John Cena Reveals Why He Doesn't Want Kids

John Cena on Choosing Not to Have Children

John Cena explains that he has chosen not to have children—not because he doubts he could be a good father, but because parenthood isn’t a commitment he wants to make. People often tell him he’d make a great dad, but he says being suited to something isn’t, by itself, a reason to do it. Raising a child means being present for the long haul, and he believes the time and freedom he’s had without that responsibility helped shape who he is.

The conversation opens with a laugh when Trevor Noah asks whether Cena has kids. Cena teases him for going straight into “parent shame,” then gives a deliberately blunt, science-themed explanation involving fertilizing an egg. His enthusiasm for talking about sperm becomes a running joke.

Expectations and Family

Trevor suggests that people may want Cena to have children because they imagine he’d be the caring, nuanced father they wished they’d had. Cena acknowledges the sentiment but says he doesn’t want to make a life-changing decision based on other people’s expectations. He also notes that people who choose not to have children are often pressed to justify themselves, while people who regret having children can be judged too.

Cena reflects on his relationship with his father, who raised five children and worked hard. For years, Cena wanted his father to be someone he wasn’t. Around age 46, he decided to meet his father where he was, and says their relationship is now much better.

Trevor observes that Cena didn’t try to heal his childhood by having a child of his own. The insight visibly moves Cena; he calls it “goosebumps” and says it hits him hard.

Living with His Choice

Cena remains at peace with his decision, while recognizing that he must live up to the life he chose: staying curious, finding joy, and being useful. He describes this as the responsibility that comes with saying no to a path others expect him to take.

Personalities Featured

• John Cena
• Trevor Noah
• Eugene