John Cena, a name synonymous with WWE greatness, has not only dominated the wrestling ring but also captured the attention of fans worldwide with his larger-than-life persona. With a career spanning over two decades, 16 world championships, and a successful transition into Hollywood, Cena’s professional achievements are undeniable. However, beyond the spotlight of the squared circle, his personal life—particularly his romantic relationships—has been a topic of fascination for fans and media alike. From high school sweethearts to fellow WWE superstars and beyond, the women who have crossed paths with John Cena paint a vivid picture of his journey through love, heartbreak, and resilience. Let’s dive into the captivating stories of the beauties who have walked through the life of this iconic superstar.
## Elizabeth Huberdeau: The High School Sweetheart Turned First Wife
Before John Cena became the “Cenation Leader,” he was just a kid from West Newbury, Massachusetts, with dreams bigger than his small-town roots. It was during these formative years that he met Elizabeth Huberdeau, a woman who would become his first love and, eventually, his first wife. The two began dating in high school, forging a bond that seemed destined to last. After years together, Cena proposed, and they tied the knot on July 11, 2009, in a ceremony that marked the culmination of their long-standing relationship.
At the time, Cena was riding high as one of WWE’s top stars, and his marriage to Huberdeau appeared to be a stable anchor amid his hectic career. However, the fairy tale didn’t last. By 2012, after just three years of marriage, the couple announced their divorce. Reports suggested that the split was amicable, with a prenuptial agreement in place to ease the financial aspects. While the exact reasons remain private, Cena later hinted that his relentless dedication to WWE may have strained their relationship. “I made WWE my absolute life,” he once said, reflecting on how his career took precedence over personal commitments. Elizabeth Huberdeau remains a significant chapter in Cena’s life, a reminder of his roots before fame reshaped his world.
## Victoria (Lisa Marie Varon): A Brief Romance in the Ruthless Aggression Era
As Cena’s star rose in WWE during the early 2000s, so did speculation about his romantic entanglements within the wrestling world. One of the first names linked to him was Lisa Marie Varon, better known to fans as Victoria. A standout in WWE’s women’s division during the Ruthless Aggression Era, Victoria was a powerhouse in her own right. Rumors of a brief romance between her and Cena surfaced around 2002, during a period when Victoria was separated from her then-husband, Lee Varon.
Details about their relationship remain scarce, as both parties kept it under wraps. Victoria herself later confirmed in an interview that she and Cena dated briefly during a break in her marriage, but the fling was short-lived. By the time Cena’s career skyrocketed, Victoria had reconciled with her husband, and their paths diverged. Though their time together was fleeting, it marked the beginning of Cena’s reputation as a heartthrob among WWE’s female talent, setting the stage for more high-profile romances to come.
## Mickie James: The Rumored Affair That Shook His Marriage
One of the most controversial chapters in John Cena’s romantic history involves Mickie James, a beloved WWE superstar known for her charisma and in-ring talent. In the late 2000s, Cena and James were paired in various WWE storylines, sharing significant screen time that fueled speculation about an off-screen relationship. The rumors gained traction around 2011-2012, coinciding with the breakdown of Cena’s marriage to Elizabeth Huberdeau.
Some reports suggested that Cena’s alleged affair with James was a factor in his divorce, though neither Cena nor James ever confirmed the relationship. The gossip reached a fever pitch when James was released from WWE in 2010, with some speculating that her rumored involvement with Cena played a role. However, James moved on, eventually marrying Nick Aldis (current SmackDown General Manager) and starting a family, while Cena maintained silence on the matter. Whether fact or fiction, the Mickie James saga added a layer of intrigue to Cena’s personal life, cementing his status as a figure of fascination beyond the ring.
## AJ Lee: A Short-Lived Spark Amid Onscreen Chemistry
Following his divorce in 2012, John Cena found himself linked to another WWE standout: AJ Lee (April Jeanette Mendez). Known for her quirky persona and undeniable talent, AJ Lee became a central figure in WWE during the early 2010s. Cena and Lee shared a romantic storyline onscreen, which naturally led fans to wonder if their chemistry extended into real life. Rumors of a brief romance swirled from July to November 2012, a period when Cena was navigating his newly single status.
Unlike some of his other rumored relationships, the connection with AJ Lee appeared to be more speculation than substance. Their supposed fling ended almost as quickly as it began, with Cena entering a high-profile relationship shortly after, and Lee marrying fellow wrestler CM Punk in 2014. While their time together may have been fleeting—or perhaps entirely fictional—it highlighted Cena’s ability to captivate both fans and fellow superstars, even in the aftermath of personal upheaval.
## Nikki Bella: The Power Couple That Stole the Spotlight
No discussion of John Cena’s romantic history would be complete without Nikki Bella (Nicole Garcia), the WWE Hall of Famer who became his most publicized partner. The two began dating in November 2012, quickly emerging as wrestling’s ultimate power couple. Their relationship played out in the public eye, thanks to WWE’s reality shows _Total Divas_ and _Total Bellas_, which offered fans an intimate look at their dynamic.
Cena and Bella’s romance reached a pinnacle at WrestleMania 33 in 2017, when Cena proposed to her in the ring—a moment that melted hearts worldwide. The 4.5-carat Tiffany & Co. ring symbolized their 4.5 years together, and wedding plans soon followed. However, beneath the glamour, tensions brewed. A major point of contention was Cena’s reluctance to have children, a stark contrast to Bella’s desire for a family. Despite attempts to reconcile their differences—including Cena offering to reverse his vasectomy—the couple called off their engagement in April 2018, just weeks before their scheduled wedding.
The breakup was emotional, with Bella later filing domestic violence charges against her subsequent partner, Artem Chigvintsev, in 2024, while Cena moved forward with his life. Their story remains one of the most bittersweet in Cena’s romantic journey, a testament to love’s complexities even among the brightest stars.
## Shay Shariatzadeh: The Engineer Who Won His Heart
After the heartbreak of his split from Nikki Bella, John Cena found love in an unexpected place—with Shay Shariatzadeh, a Canadian engineer far removed from the wrestling world. The two met in early 2019 while Cena was filming _Playing with Fire_ in Vancouver. Their first encounter unfolded at a bar during Super Bowl Sunday, where Shariatzadeh’s group approached Cena for photos. Nervous but smitten, Cena later asked for her number, marking the start of a whirlwind romance.
Unlike his previous relationships, Cena kept this one largely private, a reflection of his growing desire for discretion. After a year of dating, he proposed on Valentine’s Day 2020, and the couple secretly wed in Tampa, Florida, on October 12, 2020. They celebrated with a second ceremony in Vancouver in July 2022, solidifying their bond. Shariatzadeh, an outsider to the entertainment industry, brought a grounding influence to Cena’s life. “Honesty, communication, and genuine love” are the pillars he credits for their happy marriage, as he shared in a 2024 interview with _WSJ. Magazine_. Today, they remain a low-key yet deeply connected pair, proving that Cena’s heart thrives best away from the spotlight.
## Reflections on John Cena’s Romantic Journey
John Cena’s love life is a tapestry woven with passion, heartbreak, and growth. From his high school sweetheart Elizabeth Huberdeau to the private bliss he shares with Shay Shariatzadeh, each relationship has shaped the man behind the WWE legend. His romances with WWE stars like Victoria, Mickie James, AJ Lee, and Nikki Bella showcased his magnetic appeal within the wrestling world, while his marriage to Shariatzadeh reflects a shift toward stability and privacy.
As Cena prepares to retire from WWE in 2025 and focus on his Hollywood career, his personal life seems to have found its footing. The beauties who have walked through his life—each with their own story—offer a glimpse into the complexities of love under the glare of fame. For fans, these tales are more than gossip; they’re a window into the humanity of a superstar who, despite his larger-than-life persona, seeks the same connection we all do. Who knows what the future holds for John Cena? For now, his journey through love remains as compelling as any championship match.