John Cena, known for his dominance in the wrestling ring and his successful career in Hollywood, has always preferred to keep his personal life, especially his relationship with his wife Shay Shariatzadeh, out of the public eye. While he occasionally shares glimpses of their bond with fans, it’s clear that he values privacy when it comes to his family.
Shay, who is the wife of the “Playing with Fire” actor, has captured John’s heart with her intelligence and charm. He has often praised her as “beautiful” both inside and out. But what do we really know about the woman who has become such an important part of his life? Let’s take a closer look.
She Was Born in Iran
Shay was born in Iran and later raised in Canada. Her roots trace back to the Middle East, but her life took a different path after she moved to Vancouver. According to the couple’s wedding certificate, Shay had been living in Vancouver at the time, but her birthplace was Iran.
She Is an Engineer
Shay holds a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of British Columbia. Her passion for engineering began at a young age, driven by her love for math and physics.
“I have always enjoyed math and physics,” she shared in an interview with Motorola Solution’s subsidiary Avigilon. “My brother studied engineering in school, and I remember one day he came home with a project, and it was an autonomous car — and that was it!”
Her career has taken her through various roles in the technology sector, including positions in software and product management. She worked as a product manager at Sonatype, an enterprise software company, starting in December 2019. Her work showcases her sharp intellect and technical skills.
Her Mom Is Her Inspiration
Shay comes from a hardworking family, and her mother, a surgeon, has been a major influence on her life. “The strongest and most hard-working woman I know is my mother,” she said in an International Women’s Day feature by Avigilon. “The biggest lesson she taught me was to be independent and fight for the things I want in life.”
She added:
“While she was at the peak of her career, she gave it all up to move her family to Canada to give us a better future. She is the reason I fight to be the best version of myself, to be kind and to never give up.”
Shay and John’s Love Story
Shay and John’s romantic journey began in 2019 when they met in Vancouver, Canada, while John was filming the comedy “Playing with Fire.” Their connection was instant. Shay was at a restaurant with friends for dinner, and John was there to watch the Super Bowl.
Shay’s friends approached him for a photo, and he still keeps that picture hanging in their home. They exchanged numbers, and the rest is history. On “The Howard Stern Show,” John recalled the moment: “I left the restaurant and on my walk home I [texted], ‘It was so nice to meet you, you’re beautiful, I’d like to get to know you more if you have any free time coming up I’ll make time for you.’ She’s like, ‘You want to go out this weekend?’ I said, ‘Sure.'”
Their Wedding
Their relationship blossomed away from the media spotlight, and they tied the knot in a private ceremony in October 2020 in Tampa, Florida. Later, they held a larger wedding celebration with family and friends in Vancouver in July 2022.
He Was Previously Engaged to Nikki Bella
John’s relationship with Shay was his first since his engagement to Nikki Bella ended in 2018. At the time, they were just weeks away from their wedding and had been together for six years.
“While this decision was a difficult one, we continue to have a great deal of love and respect for one another,” the pair said in a statement. Nikki eventually moved on with “DWTS” dancer Artem Chigvintsev, whom she married in 2022, though they later divorced in 2024.
Joined at the Hip
Shay is incredibly supportive of John’s career, whether it’s in wrestling or on-screen. She regularly accompanies him to red carpet events, and during an appearance on the “Armchair Expert” podcast, John admitted that they rarely spend time apart.
“I travel with my wife. We go everywhere together,” he said. “I certainly value her safety and well-being. One of the promises I made to her on the altar was, ‘I will never put you or I’ll do my best to not put you in undue harm’s way.'”
