In a recent interview with Shannon Sharpe, John Cena elaborated on why he believes parenthood isn’t for him.
Cena married Shay Shariatzadeh in 2020, following his 2012 separation from his first wife, Elizabeth Huberdeau.
Although Cena has portrayed fatherly roles in films like 2018’s Blockers, he hasn’t had children in his own life, a choice he stands by.
During his appearance on the ‘Club Shay Shay’ podcast, the host referenced a previous statement in which Cena mentioned he ‘didn’t want kids’ and asked, “Where are you on kids now?”
At 47, Cena openly shared that he still doesn’t want children, admitting that while it’s challenging given that ‘a lot of why we’re here is to reproduce,’ it’s not the path for him.
He further explained: “I have a certain curiosity about life, and I also know the investment that it takes.”
“And my biggest fear is, as someone who’s driven – many times stubborn, and selfish – I try to approach the world with kindness and curiosity, but I don’t think I’m personally ready, nor will I ever be, to invest the time it needs to be a great parent because I want to live life for all it is.”
Cena added that he feels there’s ‘a lot to do’ in life, noting his desire to share those experiences with his ‘wonderful partner,’ Shariatzadeh.
The WWE star revealed that he and his wife have had ‘open conversations’ about the subject of children and ‘share the same values’ regarding it.
“It’s a tough subject to talk about because it immediately puts you in a category, and we can’t help but judge,” Cena remarked.
Nonetheless, he maintained that everyone should be ‘OK living their life’.
“This is not like a knee-jerk reaction. I’ve thought long and hard about this,” Cena continued.
“My opinions only hit that grey area during emotionally difficult times,” he added. “I’m very happy in where I stand. I have a lot of joy and fulfilment in my life and that’s pretty much where I stand on that.”
Fans commended Cena for his stance on the matter, with one commenting: “I respect his decision. No person that doesn’t want kids should ever have them!!!”
Another fan stated: “For him to be truthful within himself is the most important thing especially dealing with having kids.”