John Cena is a well-known professional wrestler, actor, and television host who has been involved in several controversies during his career. While some of these controversies are related to his wrestling persona, others have to do with his public statements and actions. Below are some notable controversies involving John Cena:
Steroid Allegations: John Cena, like many professional wrestlers, has faced allegations of using steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) during his career. These allegations are not uncommon in the world of wrestling, given the physical demands and pressures to maintain a certain physique. However, it’s important to note that Cena has consistently denied any involvement with PEDs and has passed WWE’s drug testing policies, which have become more stringent over the years.
Divorce: John Cena’s divorce from his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth Huberdeau, in 2012, attracted media attention. The divorce was relatively amicable, with both parties agreeing to a settlement. While Cena is known for being private about his personal life, the divorce put his personal affairs in the spotlight, as he was a popular WWE superstar at the time.
Public Relationships: John Cena’s high-profile relationship with fellow WWE superstar Nikki Bella garnered significant media attention. The couple began dating while working together in WWE and made their relationship public. They got engaged at WrestleMania 33 in 2017 in a highly publicized and romantic moment in the wrestling world. However, their relationship faced challenges, which were documented on the reality TV show “Total Bellas.” Ultimately, Cena and Nikki Bella called off their engagement a year later, just weeks before their planned wedding.
China Controversy: In 2021, John Cena faced significant backlash for referring to Taiwan as a country during a promotional interview for the movie “Fast & Furious 9.” This comment offended the Chinese government because Taiwan is a highly sensitive and politically charged issue in China’s official stance, which regards Taiwan as a part of its territory. In response to the backlash, Cena issued an apology on social media in Mandarin, expressing his respect for China and its people.
Movie Roles and Criticism: As John Cena transitioned into Hollywood, he faced criticism from some film critics and audiences who questioned his acting abilities and the quality of the movies in which he was cast. One example of such criticism was his role in the film “The Marine,” which received mixed reviews. However, it’s worth noting that Cena has continued to work on his acting career, taking on various roles in both mainstream and comedy films, and he has received praise for his performances in some projects.
The Cena vs. Rock feud: The feud between John Cena and The Rock reached its peak during the build-up to their match at WrestleMania 28 in 2012. The Rock, who had transitioned to a successful Hollywood career, returned to WWE for a special appearance and called out Cena, questioning his dedication to the wrestling business. The Rock famously referred to Cena as “Fruity Pebbles,” a reference to Cena’s colorful merchandise and his perceived lack of edginess compared to previous WWE generations.
During a promo on WWE Raw, The Rock stated, “You’re a lot like Superman, right? You’re good guy, a superhero. Well, here I am, the Kryptonite to your Superman, and at WrestleMania, I’m gonna kick your candy-ass!”
This exchange created a lot of buzz in the wrestling community and beyond, with fans and analysts discussing the personal jabs and the clash of eras represented by The Rock and Cena. It added a significant level of anticipation to their highly anticipated match at WrestleMania 28, which was one of the most-watched wrestling events in recent memory.
Ruthless Aggression Promo: John Cena’s career in WWE took a significant turn after he delivered a controversial “ruthless aggression” promo on WWE SmackDown in 2002. During this promo, Cena called out other WWE superstars and criticized them for lacking the determination and drive he believed was necessary to succeed in the wrestling business. He famously challenged Kurt Angle to a match, and this promo is often seen as the beginning of Cena’s rise in WWE. Here, Cena displayed his confidence and charisma on the microphone, setting the stage for his future success as a WWE superstar.
Locker Room Heat: In the world of professional wrestling, locker room tensions and “heat” between wrestlers are not uncommon due to the competitive nature of the business. One notable example is Cena’s reported backstage issues with Alex Riley, a former WWE superstar who was Cena’s on-screen associate. These tensions reportedly stemmed from real-life disagreements and clashes of personality, leading to Riley’s eventual departure from WWE.
