John Cena, known widely for his WWE fame, has opened up about the unexpected way his wrestling career propelled him toward Hollywood. During a recent Fan Expo event in Denver, Colorado, Cena shared how his role in WWE, primarily aimed at drawing more attention to the company, inadvertently introduced him to the acting world. This transition was not initially driven by a personal passion for film but by his desire to support WWE’s growth.
Lessons Learned from Early Acting Challenges
Cena reflected on his initial struggles in the movie industry, confessing that he was once dismissed for making too many unsuccessful films. He recalled,
“I got run out of the movie business once for making too many bad movies. Then I got another chance. I’m very grateful for that,”
—John Cena.
Balancing his wrestling career and early film roles, Cena described how he was divided between the two worlds while still a world champion in his 20s. He admitted his film efforts were initially misaligned with his interests,
“Gosh, I really was just enjoying my life in WWE. I started to do movies to bring more business to WWE and that wasn’t the right path for me.”
—John Cena.
A Turning Point with Fred: The Movie
Cena pinpointed his breakthrough moment as landing the role of Dad Figglehorn in Fred: The Movie, which opened doors for him in Hollywood. He praised Paramount Pictures CEO Brian Robbins for giving him a chance to embrace roles that allowed him to laugh at himself and enjoy the experience. Speaking of this opportunity, Cena said,
“I got to live in a refrigerator and that was the first time that [Paramount Pictures CEO] Brian Robbins ever took a chance on me to laugh at myself and enjoy. After that, I realized that if I was going to commit at all to anything outside a WWE arena, I should do so with the passion I commit in that arena.”
—John Cena.
Since this turning point, Cena expressed his commitment to giving his full effort in every project, which has made his Hollywood journey worthwhile.
The Early Film Roles That Shaped His Career
Before his role in the Fred series, Cena took on acting parts in several wrestling-themed films such as The Marine, 12 Rounds, and Legendary. His portrayal of Dad Figglehorn became a memorable part of his early acting career, with appearances in Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred and Fred 3: Camp Fred following his initial performance.
Reflecting on the Journey Ahead
John Cena’s experience highlights the unpredictable path from WWE stardom to Hollywood acting. What started as an effort to boost WWE’s visibility became a genuine passion for acting after setbacks and self-discovery. His story underscores the importance of perseverance and wholehearted dedication in new challenges, indicating that Cena will continue to pursue meaningful roles beyond the wrestling ring.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is John Cena diagnosed with?
A. Famous wrestler John Cena has skin cancer. Doctors discovered melanoma on his left chest and back, about a year apart. Cena shared with USA Today that learning about his condition changed his perspective on life. He encourages men to pay more attention to skin care.
Q. What is John Cena’s terminal illness?
A. John Cena, a star in World Wrestling Entertainment, has been diagnosed with skin cancer two times. He neglected using sunscreen.
At 48, Cena is now promoting a campaign that encourages people to apply sunscreen regularly.
Q. Has John Cena ever had surgery?
A. John Cena has explained why he chose to get a hair transplant to fix his bald spot. In a recent interview, the WWE star criticized wrestling critics, saying they pressured him into the choice.
Q. What is John Cena’s biggest fear?
A. 1. John Cena is afraid of heights. During an interview with WWE’s website, he shared that he struggles with acrophobia.
