John Cena appeared on Trevor Noah’s“What Now?”podcast this week and talked candidly about choosing not to have children with his wife, Shay Shariatzadeh. He said the two discussed it on their first date, and that over the years people have consistently told him he’d be a great father. His response to that has stuck with a lot of fans: being good at something isn’t a reason to do it.
Cena, now 49, also said that since most people do want kids, the choice makes him feel like an“oddball”in a lot of rooms. But he’s not packing up and apologizing. He credits his child-free life with giving him focus, wisdom and a stronger marriage to Shay, who he married in 2020. The couple has been on the same page from the start.
The conversation is landing because so many people navigate the same pressure, from family dinners to group chats to well-meaning friends. Cena just happened to say it in front of a microphone. Do you think people should have to explain their decision not to have kids, or does it belong to them alone?
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.