7 Shocking Facts About John Cena's Wife, Shay Shariatzadeh: The Woman Who Changed His Mind About Marriage And Kids

The world of professional wrestling and Hollywood is no stranger to dramatic relationships, but few stories have captured the public imagination quite like that of John Cena. After a highly-publicized engagement and a quiet first marriage, the 16-time World Champion found lasting love with a woman far removed from the spotlight. As of late December 2025, John Cena's wife is the brilliant and accomplished engineer, Shay Shariatzadeh, a partner who has not only brought stability to his life but has also reportedly shifted his famously rigid stance on starting a family.

Their relationship is a testament to finding the right connection at the right time. Shay Shariatzadeh represents a new, private chapter for the former "Doctor of Thuganomics," one built on mutual respect and a shared desire for a life away from the relentless glare of the cameras. This deep dive uncovers the most compelling facts about the woman who finally convinced the global superstar to say "I Do"—twice.

Shay Shariatzadeh: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Unlike her famous husband, Shay Shariatzadeh maintains a low public profile, with her career and education speaking volumes about her intellect and drive. She is a highly accomplished professional in the technology sector, a fact that John Cena frequently praises.

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• Full Name: Shay Shariatzadeh
• Place of Birth: Iran
• Nationality: Iranian-Canadian
• Date of Birth: September 21, 1989 (Some sources cite 1990)
• Age (as of late 2025): 36
• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.
• Profession: Product Manager/Engineer in the technology industry. She has held positions at companies including Avigilon, a Motorola Solutions company.
• How They Met: They met in early 2019 while John Cena was filming the movie Playing with Fire in Vancouver, Canada.
• Marriage Date (First Ceremony): October 12, 2020, in a private ceremony in Tampa, Florida.
• Marriage Date (Second Ceremony): July 15, 2022, in Vancouver, Canada, a larger celebration for family and friends.

The Unexpected Love Story: How a Chance Meeting Changed Everything

John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh's meeting was a classic Hollywood-meets-real-life scenario, a stark contrast to his previous high-profile relationships. The couple was first spotted together in March 2019, while Cena was working on a film project in Vancouver, British Columbia, where Shay resided and worked.

Their connection was immediate and profound. Cena has spoken openly about the moment he first saw her, describing it as a truly life-changing experience. He credits her with bringing a new level of peace and stability to his life, a sentiment that resonates deeply with fans who followed his tumultuous past relationships. The ease and privacy of their initial dating phase, away from the WWE and reality TV spotlight, allowed their bond to grow genuinely.

The couple kept their relationship relatively low-key until news broke in October 2020 that they had quietly tied the knot in a private ceremony in Tampa, Florida, attended only by close family and friends. This was followed by a more public, second wedding ceremony in Vancouver in July 2022, confirming their commitment to each other and their respective communities. This second celebration was a beautiful, more traditional affair, allowing them to share their joy with a wider circle.

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7 Compelling Facts About Shay Shariatzadeh and Her Impact on John Cena

Shay Shariatzadeh is much more than just "John Cena's wife." She is a powerhouse professional and a private individual whose influence on the global star is significant. These facts highlight her unique background and the depth of their bond:

1. She Is a Highly Accomplished Engineer with a UBC Degree

Shay is a woman of serious intellect and professional ambition. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the prestigious University of British Columbia (UBC). Her career has seen her excel in the tech industry, holding roles as a Product Manager. This professional focus and independence are qualities John Cena has often admired and highlighted in interviews, suggesting a partnership of equals rather than a celebrity/partner dynamic.

2. She Was Born in Iran and Is a Proud Canadian Citizen

Shay Shariatzadeh's background is multicultural. She was born in Iran and is a Canadian citizen, having been raised and educated in Vancouver. This global perspective is a key part of her identity. Her mother, who she has cited as her biggest role model, is also a highly accomplished professional, instilling in Shay a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence.

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3. Their Relationship is Built on Extreme Privacy

In stark contrast to Cena's previous relationships, which were often documented on reality television, his marriage to Shay is fiercely private. They rarely share details of their personal life on social media and make only select public appearances. This deliberate choice for privacy is seen as a major factor in the health and stability of their marriage, allowing them to navigate their life away from the constant judgment of the public eye.

4. She Reportedly Helped Change His Mind About Having Children

One of the most famous and controversial aspects of John Cena's past was his firm, public stance against having children, which was cited as the primary reason for his highly publicized split from Nikki Bella. While the couple has not yet announced a pregnancy, recent interviews with Cena suggest a significant shift in his perspective. He has hinted that with the right person—Shay—his views on starting a family have evolved, indicating her profound influence on his life goals.

5. She Met Him While He Was Filming a Family Comedy

The setting of their first meeting is almost cinematic. They met in Vancouver while Cena was filming the family comedy movie Playing with Fire, where he played a smokejumper who suddenly finds himself looking after three children. The irony of meeting his future wife, who would potentially change his mind about fatherhood, while working on a film about unexpected parenting is a fascinating footnote to their story.

6. John Cena Seeks Her Approval for Major Decisions

In recent interviews, John Cena has stressed the importance of his wife's opinion, even on professional matters. He has stated that her approval is the only one he truly needs, particularly as he transitions further into his Hollywood career and contemplates his final chapter in the WWE. This highlights the immense respect he has for her judgment and the depth of their partnership.

7. She is His Second Wife, Following a Short First Marriage

For topical authority, it is essential to remember that Shay is John Cena's second wife. His first wife was his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth Huberdeau. They married in 2009 and divorced quietly in 2012. This first marriage was short-lived and largely kept out of the public domain, paving the way for his subsequent, highly documented relationship with Nikki Bella, and ultimately, his quiet, stable marriage to Shay Shariatzadeh.

The Contrast: Shay Shariatzadeh vs. Cena's Past Relationships

The major difference between John Cena's marriage to Shay and his previous relationships lies in the level of public exposure. His relationship with WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella was a cornerstone of the reality show Total Divas and Total Bellas. Their engagement at WrestleMania 33 was a global event. The subsequent breakup, fueled by their differing views on marriage and children, was an international headline.

Shay Shariatzadeh, by contrast, is a private citizen with a serious career outside of entertainment. She has no interest in the celebrity lifestyle, which appears to be exactly what John Cena needed. This low-key approach has allowed him to build a stable, mature relationship away from the pressures of fame, proving that sometimes, the quiet life is the one that truly wins the heart. The focus has shifted from the spectacle of a celebrity couple to the authentic connection between two successful individuals.