Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena recently offered a rare glimpse into his personal life, detailing how he first met his wife, Shay Shariatzadeh. Cena gave out the details during his appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s ESPN+ show, Stephanie’s Places.
After years of public relationships, including a highly publicized breakup with Nikki Bella, Cena had a private marriage to Shariatzadeh in 2020. He explained that the chance meeting occurred in Vancouver, Canada, about six years ago (2019) during the Super Bowl weekend while he was filming a movie.
“It was Super Bowl, about six years ago (2019). Patriots were playing and I didn’t wanna leave my apartment in Vancouver. I had just got there and had started to film a movie, and didn’t want to jinx the team,” Cena recounted.
Despite his initial reluctance to go out, he eventually went to a bar to watch the game, it led to the special moment. “In walks a group of four, and I can’t take my eyes off of Shay. They are in the booth right across from us…and my team is winning and I don’t give a fk. And I don’t have the bravery to break the ice.”
It was only after one of Shay’s friends approached him for a picture that contact was made. That same evening, Cena wanted to spend more time with Shay, and she agreed. He fondly recalled their first extended conversation:
“We met back at the same place. And we sat down at six and they kicked us out at one in the morning. Just me and her.”
John Cena speaks on how he met his wife
“My team was winning but i didn’t give a fk”
LMFAOOOOOOOOOOO
(Stephanie’s Places)
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) May 28, 2025
