WWE legend John Cena breaks Make-A-Wish world record after granting 650 wishes
We might have an unlikely hero in our midst: WWE superstar John Cena. While the professional wrestler may have once been known for his bone-crushing signature moves in the ring—or his questionable acting career—Cena is now considered one of Hollywood’s most generous celebrities.
According to a press release published by Guinness World Records, Cena has had a long-standing relationship with the Make-A-Wish foundation and, as of 2022, has officially set a new record for the most wishes ever granted. Since he began collaborating with the foundation in 2002, the WWE alum has granted 650 wishes to terminally ill children across the United States and the foundation has publicly claimed that Cena is one of their most highly-requested celebrities.
Make-A-Wish is a non-profit global organisation that helps grant the aspirations of children and families who are battling critical life-threatening conditions. Since its inception in 1980, the foundation has collectively granted more than 520,000 wishes worldwide. These can include anything from a visit from a celebrity to a trip to Disneyland.
While Cena may only be stored in the minds of millennials and gen Zers as a never-ending fountain of invisible memes, the wrestler has been an American household name for over two decades.
As a 13-time WWE world champion with a battalion of followers deemed the ‘Cenation’, Cena has undoubtedly earned his place in the wrestling hall of fame. And while some of his acting credentials may have just missed the mark, the icon has proved himself a worthy actor in feature films such as F9 and Blockers.
Ultimately, however, it has been Cena’s compassion and generosity towards fans that has cemented him as ‘one of the good ones.’ Earlier this year in June, Cena travelled to Huizen in the Netherlands to meet Misha Rohozhyn—a WWE superfan and Ukrainian refugee with Down syndrome.
Rohozhy’s family had fled to the Netherlands seeking refuge after the pro-wrestler encouraged them to escape Mariupol. Cena then travelled to where they were staying, so he could meet Rohozhy and his family, as reported by The Independent.
According to the press release, Cena, when speaking about the Make-A-Wish foundation, told Reuters: “If you ever need me for this ever, I don’t care what I’m doing, I will drop what I’m doing and be involved because I think that’s the coolest thing.”
“If I can offer a fantastic experience, I’ll be first in line to do my part,” he continued. Mr. Cena, you’re alright in our books.
