John Cena’s movie career nearly collapsed before it had a chance to flourish. The WWE legend said he was run out of the business after approaching his early acting projects without the passion they demanded.

Cena discussed that difficult start during an appearance on the “Today” show. His Hollywood career would eventually grow to include “The Suicide Squad,” the “Fast & Furious” franchise and “Peacemaker,” but his first experiences left him struggling with the transition from wrestling.

“It’s been a long journey,” he explained. “I think that’s the important one. People think things happen overnight. Those early projects – truth be told – I didn’t have my heart into.”

At the time, Cena remained focused on professional wrestling and the energy of appearing before enormous live audiences. The comparatively measured pace of filmmaking did not feel as natural to him as performing night after night in WWE.

Gold. Upgraded. Buy real gold from $1. Store it in America. Sell it with one click.

“As a young 20-something, God, traveling the world, being out in front of tens of thousands of people every night going nuts and then doing it night after night. That’s where I wanted to be, and that’s where I felt comfortable and fluent,” he said.

Cena characterized work on a movie set as “super patient” and “super slow.” He acknowledged that he did not yet understand what the filmmaking process required from him.

“I just didn’t have the wisdom for the process,” he claimed.

His lack of enthusiasm ultimately carried consequences. Cena said his removal from the movie business was justified because other performers deserved opportunities if they cared more deeply about the work.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

“I got ran out of the movie business for not caring, and that’s justifiably so,” he added. “If you don’t care about something, give somebody the opportunity that does.”

Cena began acting with roles in movies including “The Marine” and “12 Rounds.” His later work during the 2010s included appearances in “Trainwreck,” “Blockers,” and “The Suicide Squad.”

The wrestler and actor has said that playing Peacemaker in the DC Extended Universe changed his life. The character appeared in the 2021 movie “The Suicide Squad,” and the role later became the focus of the television series “Peacemaker.”

Cena also entered the “Fast and Furious” franchise in 2021. He played the brother of Vin Diesel’s character in “Fast 9: The Fast Saga” and “Fast X.”

His other projects included a cameo in “Barbie” in 2023. He also starred in the Hulu original movies “Vacation Friends” and “Vacation Friends 2.”

After spending years finding his place in Hollywood, Cena said his feelings about acting have completely changed. He now embraces not only the filming itself, but also the work involved in promoting his projects.

“I’m now super passionate about what I do, and that’s everything from filming to sitting here talking about this movie with you guys. And I’m so lucky to be given a second chance,” he said. “And that took 20 years to craft.”

The “Today” hosts highlighted Cena’s self-awareness as he considered how much he had changed. Cena credited honest personal reflection and continued growth with helping him become better than he had been before.

“Man, I think there’s nothing wrong with taking inventory of yourself, looking in the mirror, loving yourself for your strengths and your flaws and trying to work to be better than you were yesterday,” he said.

Cena’s professional wrestling career began in 2002 on “SmackDown!” when he appeared as “The Prototype.” He later transformed into his rapper persona, the “Doctor of Thuganomics.”

Across his WWE career, Cena won a record-breaking 17 world championships. He officially retired from WWE in 2025 after building the wrestling career that initially made acting difficult to embrace and later finding the passion required for his Hollywood second chance.

Gold is the oldest answer. SoundMoney makes owning it as easy as the apps you already use.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.