John Cena reveals why he walked away from Hollywood at the start of his career

John Cena has spoken openly about his beginnings in Hollywood and admitted that, when he started his acting career, his heart was not in cinema.

The 49-year-old WWE star got his first film role in 2006, in The Marine. But, during a recent interview on the 3rd Hour of Today show, Cena admitted that at that time he was far more focused on professional wrestling than on acting.

“It has been a long journey. I think that is the important part, because people think things happen overnight. To tell the truth, in those first projects my heart was not in it”, Cena said.

The actor explained that, at that time, as a man in his twenties, all he wanted was to stay in the ring.

“I would travel the world, go out in front of tens of thousands of people every night, they would go crazy and I did this night after night. That is where I wanted to be and where I felt comfortable and in my element”, he said.

According to Cena, the pace of a film shoot was completely different from that of WWE.

“Film sets were very patient and very slow. I simply did not have the wisdom to understand that process”, he said.

Cena admitted that his lack of dedication to acting cost him dearly at the start of his career.

“I was kicked out of the film industry because I was not interested and, to be honest, it was justified. If you are not interested in something, you should give the opportunity to someone who is”, he said.

However, after years of work and experience, Cena says he now sees the acting profession differently.

“Then I became extremely passionate about what I do. From filming, to sitting here and talking with you about this film. I am very lucky to have been given a second chance. And it took 20 years to build this”, he said.

Cena, who has starred in films such as Trainwreck, Barbie, Fast X and The Suicide Squad, stressed that he now values the creative process far more.

“I understand that every job is important. Every person is an artist and everyone has to do their part. From the catering staff, to the technicians, the lighting crew, the directors and the actors — every job makes the making of the film possible”, he said.

Cena: “You have to look at yourself in the mirror”

During the interview, co-host Craig Melvin also praised the self-awareness Cena has about himself and his mistakes.

“I believe there is nothing wrong with taking stock of yourself, looking at yourself in the mirror, loving yourself for your strengths and your weaknesses and trying to be better than yesterday”, Cena replied.