John Cena says people tie him to the phrase “never give up,” but he figures he’s only said it on television a couple of times. “I think I’ve said ‘never give up’ on television maybe twice,” Cena said. “The reason that they correlate me with persistence is because of reliability.”
The retired WWE star turned actor says a career built around frequent appearances carries a risk: people can get tired of seeing you. At 49, he’s reflecting on the choice to keep a demanding schedule after almost 25 years in the public eye.
Cena described 2 ways performers can build a career: limit their appearances so each feels like an event, or become a familiar presence people can count on. He’s chosen the latter, while acknowledging the risk of overexposure.
He says that approach depends on the quality of the work and how much the person doing it cares. “If the work is good and it’s authentic and you really care, it pays off,” he said.
He’s also been candid about changes that come with spending decades in public. After wrestling fans pointed out his hair loss, he acknowledged getting a hair transplant.
“What’s helped me is, just be authentic. I got a hair transplant. I could have hidden it but the fans have a way to make you honest,” he said.