How John Cena Got Into Wrestling

The 2025 Annual Global Leadership Conference of Gold's Gym took place at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington DC, offering the usual excellent networking opportunities with old and new colleagues.

- MYLENE MENDOZA-DAYRIT

The 2025 Annual Global Leadership Conference of Gold's Gym took place at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington DC, offering the usual excellent networking opportunities with old and new colleagues. However, the final night held a special surprise. The guest of honor was revealed to be... John Cena! This former employee of Gold's Gym, the iconic brand that will celebrate its 60th birthday in August, is an actor and 17-time WWE champion.

Cena, who went on a seven-year hiatus, recently captured his record-breaking world championship title at Wrestlemania 41 last month against Cody Rhodes.

His impact extends far beyond wrestling; he also holds the record for fulfilling an astounding 650 Make-A-Wish requests. I'd like to share significant excerpts from his live stage interview, which truly highlighted the values and character of this legendary figure.

"I have my own definition of what that (Gold's Gym) logo means. You all have your own definition of what that logo means. Okay, so I grew up in a small town in Massachusetts. I grew up in West Newbury. I'm literally heading there to see my mom tonight. I come from a small town and when I say small, I mean 1,200 people small. It is now brought up to speed. There's a lot more homes there. I think the population is 4,000. So we've grown."

"As a teenager, as I found strength and fitness, Gold's Gym became a beacon of what I wanted to accomplish in life. I looked through the pages of Flex magazine, Muscle and Fitness, and Muscle magazine. Every photo shoot without fail was done at Gold's Gym Venice. I mean, it was what it says it was: the mecca of bodybuilding."