Attaining the pinnacle of success in any profession takes a substantial amount of aptitude, commitment, tenacity, and diligent effort. To successfully transition into a new career and achieve equal levels of success, one must possess the same qualities as before, but at an elevated level. This makes those who can make such a move much more outstanding and deserving praise.
John Cena, renowned for his exceptional wrestling career in the WWE, has successfully transitioned into a prominent movie star in Hollywood, gaining immense popularity and recognition worldwide.
Former WWE wrestlers often migrate into acting, as seen by the notable performances of individuals like Dave Bautista, who currently holds a prominent part in the Marvel flicks ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’ It is worth mentioning that Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is one of the most famous movie stars globally.
The explanation behind the remarkable success of several WWE stars in the film industry after their distinguished wrestling careers lies in their exceptional showmanship. These very talented athletes owe much of their success to their diligent efforts and physical training. However, their charm and skill in captivating and entertaining an audience greatly enhance their performances as actors.
John Cena is a captivating performer with an intangible quality known as the “it factor.” This quality, which Cena fully embraced and embodied in the WWE ring, has contributed to his exceptional and enjoyable performances throughout his career.
John Cena’s 17-Year Transformation from WWE to Hollywood
Cena made his acting debut in 2006’s ‘The Marine,’ an action-comedy where he played the protagonist, marking his first cinematic role. Although the picture did not get a favorable critical reception, it had significant commercial success.
Subsequently, it developed a devoted fan base and resulted in the production of many direct-to-video sequels. Cena would appear in minor roles in independent films, such as Nickelodeon’s ‘Fred: The Movie,’ where he played a fictionalized version of the main character’s father. Cena’s significant breakthrough in movies did not occur until 2015.
In 2015, Cena appeared in three big motion features released in theaters, marking the start of his rapid ascent to become a cinematic star. Initially, Cena assumed the role of a secondary character in the successful comedy film ‘Trainwreck,’ which Bill Hader and Amy Schumer headlined. His portrayal in the picture is an unmistakable standout that enthralled viewers.
The Business of Franchise Films
Cena became a part of many cinematic series, starting with his significant role in the Transformers franchise in the film Bumblebee, released in 2018. Co-starring with Hailee Steinfeld, Cena played a military individual, similar to his role in ‘The Wall,’ and delivered an outstanding performance that included enjoyable and serious moments and instances of humor when Cena showcased his comic skills.
Cena joined the cast of the ‘The Fast and the Furious’ franchise in ‘F9’ with Vin Diesel, where he had the chance to portray the film’s nemesis. Cena demonstrates exceptional skill, effectively showcasing his physical prowess in the action sequences while delivering a compelling performance, fully embracing his evil moments.
Recently, Cena debuted in the DC Extended Universe in James Gunn’s film, ‘The Suicide Squad,’ portraying the comically exaggerated character of Peacemaker, a distorted version of Captain America. Co-starring with Margot Robbie and Idris Elba, Cena showcases his athleticism in the action sequences and his humorous skills in James Gunn’s dynamic screenplay.
With their Massachusetts betting apps, fans wouldn’t hesitate to back Cena to appear and win at Wrestlemania. However, few people predicted he would join such a long list of famed movie series within a short time. Transformers to Fast & Furious and then Marvel, this run will pay dividends for his legacy and has also boosted his body of work from the comedy flicks he was attached to.
Cena in 2023 & Beyond
Peacemaker then received a lone feature in 2022 before Cena returned to the Fast and Furious franchise this year, starring in Fast X (2023). In Q3 and Q4 of 2023, Cena’s comedic roots resurfaced with Vacation Friends 2 and his most recent lead role in Freelance. All of these were released during Cena’s return to the WWE ring, where he continued to put over the upcoming talent for the wrestling promotion.
The early portion of his Hollywood tenure was heavily mixed with WWE performances. However, Cena, a 16-time WWE Champion, admitted that although there is still for improvement “to reach the standard that I am accustomed to,” his professional wrestling career is ending. At age 46, Cena’s distinguished wrestling career is approaching its latter stage, and he alluded to an imminent departure.
While wrestling fans may not approve, we can expect to see John Cena resume his Hollywood ascension, which, compared to his WWE career, is far from over, with much more to achieve.