John Cena Loves Rappers, Good Coffee, and a Fine Tailored Suit
In the latest installment of USA TODAY’s “The Essentials,” John Cena, the multi-talented wrestler and actor, opens up about his favorite things, from his go-to coffee order to his admiration for hip-hop legends. Cena, who is known for his electrifying WWE entrances and comedic turns in films, is gearing up for his new movie “Jackpot!” as well as a farewell tour in WWE. Here’s a closer look at what fuels Cena’s life on and off the set.
A Love for Good Coffee
When it comes to his daily essentials, coffee tops the list for Cena. Whether he’s acting or wrestling, a good cup of coffee is a must. His preferred order? A strong flat white or a 6- to 8-ounce latte. “I love the strong taste of coffee with just that right amount of milk,” Cena shares. As he prepares for his 2025 WWE retirement tour, fans can expect coffee to be a constant companion on the road.
A Fine Tailored Suit
Despite initially relishing the thought of never needing to own a suit when he became a professional wrestler, Cena has since developed a fondness for finely tailored suits. He recalls his first custom suit experience, saying, “You get to pick the fabrics, the lining, the stitches, and assemble what you want it to look like.” Cena, who attends numerous red carpet events with his wife Shay Shariatzadeh, loves the comfort and style of a well-made suit. Even in the ring, Cena sticks to his iconic “Superman suit” of a T-shirt, jorts, and a ballcap, a uniform that he says “never gets old.”
Hip-Hop Influences
Cena’s love for hip-hop began during his childhood in Massachusetts, where he was exposed to the genre at a young age. Over the years, he has been influenced by legendary artists like Nas, Rakim, Jay-Z, Eminem, Public Enemy, and Slick Rick. His passion for hip-hop even led him to release his own rap album in 2005, during his “Doctor of Thuganomics” WWE era. While he admits that freestyling has become more challenging with time, his appreciation for the genre remains strong.
Family and Food
Cena also shared a personal favorite when it comes to food: his mother-in-law’s chicken tagine. This Persian rice and chicken dish has become a holiday staple for Cena, who jokes that it’s a close match to the 8,000 chickens his character in “Jackpot!” claims to have eaten.
Looking Ahead
As Cena prepares for the release of “Jackpot!” and his WWE farewell tour, he reflects on the journey that began in 1999. At 47 years old, Cena acknowledges that it’s time to slow down, but he’s excited about what’s to come. Whether it’s enjoying a good cup of coffee, wearing a perfectly tailored suit, or reminiscing about his hip-hop influences, Cena continues to embrace the things that bring him joy both personally and professionally.
