Record-breaking runner recalls “unbelievable” moment he met his hero John Cena
For Matthew Akpan (UK), John Cena is more than just a wrestling legend. He is his greatest inspiration and an integral part of his GWR journey.
Matthew raced into the record books in 2021 after achieving the fastest marathon dressed as a professional wrestler (male) – cosplaying as John – in 2 hr 56 min 48 sec.
Reminiscent of his former style, Matthew wore a green Cena T-shirt and a pair of knee-length jorts.
The 37-year-old runner from Leeds, UK, went on to set the half marathon version of this title a year later, in 1 hr 24 min 54 sec.
On 22 August, Matthew got to thank John for being his inspiration at the For the Love of Fantasy and Sci-Fi convention at the ExCel in London, UK.
Matthew told GWR: “It was unbelievable to meet John after all his hard work and efforts and congratulating me for my innovation.
“He seemed possibly shocked and said, ‘Thank you for doing the world record dressed as me.’”
Matthew has followed John since he made his WWE debut 24 years ago.
“I first became a fan in 2002, but then after seeing all the work he had done for charity, that was the part I took from him and tried to dedicate myself to helping others.
“His ‘hustle, loyalty and respect’ mantra is a code I always follow and [they are] the values I hold, which I feel has given me now a platform to help others.”
Matthew is a celebrity ambassador for the Magic Breakfast Charity, a non-profit who provide meals for school children in England and Scotland.
Matthew, who has autism, also holds two running records in one of our intellectual impairment categories.
In 2025, he logged the fastest half marathon (male) (II1) in 1 hr 22 min 58 sec, and most recently, on 26 April, claimed the marathon equivalent in 3 hr 19 min 16 sec at the TCS London Marathon.
Our II1 category is for people who are medically diagnosed with a cognitive disability which significantly affects their physical performance.
In Guinness World Records 2027 – out on 10 September – John Cena has been awarded GWR ICON status for both his dedication to his sport and his fans.
Before his final fight in December 2025, John accumulated the most WWE Championship titles (male).
He won his unprecedented 17th title after defeating Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 on 20 April 2025.
Read more stories about record-breaking sports stars in our Sports & Fitness section.
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The American wrestler-turned-actor also holds the record for the most wishes granted through the Make-A-Wish Foundation: 650, as of 19 July 2022.
John always commits to giving the critically ill children who’ve made these wishes the memory of a lifetime, whether that be bringing them into the ring or letting them beat him in an arm wrestle.
In an interview with Reuters, he explained: “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.”