Celebrity
Who Is Shay Shariatzadeh? Meet John Cena’s Brilliant Engineer Wife
Behind every great man is often an equally remarkable woman, and for Hollywood actor and WWE legend John Cena, that woman is Shay Shariatzadeh. Though she keeps a low profile, Shay has fascinated fans worldwide with her intelligence, elegance, and grounded nature. While John shines under the spotlight, Shay thrives in her own professional field as an accomplished engineer and product manager. Their love story beautifully balances fame and privacy — a rare combination in today’s celebrity world.
This article dives deep into who Shay Shariatzadeh really is — her background, education, career, love story with John Cena, and how she continues to inspire people with her grace and independence.
Quick Bio Information
Full Name: Shay Shariatzadeh
Birthplace: Iran
Nationality: Canadian
Current Residence: Vancouver, Canada & Tampa, Florida
Profession: Engineer, Product Manager
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of British Columbia
Famous For: Being the wife of John Cena
Spouse: John Cena (married 2020)
Known For: Her career in tech, intelligence, and privacy
Languages: English and Farsi
Hobbies: Traveling, technology, spending time with family
Early Life And Background
Shay Shariatzadeh was born in Iran but raised in Vancouver, Canada, after her family moved there when she was young. Her upbringing was shaped by strong values of perseverance, education, and independence — traits deeply influenced by her mother. Shay’s mother, who worked as a surgeon, made a life-changing decision to relocate her children to Canada in pursuit of better opportunities. That sacrifice left a lasting mark on Shay, inspiring her to work hard and chase her dreams with determination.
Growing up in Canada, Shay quickly adapted to a multicultural environment. She showed a natural curiosity for learning, particularly in mathematics and science. This curiosity would later pave the way for her engineering career and help her build a name for herself outside of her husband’s fame.
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Education And Academic Achievements
From a young age, Shay Shariatzadeh was driven by a passion for technology and innovation. She pursued her studies at the University of British Columbia, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
During her time at university, she became known for her dedication, curiosity, and problem-solving skills. Shay has often mentioned that her inspiration came from her mother, who taught her the importance of independence and self-belief. Her academic success and early exposure to the engineering world set the foundation for a thriving professional career in technology.
Professional Career And Accomplishments
Shay’s professional journey reflects her intelligence and strong work ethic. After completing her degree, she began her career as an engineer and product manager in Vancouver’s tech industry. Over the years, she has worked with major technology companies, including Motorola Solutions and Sonatype, where she managed high-level projects related to software development, video intercom systems, and security solutions.
Her colleagues often describe her as analytical, focused, and collaborative — qualities that have helped her earn respect in a competitive field. Shay’s work has involved creating innovative solutions for enterprise software and developing user-friendly products that enhance digital security and communication systems.
Even though her marriage to a global superstar often draws attention, Shay’s professional achievements speak for themselves. She has built her own career, proving that intelligence and ambition can shine brightly even outside of Hollywood’s spotlight.
Meeting John Cena: A Super Bowl Love Story
Shay Shariatzadeh’s love story with John Cena began in 2019 in Vancouver, while Cena was filming his comedy movie Playing with Fire. According to reports, they met at a restaurant during the Super Bowl, when a friend of Shay’s asked John for a photo. That casual encounter led to a conversation between the two, and they quickly connected.
Cena, known for his confidence both inside and outside the ring, reportedly asked for Shay’s number the same night. Their relationship blossomed soon after, built on shared values of respect, hard work, and humility. Fans were quick to notice the couple’s strong chemistry, and despite being private individuals, their quiet connection was evident whenever they appeared together in public.
A Private Wedding And Celebration Of Love
After a year of dating, Shay and John Cena decided to take the next step in their relationship. The couple tied the knot in October 2020 in a private ceremony in Tampa, Florida. Their wedding was simple, elegant, and attended only by close friends and family.
Later, in July 2022, the couple held a second celebration in Vancouver, Shay’s hometown, allowing her family and friends to join the festivities. Their choice to keep both ceremonies intimate reflected their mutual desire to maintain privacy and keep their love life away from the constant public gaze.
Life Away From The Spotlight
Unlike many celebrity spouses, Shay prefers to live a life away from media attention. She does not have public social media accounts and rarely appears in interviews. Despite being married to one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment, Shay remains focused on her own career and personal growth.
Her low-key nature is something John Cena deeply appreciates. In several interviews, Cena has emphasized his respect for Shay’s independence and her ability to stay grounded despite his fame. Together, they represent a modern couple that values personal space, trust, and respect above public attention.
Supporting John Cena’s Career
Even though Shay Shariatzadeh stays out of the limelight, she has been a supportive presence at John Cena’s major career events. From movie premieres like Playing with Fire (2019) to Fast & Furious 9 and Argylle (2024), Shay has often accompanied John, radiating quiet confidence and elegance.
In 2025, when John announced his retirement from wrestling, Shay was by his side, showing unwavering support as he closed a major chapter in his career. Their partnership exemplifies the strength of mutual understanding — where one partner’s success is celebrated equally by the other.
Personal Values And Inspirations
Shay’s personality is deeply rooted in the values of humility, education, and perseverance. She credits much of her strength and character to her mother, who gave up a successful career to move the family to Canada. That sacrifice taught Shay to value opportunity and work hard for every achievement.
She believes in staying authentic, contributing meaningfully to her field, and supporting her loved ones without needing external validation. Her quiet confidence has become a hallmark of her public appearances and interviews, even though they are rare.
John Cena’s Retirement And Future Together
In 2025, John Cena announced his retirement from professional wrestling, marking the end of an era. WWE is planning his farewell match to coincide with AEW’s year-end event — a fitting tribute to one of the sport’s greatest figures. Throughout this emotional time, Shay continues to be his pillar of strength and encouragement.
Their relationship has grown stronger with time, rooted in shared goals and deep respect. As Cena transitions into focusing more on acting and producing, Shay’s steady presence remains a guiding force in his life.
Final Thoughts
Shay Shariatzadeh is far more than just “John Cena’s wife.” She is a self-made woman — an engineer, leader, and inspiration to many who admire intelligence, independence, and grace. Her journey from Iran to Canada, her success in the tech world, and her balanced approach to fame make her a true role model.
Together, Shay and John Cena prove that love thrives best in respect, privacy, and shared values. While John may be the face of entertainment and sports, Shay stands as the quiet strength behind his success — the brilliant engineer who captured the heart of a global icon.
FAQs About Shay Shariatzadeh
1. Who is Shay Shariatzadeh?
Shay Shariatzadeh is an Iranian-born Canadian engineer and product manager, best known as the wife of WWE legend and Hollywood actor John Cena.
2. What does Shay Shariatzadeh do for a living?
She works as a product manager and engineer in the tech industry, having held roles at major companies like Motorola Solutions and Sonatype.
3. How did Shay Shariatzadeh meet John Cena?
Shay met John Cena in Vancouver in 2019 while he was filming Playing with Fire. They met at a restaurant during the Super Bowl.
4. When did John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh get married?
The couple married in a private ceremony in October 2020 in Tampa, Florida, followed by a second celebration in Vancouver in July 2022.
5. What is Shay Shariatzadeh’s nationality?
She is Canadian, though she was born in Iran before her family moved to Vancouver.
6. Does Shay Shariatzadeh use social media?
No, Shay keeps a very low public profile and is not active on social media platforms.
7. What inspires Shay Shariatzadeh?
She has said her biggest inspiration is her mother, whose courage and sacrifice taught her the value of education, hard work, and independence.