John Cena, the charismatic wrestler-turned-actor, has always been candid about his life both inside and outside the ring. In a recent appearance, Cena opened up about a deeply personal aspect of his life with his wife, Shay Shariatzadeh: their decision not to have children. This revelation provides a glimpse into their relationship and Cena’s personal reflections on parenthood.
Cena, who married Shay in a private ceremony in October 2020, addressed the topic of children during an interview on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast on August 21. He admitted that the conversation around having kids is often “tough” due to societal expectations and judgments. However, for Cena and Shay, it was a topic they tackled head-on early in their relationship.
John Cena Reveals Why He Doesn’t Want Kids: Not ‘Ready’
The “Playing With Fire” actor emphasized that his decision is far from impulsive. “I’ve thought long and hard about this,” Cena explained, highlighting that it’s a well-considered choice rather than a fleeting thought. He acknowledged the inherent judgment that comes with choosing not to have children, recognizing the societal norm that often equates purpose with reproduction.
When Sharpe inquired about the difficulty of this conversation with his wife, Cena shared that it was surprisingly smooth. Drawing from lessons learned in past relationships, Cena emphasized the importance of early and open communication. He and Shay established a foundation of honesty from the outset, discussing significant life decisions like parenthood very early in their courtship.
“It was great because we got to lean into those uncomfortable conversations and address this stuff,” Cena said. This proactive approach to communication has become a cornerstone of their marriage. They’ve built a relationship where no topic is taboo, and they address concerns as they arise, fostering a strong and transparent bond.
Cena further elaborated on his personal reasons for not wanting children. “I don’t want them,” he stated plainly. At 47, Cena is content with his life as it is and aware of the immense commitment parenthood demands. He expressed a deep sense of self-awareness, admitting, “I don’t think I’m personally ready, nor will I ever be, to invest the time it needs to be a great parent.”
His rationale stems from a desire to fully embrace his current life and explore his numerous passions. “I want to live life for all that it is,” Cena said, indicating a full and engaged life that he cherishes. He recognizes the significant “investment” required to be a dedicated parent, and he honestly assesses his readiness and desire to undertake that role.
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Earlier this year, Cena’s admiration for Shay was evident when he referred to her as his “[most prized possession]” in an interview with WSJ Magazine. He credited “honesty, communication, genuine love, gratitude and vulnerability” as the pillars of their happy marriage. This open communication, as evidenced by their discussion about children, is clearly a vital part of their relationship dynamic.
In contrast to his current marital contentment, Cena’s past relationship with Nikki Garcia (formerly Nikki Bella) was significantly impacted by differing views on family. Their long-term relationship, which included a proposal in 2017, ended in 2018, with reports suggesting that differing life goals, including family planning, played a role in their split.
John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh have built a strong partnership founded on open dialogue and shared values. Their decision regarding children, openly discussed and mutually agreed upon, reflects their commitment to honesty and a shared vision for their future together. While societal expectations around family can be strong, Cena and his wife exemplify a couple confidently charting their own course and prioritizing their mutual happiness.
