WWE superstar John Cena has explained why he doesn't want children

John Cena has previously opened up about why he has no interest in having children.

The 47-year-old, who has become a role model for kids (and adults) around the world since making his WWE debut in 2002, announced his retirement from in-ring competition this week.

Speaking at the Money In The Bank event in Canada, Cena confirmed that his last appearances will be at the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 41 in 2025.

"I have been doing this a while, I've been in WWE for over two decades," he said, addressing the fans. "And in that time I've seen incredible waves of prosperity like we've got right now.

"WWE is the hottest ticket in town, no doubt. And I've also seen tremendous hardship. I wanna say thank you, thank you so much for letting me play in the house that you built.”

Cena has achieved so much in his career, both in and out of the ring.

To this day, Cena holds a Guinness World Record for the most-requested celebrity by children at the Make-a-Wish Foundation; an organisation granting life-changing wishes for kids with critical illnesses.

As he approaches 50, however, the wrestler has stood by his decision to not have children.

Cena opened up about his decision not to be a dad on The Drew Barrymore Show in January 2022.

"I really enjoy my life. I have been riding a lightning bolt for quite some time now," he said. "I have been given opportunities to do some things that man, I didn’t even dream of, and I had some pretty lofty dreams."

The key thing for Cena is time. And he simply doesn't think he has enough of it when it comes to adding a new life in to the mix.

"It's hard work. It's hard work to balance the time. I need to run myself correctly," he added.

"It's hard work to be the best partner and husband I can be to my loving wife. It's hard to keep connections with those in my life who I love, and it's also hard to put in an honest day's work.

"This is just my perspective, again, totally not qualified, but I think just because you might be good at something is not a strong enough reason to do that."

Image credit: Getty

Cena added: "You have to have passion for it. You have to have a fuel for it. It's like saying to somebody - 'Hey, you're pretty good with your hands, you'd be a great carpenter'. But if I want to be an actor, I'll be an actor. "

The American has been married to Shay Shariatzadeh since tying the knot back in 2020. It is his second marriage after spending three years with Elizabeth Huberdeau.