John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh (Image Source: Getty)
John Cena has spent decades building a reputation as one of WWE ’s most recognisable performers before expanding into Hollywood. Away from the wrestling ring and film sets, however, the former champion has maintained a comparatively private personal life with his wife, Shay Shariatzadeh. Their relationship stands apart from the public attention that often surrounds celebrity couples, with both keeping much of their life together away from the spotlight.
John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh (Image via Getty Images) Cena met Shariatzadeh in Vancouver in 2019 while filming the comedy Playing with Fire. The couple married in a private ceremony in Tampa, Florida, in October 2020, choosing to keep the occasion largely out of public view. They later celebrated their marriage with a gathering in Vancouver in 2022. In an April 2024 appearance on the Armchair Expert podcast, Cena explained that protecting his wife’s safety and wellbeing was an important reason for keeping their relationship away from constant public scrutiny, and he has also described Shariatzadeh as his life partner and travel companion, emphasising the importance of maintaining boundaries despite his public profile. In June 2025, he called his wife his “No. 1 passion” when asked about his priorities beyond acting and wrestling. A 2009 profile by MotorTrend reported that he owned 21 muscle cars at the time, while noting that the number changed as he bought and sold vehicles. Among the notable vehicles associated with Cena’s collection are the 1970 Plymouth Superbird, 1969 Dodge Daytona, 1966 Dodge Hemi Charger and 1969 COPO Chevrolet Camaro. The Ford GT has also been linked to his collection, including a 2006 model.
Because he enjoys them and believes each one has a story, and that perspective helps explain his affection for older models, whose mechanical character and limited production runs can make them especially appealing to collectors, he has explained that he chooses cars. His passion for cars gives another glimpse at what Cena is like when he’s not in show business – aside from his marriage, of course. His collection has also included one-of-a-kind performance vehicles, rare cars that are appreciated for their place in automotive history, as well as classic American muscle cars. Rather than collecting cars solely for their price or prestige, Cena has spoken about appreciating the stories and engineering behind them. Shariatzadeh, an Iranian-born Canadian engineer, had built a professional career in the technology sector before becoming widely known through her relationship with the WWE star. The couple’s approach to privacy has been deliberate. Cena has occasionally offered affectionate glimpses into their marriage. His comments suggested that personal fulfilment and the relationship he shares with Shariatzadeh remain central to his life, even as professional commitments continue to attract attention. Cena’s automotive interests developed alongside his wrestling career and have long centred on American muscle cars. The collection featured models associated with the golden era of American performance engineering, reflecting his interest in distinctive designs, powerful engines and automotive heritage. These cars differ in design and performance, but each represents a distinctive chapter in American motoring history. Cena’s interest is not limited to owning expensive vehicles. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines His automotive hobby offers a more personal counterpoint to the carefully managed privacy of his marriage: both reflect interests he values beyond public attention. Taken together, Cena’s relationship with Shariatzadeh and his car collection show different sides of a celebrity whose public career has often dominated headlines. his private life is shaped by personal boundaries, and his garage reflects a longstanding appreciation for cars with character, history and engineering significance While he continues to be recognised for wrestling and acting. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
