The champ is here: John Cena awarded Guinness World Records ICON status
John Cena is best known for his record-breaking career in the ring, but there’s no denying his popularity and resume have transcended wrestling.
The WWE ambassador cemented his name in pop culture and now he’s done the same in the record books as a Guinness World Records ICON.
John’s ICON induction will be celebrated in Guinness World Records 2027, published this September.
But for now, let’s take a look at the records under his (world championship) belt.
Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Between 2002 and 2025, John amassed the most WWE Championship titles (male).
He secured his unprecedented 17th title by defeating Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, on 20 April 2025.
The 49-year-old previously shared this record with WWE’s first two-time Hall of Famer, Ric Flair, who earned 16 titles between 1981 and 2000.
Credit: Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images
This wasn’t the first time John had claimed a GWR title with Cody beside him in the ring.
On 1 March 2025, he attacked his respected rival and set the record for the longest WWE face run before turning heel.
In WWE, a “heel” is a villain character who will bend the rules and taunt the crowd to create drama in the storyline. If they get booed by the audience, they’re doing it right.
Up until this point, John had been the “good guy” for 22 years 247 days, embodying his mantra “hustle, loyalty, respect”.
So, when John was instructed to turn on Cody by Dwanye “The Rock” Johnson (aka “The Final Boss”), it came as a huge shock to fans.
Read more stories about record-breaking sports stars in our Sports and Fitness section.
Credit: Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images
John has also made record-breaking history outside of the ring.
On 19 July 2022, he achieved the most wishes granted through the Make-A-Wish Foundation: 650.
For each of the critically ill children who’ve made these requests, John has given them an experience they’ll never forget, whether that be bringing them into the ring or letting them beat him in an arm wrestle.
The sports entertainment star 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.”
Credit: Rob Kim/Getty Images
Now John has retired from wrestling, he is likely to focus on his acting career.
Since making his cinematic debut in 2006 with The Marine, he has starred in TV shows and films such as The Suicide Squad (2021), Peacemaker (2022–25) and Heads of State (2025).
In 2023, John even cameoed as a merman with curly blonde hair in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, the highest-grossing film by a female director ($1.447 bn; £1.101 bn).
His resume doesn’t stop there either. John has published several books, including the No.1 New York Times best-seller, Elbow Grease (2018).
The GWR ICON has also turned his hand to music. In 2005, he dropped his debut album You Can’t See Me and most recently, he played piano on the Peacemaker soundtrack (2022).
Whatever John goes on to achieve next, it’s already confirmed that, in the world of record-breaking, “the champ is here” to stay.
Header images: Ethan Miller/Getty Images, Rob Kim/Getty Images, Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images.