5 WWE stars John Cena is friends with in real life

None can deny the fact that John Cena is one of the most influential superstars in WWE history. Throughout his wrestling career, he has had several great rivals and competitors in the company. But when it comes to real life, the 17-time World Champion is universally loved inside the locker room. His kind and humble nature was admired by many around him, forging unbreakable bonds.

While Cena's on-screen rivalries have produced some of the greatest matches of the past two decades, many of those same opponents became his closest friends. From late-night bus rides to shared hotel gyms during WWE tours, The Cenation Leader has built genuine, lasting bonds that have outlasted storylines and stand strong to this day.

Here are five WWE stars John Cena is friends with in real life:

#5. The Miz

John Cena and The Miz have one of the most interesting relationships in WWE history. Their storyline clash evolved into a genuine friendship that grew from the roots of mentorship and mutual respect. Both superstars are actually very good friends even today. They travelled together and did press tours back in the day. The A-Lister has also been to Cena's house many times.

The two superstars were involved in a heated feud in WWE during the 2009-2011 period, where they battled in a series of matches. However, things are very different behind the scenes. What truly cements their real-life friendship is the mentorship The Cenation Leader provided to The Miz. The latter has openly credited John Cena as a huge influence in his WWE career.

#4. Sheamus

Sheamus is another superstar John Cena is friends with in real life. Back in 2009 when The Celtic Warrior debuted in WWE, he was unknown to most of the locker room. However, it was Cena who approached him. From inviting Sheamus to travel with him to eating and training together, their bond strengthened over time. Not only that, it evolved into a very good friendship.

The two legends trained together in the gym whenever their schedules lined up while The Franchise Player was on a full-time schedule. Sheamus and John Cena have shared endless laughter and travelled the world together as part of WWE's tour. They have often been seen praising each other in various interviews and podcasts, reflecting on the off-screen bond they have.

#3. CM Punk

John Cena and CM Punk have one of the most storied rivalries in WWE's history. What began as an on-screen animosity turned into a deep friendship over time that has been forged on mutual respect. Whenever The Cenation Leader appears on the WWE shows, Punk is always one of the first to run out for a hug. He has admired and praised the 48-year-old in various interviews.

Besides, Cena has also called The Second City Saint his wrestling soulmate during a very recent interview with Chris Van Vliet. They have often been seen together sharing laughter and drinks whenever they are around. Their real-life bond has been unbreakable to this day, giving the world an example of what true friendship is.

#2. Rey Mysterio

Rey Mysterio is another big name who happens to be real-life friends with John Cena. Well, their friendship dates back to the early days when The Cenation Leader arrived in WWE. Mysterio took him under his wing and guided him like a mentor. No wonder why Cena has repeatedly credited the legendary luchador as an important figure in shaping him up.

The two superstars have traveled around the globe together and represented the Stamford-based promotion. Their friendship deepened into family territory over the years. The Cenation Leader revealed that the Mysterios welcomed him into their family despite their packed lives. This does tell a lot about how close the two icons are in real life.

#1. Randy Orton and John Cena are real-life friends

One of the biggest and purest friendships John Cena shares is with the legendary Randy Orton. They have one of the most storied rivalries in WWE's history that will be remembered for ages. Amid the on-screen animosity, Orton and Cena developed an incredible bond that is pure and prestigious, worthy to be called an exemplary friendship.

The two wrestling icons grew up together in this industry and shared uncountable moments. John Cena and Randy Orton have often been seen together backstage in shows, which tells how deep their bond is. What elevates their friendship beyond professional respect is the raw and personal vulnerability they've shared together in the past two decades.