John Cena has built a global reputation as a WWE icon, Hollywood actor and entertainer, but his personal life has also attracted significant public attention over the years.
The 17-time WWE world champion has experienced two marriages, a highly publicised engagement and several reported or rumoured relationships during his rise to fame.
Today, Cena is married to Shay Shariatzadeh, an accomplished Iranian-Canadian engineer and product manager.
Who Is John Cena’s Wife Shay Shariatzadeh?
Shay Shariatzadeh is a trained electrical and electronics engineer who was born in Iran and raised in Canada.
She studied at the University of British Columbia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical and electronics engineering between 2008 and 2013.
Before becoming widely known through her relationship with Cena, Shariatzadeh built her own professional career. She has worked in technology roles including software testing engineering, product management and product development positions.
Her previous professional experience includes roles with companies such as Alpha Technologies, Avigilon and Sonatype, as well as positions connected to education and retail.
How John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh Met
Unlike many celebrity relationships, Cena and Shariatzadeh’s romance began away from the spotlight.
The pair first met in Vancouver in 2019 when Cena was in the city during Super Bowl LIII.
He was at a local bar watching the New England Patriots face the Los Angeles Rams when he noticed Shay.
Cena later revealed that he was not searching for a relationship at the time, but their meeting changed everything.
He recalled being nervous about approaching her despite being an internationally recognised star and eventually asked for her contact details.
A Private Wedding and New Chapter
Cena and Shariatzadeh married in a private ceremony in Tampa, Florida, on 12 October 2020.
The couple later celebrated their marriage again with a second wedding event in Vancouver in July 2022.
Their relationship has remained considerably more private compared with some of Cena’s previous romances, with both maintaining successful careers outside the entertainment spotlight.
Cena’s First Marriage to Elizabeth Huberdeau
Before marrying Shay, Cena was married to his childhood sweetheart Elizabeth Huberdeau.
The couple tied the knot in 2009 after years of knowing each other, but their marriage ended three years later.
Cena filed for divorce in Florida in 2012. The separation attracted significant media attention, with reports surrounding disagreements and allegations connected to the breakdown of the marriage.
The divorce was finalised later that year, bringing an end to Cena’s first marriage.
The High-Profile Nikki Bella Relationship
One of Cena’s most recognised relationships was with fellow WWE star Nikki Bella.
The pair began dating in 2012 and became one of wrestling’s most famous couples.
Their relationship featured prominently on reality television through Total Divas and Total Bellas.
Although they were engaged after Cena proposed in front of a large WrestleMania 33 crowd in 2017, their relationship faced challenges due to differing views about marriage and having children.
The couple eventually called off their engagement in 2018 before officially ending their relationship.
WWE Storylines and Rumoured Connections
During his wrestling career, Cena was also linked to several other women, including fellow WWE performers.
His storyline romance with A.J. Lee became one of WWE’s notable television angles in 2012.
The fictional relationship developed on-screen through episodes of Monday Night Raw before ending as part of a wrestling storyline.
Cena was also involved in a WWE storyline with Mickie James, which featured romantic elements during the mid-2000s.
The pair were also reported to have had a relationship outside the ring during that period.
Lisa Marie Varon Connection
Former WWE wrestler Lisa Marie Varon has also been associated with Cena’s dating history.
Varon previously stated that she dated Cena in 2002, while rejecting later claims that she was involved in inappropriate behaviour during his marriage.
The topic resurfaced after comments from another former wrestler, who later apologised for involving Varon in the discussion.
Balancing Fame, Relationships and Family
Throughout his career, Cena has managed intense public attention surrounding both his professional achievements and private relationships.
From his early days as WWE’s leading superstar to his transition into Hollywood, his romantic history has often been followed closely by fans.
His relationship with Shay Shariatzadeh represents a different chapter, with the couple choosing a quieter approach away from the reality television exposure and public storylines that surrounded some of Cena’s previous relationships.
John Cena’s Life Today
Now focused on acting, entertainment projects and his marriage, Cena continues to remain one of the most recognisable figures in global pop culture.
While his past relationships have been widely discussed, his current marriage to Shay Shariatzadeh marks the latest chapter in a personal journey that has unfolded alongside one of the most successful wrestling careers in history.
