John Felix Anthony Cena is an American professional wrestler, actor, and former rapper signed to WWE as of April 2025. Cena started his pro wrestling career in 1999 and signed a deal with WWE in 2001. The 16-time world champion owns the most championship reigns in WWE history. He initially performed in Ohio Valley Wrestling, where Cena held the OVW Heavyweight Championship and OVW Southern Tag Team Championship once each. The five-time WWE US Champion held the WWE Tag Team and World Tag Team Championship two times each. Cena is a two-time Royal Rumble winner (2008, 2013) and won the Money in the Bank in 2012.
Who is John Cena's Father?
John Cena's father is Joseph John Cena, who also goes by the name John Cena Sr. He was born on June 16, 1944, in Massachusetts, USA. Similarly to his son, he is also known as an actor and a former ring announcer for Chaotic Wrestling via IMDB.
Also Read: John Cena Family
John Cena Sr.'s Professional Wrestling Career
John Cena Sr.'s career insight
John Cena's father, John Cena Sr., didn't exactly have a wrestling career in WWE. He has appeared on-screen with his son on WWE TV, RAW, and WWE premium live events. He has appeared in various promotions and is known outside of his association with WWE legends. Cena Sr. also broke into the wrestling business as a commentator and manager. He appeared in shows like Circle of Champions: The History of Women's Pro Wrestling, Chaotic Wrestling: Cold Fury 7 (2008), WrestleMania XXX (2014), etc. as reported by Sports Illustrated and IMDB.
Before entering WWE, he worked as an announcer for Chaotic Wrestling under the ring name Johnny Fabulous. Cena Sr. also competed on WWE RAW in September 2007. Cena Sr. entered professional wrestling, primarily in the independent scene, following his son's success. He also appeared on screen multiple times with his outspoken son during the time that he was WWE's top star, according to Cagesideseats.com.
“I have always had a fascination for the world of professional wrestling,” he wrote on his website. “When cable TV first came out, I remember being one of the first to get it so that my sons and I could watch pro wrestling”, Cena's father wrote on his website.
Also Read: John Cena Brothers
John Cena Sr. and Randy Orton's feud
John Cena Sr. became a victim of Randy Orton's blows during the wrestler's feud with his son. During an episode of Monday Night RAW, Randy Orton dragged John Cena Sr. out of the crowd and began to attack him, causing his son John Cena to rush to his aid. On September 17, 2007, Orton decimated John Cena’s father while Cena was forced to watch, handcuffed to the ring.
In the January 13 episode of RAW, Randy Orton also once again dragged John Cena Sr. and attacked him in an attempt to get into the head of John Cena. It worked as Orton defeated Cena at the Royal Rumble 2014 to retain his WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
The
Relationship Between John Cena and His Father
John Cena appeared in an interview with ITR Wrestling in 2023, where he shared the relationship details between him and his father. He said:
“In and out and you know, not ideal in my mind, but a lot of that is my fault, a lot of that rests on me. I don’t know how much he cared when I did graduate college, I don’t know how much he cared about accolades before I was hired by the WWE.
“My first contract for the WWE was $12,000 a year. I quit my job the day I was signed… My dad thought I was like — I could have told him any other position. He’d be like, yeah, whatever. ‘Dad, I just got a job with the WWE.’ ‘Oh! My son!’ Like the one time he was like, ‘This is unreal. It’s gonna be great, I can’t believe it’ and he’s still to this day, he’s extremely proud of that,” Cena added.
When asked about Cena's heel turn in Elimination Chamber 2025, Cena's father told WrestleBinge:
"I'm tired of guys like you. I'm tired of the other calls I'm getting. I don't know why he did what he did. You're gonna have to get that from him. I am so tired of this. Why don't we just let it play out and find out what's happening? A reporter is a reporter, but listen, Bill Apter, 'friend,' enough is enough and thanks."
FAQ's on John Cena's dad
A. John Cena’s dad is an actor and also involved in pro wrestling, as per Cagesideseats.com.
A. John Cena supports the LGBT community, based on Today.com.
A. John Cena's mom is Carol Cena, based on People.com.
A. John Cena's brother, Dan Cena, is a cop in West Newbury, as per People.com.
A. John Cena turned heel at Elimination Chamber 2025, as per Sports Illustrated.
