A notable 32-year-old wrestling star recently revealed a longstanding crush on John Cena, catching fans off guard. John Cena, the 48-year-old icon known as the Leader of the Cenation, has been a beloved figure within WWE, drawing admiration from many current wrestling performers as well as fans for nearly two decades.
Wrestling Stars’ Childhood Admiration for John Cena
Over the years, John Cena’s presence has inspired affection among female wrestlers, including well-known figures such as Liv Morgan and Zoey Stark. Morgan, a former Women’s World Champion, has openly admitted to having a major crush on Cena, especially during his “Doctor of Thugonomics” phase. Similarly, Zoey Stark once shared that she had posters of Cena plastered all over her walls, symbolizing her youthful admiration for the 17-time world champion. Now, Cassie Lee, the current TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Champion, has joined their ranks by disclosing her own crush.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, Cassie Lee stated that her feelings for Cena were widely known among her childhood acquaintances.
“I had a big crush on John Cena growing up. Anyone from my childhood would tell you that.”
The Australian wrestler’s candid confession adds another layer to the history of professional wrestlers who admired Cena in their youth.
John Cena and Cassie Lee’s Time as WWE Colleagues
Cassie Lee originally gained fame as Peyton Royce when she joined WWE in 2015. She became part of the main roster in 2018 alongside her tag team partner Billie Kay, with whom she held the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship once. During this period, she shared locker rooms with John Cena, the very star she had long admired.
After spending six years with WWE, Lee was released in 2021 and subsequently signed with TNA, where she now holds a championship. Meanwhile, Cena is on his retirement tour in WWE, marking the closing chapters of his long tenure in the organization. Lee expressed a desire to attend Cena’s final WWE match but declined to speculate about his opponent.
“I can’t, but I want to be there. I would love to be there for it, but No, I don’t.”
Cassie Lee is married to WWE Superstar Shawn Spears, while John Cena is wed to Shay Shariatzadeh. Their personal lives contrast with their professional intersections, as both continue to make significant impacts in the wrestling world.
Current Wrestling Scene and Industry Dynamics
The wrestling industry faces notable challenges and internal shifts. An ex-champion recently described WWE as undergoing an internal power struggle, signaling a period of tension. Simultaneously, AEW continues to exert pressure on WWE, prompting public commentary from figures such as Tony Khan, who has acknowledged AEW’s assertive approach to competitive rivalry.
Meanwhile, critics of WWE have targeted Jade Cargill’s recent run, attributing her struggles partly to the expanding influence of AEW. Vince McMahon’s strategic interventions have also influenced AEW stars’ presentation styles, highlighting WWE’s behind-the-scenes influence even on rival promotions.
Upcoming Events and Controversies Involving WWE Talent
WWE WrestleMania 43 is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia, with speculation swirling that The Rock might return to compete at the event. Additionally, WWE Hall of Famers have voiced strong opinions about up-and-coming stars, such as Oba Femi, foreseeing rapid advancement for talents transitioning from NXT to WWE’s main roster.
Industry observers and critics remain vocal about match quality, with notable commentator Dave Meltzer labeling a recent WWE title bout as potentially the worst match of 2025. Meanwhile, a WWE referee issued a public statement following a confusing botch during SmackDown, reflecting the pressures and scrutiny within the world of professional wrestling.
The revelation of Cassie Lee’s long-held attraction to John Cena not only humanizes these larger-than-life performers but also serves as a reminder of the deep connections that span generations of wrestling fans and stars. As Cena approaches retirement, the admiration from fellow wrestlers highlights his ongoing legacy and impact within the wrestling world, while the evolving landscape of WWE and AEW continues to shape the future of sports entertainment.
