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'Stephanie's Places': John Cena talks WWE retirement, Make-A-Wish record on ESPN, Omaha Productions show

Nick Profile Picby: Nick Geddes05/28/25NickGeddesNews
John Cena
Photo courtesy of Omaha Productions

17-time WWE Champion. Actor. Pop Culture icon. The record holder for granting the most wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. John Cena is a lot of things, and his unmatchable work ethic was built at Hard Nocks South, his gym in Tampa, Fla.

It’s the setting of the 10th and final episode of the ESPN+ series, “Stephanie’s Places.” Stephanie McMahon hosts the series, produced by Peyton Manning‘s Omaha Productions. In each episode, McMahon visits different places around the country that helped shape the journeys of some of the biggest names in WWE history. Stone Cold Steve Austin, CM Punk and Roman Reigns are just a few of the superstars who have appeared on the show.

McMahon sits down with Cena, who talks about his upbringing in West Newbury, Mass., and his journey to become one of the best wrestlers/sports entertainers of all-time.

Photo courtesy of Omaha Productions

Cena’s rise to WWE superstardom wasn’t immediate. It took a bit of time on the main roster before the WWE Universe connected with Cena. The “Peacemaker” star tells the story of how McMahon helped him develop his “Dr. of Thuganomics” character, in which Cena leaned into his love for the hip-hop genre.

John Cena explains why WWE retirement makes sense in 2025

Being on top in WWE comes with a lot of responsibility. As the face of the company, he became beloved by children from all over the world. This is when the conversation shifts to Cena being the world record holder for most wishes granted through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Cena talks about how important it is to make time and create special moments for children with critical illnesses.

Eventually, McMahon and Cena talk about his acting career, and he tells the story of how he met his wife, Shay. The conversation wraps up with Cena talking about how 2025 was the right time to walk away from the squared circle.

Cena is currently on a full-time WWE retirement tour. A fan favorite for the last 20 years, Cena became a villain on TV after turning on Cody Rhodes at the Elimination Chamber premium live event. At WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, Nev., Cena defeated Rhodes to become a 17-time WWE Champion. Cena broke Ric Flair‘s record for the most world championship reigns.