as Blockers, Bumblebee, F9, The Suicide Squad, and the hit HBO series Peacemaker. His reputation for discipline, professionalism, and work ethic helped him transition seamlessly into Hollywood.

With such a public career—and a widely covered past relationship with Nikki Bella—fans naturally want to understand the personal life behind the star, particularly whom he eventually chose as his life partner.

Who Is John Cena’s Wife? Meet Shay Shariatzadeh

John Cena’s wife, Shay Shariatzadeh, is a Canadian engineer with roots in Iran. She is known for her intelligence, elegance, and calm presence. Unlike many celebrity spouses who step into public roles, Shay maintains a quiet, private life and rarely seeks media attention.

Shariatzadeh was born in Iran and raised in Canada. She studied engineering at the University of British Columbia, where she earned a degree in electrical and electronics engineering. Throughout her professional life, she has worked in engineering leadership roles, product management, and technology development. Her colleagues describe her as thoughtful, analytical, and hardworking—qualities that align well with Cena’s disciplined personality.

What sets Shay apart is her grounded nature. She built her career independently of fame and has continued to keep her professional identity even after marrying one of the world’s most recognizable entertainers.

How John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh Met

The couple met in 2019 while Cena was filming the family comedy Playing With Fire in Vancouver, Canada. Shay was working in the tech industry at the time. According to interviews, Cena noticed her at a restaurant in downtown Vancouver, and the connection was immediate. Unlike many celebrity relationships that unfold under public scrutiny, theirs began quietly and naturally.

Their relationship developed quickly, supported by shared values such as communication, intelligence, independence, and humility. Many who know the couple believe that Shay’s calming personality and strong sense of self played a major role in drawing Cena to her. After years of living in the spotlight, he found her refreshing, stable, and grounded.

Their Wedding and Relationship Timeline

John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh married in an intimate private ceremony on October 12, 2020, in Tampa, Florida. The wedding was intentionally small, attended only by close friends and family. The couple chose discretion over spectacle, a sign of their shared desire to keep their relationship away from the public eye.

In 2022, the couple reportedly held a second celebration—a more formal ceremony meant to include loved ones who couldn’t attend the first wedding due to pandemic restrictions. This second event was elegant, understated, and deeply personal, reflecting their shared preference for privacy over glamor.

Cena has spoken fondly about marriage, describing Shay as someone who “brings out the best” in him. Their relationship marks a notable shift from his past public romances, showing his desire for a more private, emotionally grounded partnership.

Marriage Dynamics and Shared Values

John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh appear to have a marriage built on communication, mutual growth, and respect. Over the years, Cena has spoken about how relationships require effort, honesty, and vulnerability—qualities he has embraced more deeply as he matured.

Earlier in his life, Cena described himself as someone who prioritized work above everything else. His demanding career often made it difficult to maintain balance. However, his marriage to Shay reflects a shift in priorities. He now emphasizes emotional connection and partnership alongside professional ambition.

Shay’s influence seems to show in Cena’s more thoughtful interviews, his softened public demeanor, and his renewed ability to balance life and work. Their relationship is a partnership in the true sense: two individually strong people supporting each other while maintaining independence.

Public Appearances and Red Carpet Moments

While the couple keeps their private life protected, they do occasionally appear together at red carpet events. Their first major public appearance was at the premiere of Playing With Fire, shortly after they began dating. Since then, they’ve attended a handful of premieres and award shows.

These appearances share a consistent theme: elegance, warmth, and quiet confidence. Shay is often seen smiling beside Cena, and the two radiate a calm, comfortable chemistry. They avoid public drama, keep interactions classy, and leave quickly after events rather than lingering for publicity.

Despite Cena’s enormous fame, they behave like a couple focused on their bond rather than the cameras.

Does John Cena Want Kids? Family Plans and Public Statements

One of the most common questions related to John Cena’s wife is whether the couple plans to have children. In earlier relationships, particularly with Nikki Bella, Cena openly stated he did not want kids. This position led to the end of that high-profile romance and shaped public understanding of his lifestyle.

However, in more recent interviews, Cena has acknowledged that his views on fatherhood have evolved. He has said that life changes people and that he is more open to new possibilities now. While he and Shay have not confirmed any plans for children, neither has dismissed the idea. It appears that the couple may choose to pursue parenthood if and when the time feels right.

The important point is that their decision remains private—exactly how they prefer to live.