5 Surprising Facts About Shay Shariatzadeh, John Cena's Ultra-Private Wife

The world of pro wrestling and Hollywood is notorious for its public relationships, but John Cena has taken a decidedly private turn with his current marriage. As of December 2025, the WWE icon and actor is happily married to Shay Shariatzadeh, an accomplished professional who prefers life away from the spotlight. Their relationship is a refreshing blend of Cena's global fame and Shariatzadeh's grounded, engineering background, proving that true love can be found even when filming a comedy in a quiet Canadian city.

This deep dive will pull back the curtain on the woman who captured the heart of the "Peacemaker" star, detailing her impressive career, her cultural roots, and the timeline of their whirlwind romance. From their accidental meeting in Vancouver to their recent "date night" appearances at major film premieres in 2024, Shay Shariatzadeh is a fascinating figure who stands confidently beside one of the biggest names in entertainment, all while maintaining her own successful career.

Shay Shariatzadeh: A Comprehensive Biographical Profile

Shay Shariatzadeh is not a celebrity, but a highly educated and successful professional whose life trajectory is far removed from the wrestling ring. She is known for her intelligence and strong work ethic, which she credits to her mother.

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• Full Name: Shay Shariatzadeh
• Date of Birth: September 6, 1989 (Sources vary slightly, but this is the most common date.)
• Age (as of late 2025): 36 years old
• Place of Birth: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Some reports state Iranian-born Canadian citizen)
• Nationality: Canadian
• Ethnicity/Descent: Iranian and Azerbaijani descent
• Alma Mater: University of British Columbia (UBC)
• Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering
• Profession: Engineer, currently working as a Technical Product Manager in the e-commerce and technology sector.
• Spouse: John Felix Anthony Cena Jr. (John Cena)
• Date of Marriage: October 12, 2020 (First ceremony in Tampa, Florida) and a second, more elaborate ceremony in July 2021 in Vancouver.
• Cultural Background: Shay has often spoken about the influence of her Iranian heritage and the strength she inherited from her mother.

The Accidental Meeting That Changed Everything

The story of how John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh met is a classic Hollywood coincidence, yet it happened far from the glitz of Los Angeles. Their initial encounter was a pivotal moment that set the stage for their future.

The couple first crossed paths in March 2019 in Vancouver, Canada.

At the time, John Cena was in the city filming his family comedy, Playing with Fire.

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Shariatzadeh was working in Vancouver as an engineer.

They met at a local restaurant where Cena was having dinner, and the connection was immediate.

Cena later described the moment, noting that the interaction was "a wonderful time" and confirmed that the movie, which brought him to Canada, held a special place in his heart because he got to "meet my wife."

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Their first official public appearance as a couple was in October 2019, when they walked the red carpet together for the premiere of Playing with Fire in New York City, solidifying their relationship in the public eye.

5 Surprising Facts About John Cena's Wife

Shay Shariatzadeh is much more than just "John Cena's wife." She is a powerhouse in her own right, with a background that is significantly different from the typical celebrity spouse.

1. She Is a Highly Accomplished Engineer

Unlike many partners of major celebrities who work in entertainment, fashion, or social media, Shariatzadeh has a serious, high-level career in technology.

She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the prestigious University of British Columbia (UBC).

Her professional experience includes roles as a Technical Product Manager, specializing in software and e-commerce platforms.

This impressive background provides her with a foundation of intellectual rigor and problem-solving skills, which Cena has publicly admired.

2. Her Cultural Roots Are Iranian-Canadian

Shay was raised in Canada but has strong ties to her Iranian heritage.

She has spoken about her mother's influence as a role model, stating that her mom taught her the importance of hard work and independence.

This blend of Iranian culture and Canadian upbringing gives her a unique global perspective that she brings to her relationship and career.

3. Their Wedding Was Ultra-Private and Double-Ceremonied

John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh initially married in a private, small ceremony in Tampa, Florida, on October 12, 2020.

This decision for a low-key wedding reflected their desire to keep their commitment personal, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, they followed this up with a second, more elaborate celebration in Vancouver, Canada, in July 2021, which was attended by family and friends.

The two ceremonies highlight the couple’s balance between privacy and celebrating their union with loved ones.

4. She is Cena's Second Wife

While Shay is a new face to many fans, she is John Cena's second wife.

Cena was previously married to Elizabeth Huberdeau from 2009 to 2012.

His highly publicized relationship and subsequent split from WWE star Nikki Bella also dominated headlines for years, making his current, quieter marriage to Shay a noticeable shift in his personal life.

5. John Cena Calls Her His "#1 Passion"

Cena, who is known for his intense dedication to his career in wrestling and film (including hits like Fast & Furious and The Suicide Squad), has gushed about his wife in recent interviews.

At the premiere of his movie Heads of State, which he attended with Shay, he referred to her as his "#1 passion," indicating the depth of his commitment.

This public display of affection and admiration, though rare, shows how much Shariatzadeh means to the usually reserved star.

Recent Public Appearances and Relationship Status (2024-2025)

In late 2024 and throughout 2025, John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh have maintained their status as one of Hollywood's most solid, yet private, couples. Their appearances together are typically reserved for major film events, offering a rare glimpse into their life.

In January 2024, the couple attended the World Premiere of the film Argylle in London, where they looked happy and radiant on the red carpet.

Cena has also been seen in viral videos showing small, sweet gestures, such as carrying Shay over a puddle, which quickly melted the hearts of fans online and reinforced their image as a loving pair.

The couple's current life is a testament to finding a balance between an A-list career and a grounded personal life, with Shay Shariatzadeh providing a stable, intelligent, and private anchor for the global superstar.