John Cena, the 16-time WWE World Champion and international superstar, has long been recognized not only for his wrestling accomplishments but also for his commitment to bridging cultural divides, particularly with Chinese fans. As recently shared by WWE Superstar The Miz on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast, one of the most important lessons Cena imparted during their rivalry was a testament to Cena’s discipline and passion for language learning.
Cena’s Mandarin journey began as part of WWE’s broader strategy to expand into the Chinese market, a move that required more than just charisma in the ring. Cena took it upon himself to learn Mandarin, using simple tools like flashcards during WWE tours to spruce up his language skills. This dedication to learning a complex language with flashcards speaks volumes about his work ethic and desire to connect genuinely with fans around the world.
According to multiple sources, including an in-depth interview with The Straits Times and reports by Fightful, Cena has been learning Mandarin for over five years. Despite admitting he still speaks the language at about a third-grade level, Cena’s commitment remains unwavering. He often carries Ziploc bags filled with flashcards for vocabulary drills and blocks off 30 minutes each day—sometimes setting it as a condition before allowing himself to relax on social media. Complementing this rote study, he listens to Mandarin podcasts, watches CCTV, and even immerses himself culturally by spending time in China and creating weekly videos on WeChat to engage local fans[1][2].
WWE’s investment in the Chinese market includes televised programming and training several Chinese recruits at the WWE Performance Center. Cena’s efforts were integral to this push. He took advantage of WWE’s talent-friendly education initiative, which offers secondary education and language programs to WWE talent, including private tutors for Mandarin. Cena reportedly had a tutor for two hours each day to help with his language acquisition[3][5].
His Mandarin skills also translated to on-screen moments, such as delivering speeches in Mandarin at press conferences and introducing a wrestling maneuver inspired by Chinese martial arts, the “sixth move of doom” or “Lightning Fist,” at WWE’s Super ShowDown event in Melbourne in 2018[2]. This move added an international flair to his wrestling persona and showcased the cultural bridge Cena was building.
However, the journey was not without challenges. Cena encountered significant controversy during his promotional tour for Fast & Furious 9 when he referred to Taiwan as a country in a Taiwanese media interview. This statement sparked backlash in China, forcing Cena to issue a heartfelt apology on Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo. Expressing deep respect and love for China and the Chinese people, Cena clarified his comments but did not explicitly mention Taiwan again to avoid further issues[4]. This incident exemplifies the delicate balance Cena and WWE must maintain within international markets.
According to sources close to WWE, Cena’s decision to learn Mandarin was inspired by a locker room moment around 2012 when WWE introduced a talent-friendly initiative to support secondary education and skills development among its roster. Cena recognized the untapped potential of the Chinese market, noting that WWE had yet to establish a strong foothold there. Motivated by this insight, he volunteered to learn the language himself to help WWE connect with Chinese fans and grow the brand globally[5].
The Miz, in the recent podcast, highlighted Cena’s relentless dedication and how his language-learning journey reflects the kind of professionalism and foresight that helped shape WWE’s international expansion over the past decade. Cena’s willingness to embrace language study, despite the difficulty of Mandarin—a Category 5 language by U.S. Foreign Service standards—demonstrates his commitment not just to wrestling but to WWE’s long-term vision[1][3].
In addition to championing WWE’s global growth, Cena’s Mandarin skills have opened doors for him in Hollywood, allowing him to promote his films, such as Fast & Furious 9, to Chinese audiences in a more authentic way. His proficiency, though still a work in progress, sets him apart as an entertainer who values cultural connection and respect.
John Cena’s journey learning Mandarin through flashcards, immersion, and dedicated study during WWE tours showcases a unique side of one of wrestling’s biggest icons. His story is an inspiring example of how dedication, humility, and hard work extend far beyond the wrestling ring—helping build bridges between cultures and fans worldwide.
As Cena continues to work on his language skills and WWE pushes deeper into international markets, his example stands as a powerful reminder that success in today’s global era demands more than talent—it requires genuine efforts to understand and connect with diverse audiences.
Sources: The Miz on “Bussin’ With The Boys” Podcast; The Straits Times Interview; Fightful Reports; WWE.com; SCMP; YouTube interviews with John Cena