John Cena has explained why parenthood is simply not for him as he opened up in a new interview with Shannon Sharpe.
Cena tied the knot with his wife Shay Shariatzadeh in 2020, after splitting from his first wife, Elizabeth Huberdeau, in 2012.
He’s played the role of a dad previously thanks to movies like 2018’s Blockers, but he never welcomed kids in his real relationships, and it’s a decision he’s happy with.
John Cena said he has thought ‘long and hard’ about having kids. (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
The actor explained his thoughts about having kids when he appeared on the ‘Club Shay Shay’ podcast this month, when the host made reference to a previous report in which Cena had said he ‘didn’t want kids’.
“Where are you on kids now?” Shay asked.
Cena, who’s now 47 years old, candidly explained he doesn’t want kids, though he admitted it can be tough when ‘a lot of why we’re here is to reproduce’.
He continued: “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 and Shay Shariatzadeh have had open conversations about kids (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Cena went on to explain that he still feels he has ‘a lot to do’ in life, and he referred to Shariatzadeh as he said he has a ‘wonderful partner’ he wants to share those moments with.
The WWE star said he and his wife have had ‘open conversations’ about having children, and ‘share the same values’ on the matter.
“It’s a tough subject to talk about because it immediately puts you in a category, and we can’t help but judge,” Cena said.
However, he expressed belief that everyone is ‘OK living their life’.
“This is not like a knee-jerk reaction. I’ve thought long and hard about this,” he added.
“My opinions only hit that grey area during emotionally difficult times,” he said. “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.”
Cena was praised by fans for his approach to the matter after he opened up on Club Shay Shay, with one fan commenting: “I respect his decision. No person that doesn’t want kids should ever have them!!!”
Another added: “For him to be truthful within himself is the most important thing especially dealing with having kids.”