In one of the rarest glimpses into his personal life, WWE legend John Cena has shared the unexpected and heartwarming story of how he met his wife Shay Shariatzadeh. Known for keeping his private life under wraps, Cena described their meeting as a complete “accident” that unfolded during a casual night out in Vancouver, Canada, while he was filming a movie[1][3].

According to Cena’s candid recount on Stephanie McMahon’s podcast, Stephanie’s Places, he had reluctantly joined some friends at a small bar to watch the Super Bowl—a New England Patriots game to be exact. Despite his team’s exciting victory, Cena found himself distracted by a group of four women in a booth across the room, particularly one woman he couldn’t take his eyes off of: Shay Shariatzadeh[1].

Cena said, “I got to watch the game, in walks a group of four, and I can’t take my eyes off of Shay. They’re in the booth right across from us. So I’m watching their TV, they’re watching mine, and I’m just doing this (stare). And my team is winning, and I don’t give a f**k. And I don’t have the bravery to break the ice.” This moment perfectly captures the genuine, unplanned nature of their first meeting[1].

What makes this story even more charming is that Cena himself admitted he lacked the courage to initiate conversation. Luckily, fate intervened through Shay’s friend, who cleverly broke the ice by asking Cena for a photo—something she later confessed was just a ploy to get Cena’s attention and help introduce him to Shay[1].

Their romance quickly blossomed away from the public spotlight, preserving the privacy Cena values deeply. In October 2020, the couple sealed their relationship with a private wedding ceremony in Tampa, Florida[1]. Since then, Cena has openly expressed his admiration and love for Shay, sharing affectionate moments publicly when opportunities arise, such as at premieres or interviews[2].

In a July 2025 interview with Extra at the NYC premiere of Heads of State, a film Cena stars in alongside his wife Shay, he emphasized that acting and wrestling are important chapters of his life, but above all, Shay remains his number one priority. “She’s my #1,” Cena declared, highlighting the central role Shay plays in his life beyond the wrestling ring[2].

Sources close to Cena confirm that this grounding relationship is a significant reason behind his recent choice to step back from full-time wrestling and embrace new career avenues while remaining involved as a WWE ambassador[2]. Their story exemplifies how a simple, unplanned night out can lead to a life-changing love.

This “accidental” meeting is a refreshing reminder that even global superstars like John Cena experience those ordinary but magical moments in life. WWE fans and admirers of Cena’s personal journey now cherish this rare, authentic story that adds a heartfelt dimension to the legendary wrestler’s public persona.

Key Highlights:

• John Cena met Shay Shariatzadeh by chance in Vancouver during a movie shoot while watching a Super Bowl game in a small bar[1].

• Cena was captivated but hesitant to approach; it was Shay’s friend who initiated contact by asking for a photo as a clever icebreaker[1].

• The couple married privately in October 2020 in Tampa, Florida[1].

• Cena continues to praise Shay publicly, calling her his number one passion, especially after transitioning away from regular WWE matches[2].

• Their meeting story was shared in depth on Stephanie’s Places podcast and various interviews, offering fans a rare look at Cena’s private life[1][3].

According to WWE insiders, this story has not only inspired fans but also highlighted the softer side of one of WWE’s most iconic figures. It’s a testament to how even in the midst of a high-profile wrestling career, John Cena values genuine connections and the unplanned moments that define true love.

For wrestling fans eager to learn more about Cena’s evolving life both inside and outside the ring, this accidental meeting with Shay Shariatzadeh stands as a beautiful chapter worth celebrating.

Reported by Wrestling News, with contributions from WWE.com, Fightful, and recent interviews.