John Cena Sr. | Source: facebook.com/PanNeubeanSteel | twitter.com/jorajohl
John Cena Sr., John Cena's father, has always had a love for professional wrestling. After introducing his sons to the world of professional wrestling, John Cena Sr. never made it into the wrestling ring himself, but pursued a career as a fight announcer and once worked with his son.
The world has come to know and love the WWE star that is John Cena, but before he became a multi-champion in the wrestling ring, he was the son of a wrestling fanatic—his father.
Originally from Massachusetts, John Sr. first dipped his toes into the professional wrestling world when he worked in promotions. However, after a "devastating" divorce, he made a name for himself as a fight announcer and used his talent to become a Justice of Peace as well.
John Cena at the Warner Bros. Discovery Upfront 2022 on May 18, 2022, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Cena Sr. Was Always a Fan of Wrestling
Born on June 16, 1944, John Sr. remembers watching professional wrestlers in action in black-and-white before the time of colored TVs. Or he would listen to some of the greats—Gordon Solie, Walter "Killer" Kowalski, and Bruno Sammartino.
When cable TV hit American shores, John Sr. made sure he was one of the first to get his hands on it. Soon, he and his sons enjoyed watching the sport on Saturdays on TV and live from the nose bleeds. He shared:
"I have always had a fascination for the world of professional wrestling...there has always been a spot in my heart for (the) sport of kings— professional wrestling."
John Cena on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on Thursday, September 9, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
So, before he became a father and a husband, John Sr. joined the promotional side of the wrestling business. "You needed a show, and we got it to you," he said. Over the years, he also tried his hand at acting and appeared in "Chaotic Wrestling: Cold Fury 7" in 2008 and "WrestleMania XXX" in 2014.
After meeting his former partner, the couple married and welcomed five children. However, almost forty years later, John Sr's ex-wife left him devastated when she "decided it was time for her to move on."
During this difficult period in John Sr's life, a life-changing opportunity came knocking when a promoter asked him if he wanted to be part of the in-ring talent. "And together, we created the now infamous Johnny Fabulous," John Sr. said. He added:
"This character has (been)... allowed to entertain and become one with the great wrestling fans of today and yesterday. I have had the honor of working with some of the greatest young talent(s) today on the Indie circuit and with many of the legends I grew up watching."
John Cena at Universal Pictures's The Road To F9 Concert and Trailer Drop on January 31, 2020, in Florida. | Source: Getty Images
John Sr. has taken his brand further and sells autographed products such as sodas, wedding favors, Mild 60 ring hand rolled Dominican cigars, and chocolate cigars.
Cena Sr. Is Also a Justice of Peace Who Weds Couples
Although his marriage came to an end, John Sr. drew inspiration from proposing to his ex-wife and celebrating their wedding day to get into the business of marrying couples after serving as a Justice of Peace in Massachusetts for over 14 years.
John Sr. has received raving reviews about his larger-than-life personality and his knack for combining sentimentality with humor during marriage ceremonies. John Sr.'s website, in part, reads:
"From the initial meeting with the couple to the writing of the ceremony, the rehearsal, and finally to the great day itself, I have prided myself on making sure that that it is your day, your service, and what it is you want to create to preserve the memory."
John Cena on "Extra" on January 15, 2020, in California. | Source: Getty Images
Cena Sr. Has 5 Children with His Former Wife
It is unclear when John Sr. and his ex-wife, Carol Cena, married and went their separate ways; however, they welcomed five sons during their marriage: John Cena, Sean Cena, Dan Cena, Matt Cena, and Boog Cena.
ncG1vNJzZmimlazAb63MqKSapZFjsLC5jmxnamtpZ3qru8enZJydnpZ6tL6MmqWnp6WjsKa%2FjJ%2BgoKCkqHq4scOsZJynpaW5bn6NoaumpA%3D%3D