WWE Hall of Famer John Cena has dedicated his life to his historic in-ring career and growing Hollywood profile.
Videos by Wide Open Country
During his heyday in WWE, the 17-time World Champion missed birthdays, anniversaries and countless socials as he traveled the world, performing for sold-out crowds.
Even with WrestleMania main event matches and his in-ring career in the rearview mirror, Cena is still juggling an extremely busy schedule, and he is slated to appear in several movies and television series.
Speaking with JUCA, the WWE alum opened up about how his time-consuming career has complicated his relationship with his family.
John Cena Opens Up About Family Dynamic
Asked who still views him as an ordinary person rather than a celebrity, Cena shared that he wants to become a better brother, son, and uncle. However, his actions have not always matched his intentions.
"I say all those things because they sound nice. Every year, I seem to come up short. So, my relationship with my blood-related family is strained, and that's my choice," Cena confessed.
Cena described himself as a workaholic and said that he often uses his career as an excuse for not giving his family enough attention.
"I always hide under the guise of work. I might be a little bit of a workaholic. I'm trying to work through that," he said, adding, "So, I will. [I'll] try and strive to forge a better relationship with my blood family."
Cena noted that although his relationship with family is strained, he has an inner circle of close friends that he trusts.
"Now, as far as folks I love and a support system that accepts me for me, calls me out, challenges me, gives me advice, gives me mentorship, guidance.. we have great times together. We share the same core values. I got, like, I'd probably say six to eight folks in that inner, inner gravity."
Chief among that inner circle is his wife, Shay Shariatzadeh, whom he described as "the tip of the pyramid."
"Well, the bride is the closest. She's the tip of the pyramid. But I got, like, eight folks that we constantly push each other. We push each other to grow."
