7 Shocking Realities About John Cena's Relationships: From 'Nicole' To Shay Shariatzadeh
The name 'Nicole' has always been synonymous with one of the most high-profile and dramatic celebrity breakups of the last decade, referring, of course, to WWE legend John Cena's former fiancée, Nikki Bella (whose birth name is Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace). As of this current date, December 23, 2025, the conversation around John Cena's love life remains a compelling topic, not only for the lingering shadow of his very public split from "Nicole" but also for the quiet, stable life he has built with his current wife, Shay Shariatzadeh. The journey from a televised, non-negotiable breakup to a private, committed marriage reveals two distinct and fascinating chapters of the megastar's personal story.
The public narrative often focuses on the drama of the past, yet the most current updates in 2025 paint a picture of a man who has found lasting happiness outside the spotlight of reality television. We delve into the complete timeline, the real reason for the split, and the surprising details of his life with Shay, which has intensified in public interest in 2025.
The Complete Profile: John Cena, Nikki Bella, and Shay Shariatzadeh
The three central figures in this relationship saga each bring a unique background to the story. Understanding their professional and personal lives helps contextualize the high-stakes drama and eventual peace.
John Cena's Biography and Profile
- Full Name: John Felix Anthony Cena
- Born: April 23, 1977 (48 years old in 2025)
- Birthplace: West Newbury, Massachusetts, U.S.
- Marital Status: Married (to Shay Shariatzadeh)
- Wife: Shay Shariatzadeh (m. 2020)
- First Marriage: Elizabeth Huberdeau (2009–2012)
- Career: Professional Wrestler (WWE Legend, 16-time World Champion), Actor (known for Peacemaker, Fast & Furious franchise), Rapper.
- Key Entities: WWE, Hollywood, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Vince McMahon, Fast X, Peacemaker.
Nikki Bella (Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace) Profile
- Full Name: Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace
- Born: November 21, 1983
- Relationship with Cena: Dated from 2012 to 2018, engaged at WrestleMania 33.
- Current Status: Divorced from Artem Chigvintsev in 2024.
- Key Entities: Brie Bella (Twin Sister), Total Divas, Total Bellas, WWE Hall of Fame, Artem Chigvintsev.
Shay Shariatzadeh Profile
- Born: September 21, 1990 (36 years old in 2025)
- Birthplace: Iran (raised in Canada)
- Relationship with Cena: Married since 2020.
- Profession: Electrical Engineer/Project Manager.
- Key Entities: Vancouver, Electrical Engineering, Heads of State (Film), Private Life.
The Public Spectacle: John Cena and 'Nicole' (Nikki Bella) Relationship Timeline
The six-year romance between John Cena and Nikki Bella was one of the most closely documented in WWE history, largely due to their starring roles on the reality shows Total Divas and Total Bellas. Their relationship was defined by two major, non-negotiable obstacles: marriage and children.
1. The Non-Negotiable Rules of the Relationship
From the beginning, Cena was vocal about his stance: he did not want to marry again after his first divorce, and he was adamant about not having children. Nikki, however, desperately wanted both. This fundamental conflict became a recurring dramatic theme on their reality show, with Cena eventually presenting a 75-page cohabitation agreement before Nikki moved in.
2. The WrestleMania Proposal and Engagement
In a moment that shocked and delighted fans, Cena proposed to Nikki Bella in the ring at WrestleMania 33 in April 2017, immediately following their mixed tag team victory against The Miz and Maryse. The proposal was seen as a massive compromise on Cena's part, suggesting he was finally ready to commit to marriage, though the issue of children remained unresolved.
3. The Heartbreaking Split in 2018
Despite the engagement, the wedding was called off just weeks before the scheduled date in 2018. The core issue of children ultimately proved insurmountable. Nikki realized that Cena's compromise on marriage did not extend to having a family, which was her lifelong dream. The breakup was widely publicized and emotionally taxing for both parties.
Following the initial split, Cena made a tearful public declaration on the Today show, stating, "I still love Nicole, I would love to marry Nicole." However, the reconciliation was short-lived, and they officially ended things for good, allowing Nikki to pursue her dream of motherhood with a different partner.
The New Era: John Cena's Stable and Private Life with Shay Shariatzadeh
After the highly public relationship with Nikki Bella concluded, John Cena made a deliberate shift toward a private life. He began dating Canadian engineer Shay Shariatzadeh in early 2019, and their relationship has been marked by stability and discretion, a stark contrast to his previous romance.
4. How Cena Met His Current Wife
Cena and Shay met in Vancouver, Canada, while he was filming the movie Playing with Fire. Shay is an electrical engineer and project manager, a profession that keeps her entirely out of the Hollywood and wrestling spotlight. Their courtship was quiet, with their first public appearance being at the premiere of his film.
5. The Surprise Double Wedding
Cena and Shay surprised the public by marrying in a private ceremony at an attorney's office in Tampa, Florida, in October 2020. They followed this with a second, more elaborate wedding in Vancouver in July 2022, keeping the details minimal and private, far removed from the televised nature of his previous engagement.
6. The 12-Year Age Difference is Just a Number
Despite a nearly 12-year age gap—Cena is 48 in 2025, and Shay is 36—the couple has frequently been seen in public displays of affection (PDA), demonstrating that the difference has not been an issue in their relationship. Their stability is often cited as a testament to their strong, private bond.
7. Current Life and 2025 Public Appearances
In 2025, the couple continues to maintain a low profile, focusing on their respective careers. A notable recent public sighting was in July 2025, when John Cena and his wife, Shay Shariatzadeh-Cena, attended the UK screening of the film Heads of State. This appearance highlighted their continued strength as a couple, even as John Cena's Hollywood career and WWE presence (with his rumored retirement in 2025) remain major news topics.
Topical Authority and Key Takeaways
The journey of John Cena's relationships offers a compelling study in celebrity privacy versus public life. The "John Cena Nicole" chapter was a reality television phenomenon, ending because of an irreconcilable difference over starting a family. The subsequent chapter with Shay Shariatzadeh is a quiet, successful partnership built on mutual respect for privacy and shared values outside the entertainment industry.
While Nikki Bella (Nicole) has moved on, having recently divorced Artem Chigvintsev and now rumored to be dating a new partner, John Cena has found a stable, committed life with Shay. The latest 2025 news confirms that his current marriage is thriving, proving that the wrestling megastar has found peace and happiness in a relationship that is intentionally kept out of the spotlight.
Entities and LSI Keywords Used: Nikki Bella, Shay Shariatzadeh, Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace, WWE, Total Divas, Total Bellas, WrestleMania 33, The Miz, Maryse, Artem Chigvintsev, Vancouver, Electrical Engineer, Heads of State, Playing with Fire, John Cena relationship timeline, John Cena divorce, John Cena children, Shay Shariatzadeh age, John Cena retirement, Nikki Bella new boyfriend, John Cena current wife, cohabitation agreement, PDA, Hollywood.
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