During a recent appearance on the Today show, former WWE champion John Cena opened up about the rocky start to his Hollywood journey. He admitted that early on he was “ran out of the movie business” because he simply did not care enough about acting, preferring the excitement of the wrestling ring.
Early struggles and a slow‑moving film set
Cena explained that as a young man in his twenties, his priorities were traveling the world, performing before tens of thousands of fans each night, and living the WWE lifestyle. “That’s where I wanted to be, and that’s where I felt comfortable and fluent,” he said, referencing his successful wrestling career.
He described working on a film set as “super patient” and “super slow,” noting that he lacked the wisdom for the process at the time. “I just didn’t have the wisdom for the process,” he claimed, adding that his lack of enthusiasm led producers to push him out of the business.
First roles and a gradual rise
Cena’s acting debut came with roles in the action movies The Marine and 12 Rounds. However, he did not see significant success until the 2010s, when he appeared in comedies such as Trainwreck and Blockers, and later landed a supporting part in the 2021 superhero film The Suicide Squad.
His portrayal of the character Peacemaker in the DC Extended Universe proved to be a turning point, leading to a dedicated television series. In 2021, Cena joined the Fast & Furious franchise, playing the brother of Vin Diesel’s character in Fast 9: The Fast Saga and Fast X. He also made a cameo in Barbie (2023) and starred in the Hulu originals Vacation Friends and its sequel.
A second chance and renewed dedication
Reflecting on his evolution, Cena said, “I’m now super passionate about what I do, and that’s everything from filming to sitting here talking about this movie with you guys. And I’m so lucky to be given a second chance. It took 20 years to craft that.” He emphasized the importance of self‑assessment, noting, “There’s nothing wrong with taking inventory of yourself, looking in the mirror, loving yourself for your strengths and your flaws, and trying to be better than you were yesterday.”
Cena’s candid admission highlights how perseverance and a willingness to grow can transform a career. After retiring from professional wrestling in 2025, he continues to build a respectable filmography, proving that dedication and humility can open new doors even after early setbacks.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
