John Cena, 49, opened up about his decision not to have children on the October 2026 episode of Trevor Noah's "What Now?" podcast, titled "John Cena: I Ate the Puke Burger." The conversation is one of the most personal interviews Cena has given since stepping away from professional wrestling.
Cena retired from WWE in December 2025 after a 24-year career as a 17-time world champion. He has since focused on acting — his film "Matchbox: The Movie" began streaming on Apple TV on October 9, 2026.
What John Cena Told Trevor Noah
Asked why he doesn't want kids, Cena told Noah: "Just because someone thinks I would be good at something, is that reason enough to do it?"
He stressed that fatherhood is a lifelong commitment, not an experiment: "It is not a commitment where if four months in I'm like, 'You know, this wasn't my thing.'"
Cena added that living without children gave him the space to grow: "The time I've had to live life is how I've developed the wisdom, is how I've developed the nuance. It's because I'm here, I'm present."
Why He Calls Himself the 'Oddball'
Cena acknowledged his stance is in the minority, telling Noah: "I just want to choose to be over here in my lane in life, and I understand that that is not the majority." He said he is comfortable being the oddball on the subject.
Father, Marriage and Being Present
Cena also reflected on his own father, saying he repaired their relationship at 46: "My dad was a great dad. He raised five of us... And then at 46, I was like, 'Man, maybe I'll just try to meet [him] where he's at.'"
Cena has been married to Shay Shariatzadeh since 2020, and he revealed that the pair discussed his child-free stance on their very first date.
Watch the Official Video
Watch the official clip from the episode below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does John Cena have children?
No. Cena has said he does not have children and does not plan to, a stance he has held for many years.
What did he say about being a father?
He said being good at something is not reason enough to take on a lifelong commitment, and that fatherhood is not something you can simply walk away from.
What did he say about his own father?
He called his dad a great father who raised five children, and said he rebuilt their relationship at 46 by meeting him where he was.
Where did he say all this?
On the October 2026 episode of Trevor Noah's "What Now?" podcast, titled "John Cena: I Ate the Puke Burger."
More Hollywood coverage: read our Coyote vs. Acme (2026) movie facts roundup, the Dwayne Johnson biography, and the Margot Robbie biography.
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