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John Cena, the 16-time WWE Champion turned Hollywood superstar, has made it onto the prestigious list of the highest-paid actors of 2024, ranking at 16th place. While many expected him to be higher on the list given his ever-growing success in movies and TV, some surprising names surpassed him in earnings.
From Wrestling Ring to Hollywood Kingpin
Cena’s transition from wrestling to acting has been nothing short of remarkable. Following in the footsteps of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dave Bautista, Cena has steadily built a reputation as a bankable action star, comedic powerhouse, and charismatic leading man. His breakout Hollywood success came with movies like Fast & Furious 9 (2021) and The Suicide Squad (2021). Since then, he has consistently landed major roles in both action-packed blockbusters and comedy hits.
In 2024, Cena continued his winning streak with appearances in highly anticipated films and TV projects, contributing significantly to his earnings. His role in Argylle, an action-packed spy thriller, added to his bankability, while his continued performance as Peacemaker in the HBO Max series of the same name kept fans engaged.
Despite his success, however, Cena’s estimated earnings of $30 million in 2024 placed him lower than expected on the list of highest-paid actors.
Who Topped Cena on the List?
Several Hollywood heavyweights and unexpected names managed to earn more than Cena this year. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson naturally secured a higher spot, raking in massive earnings from his Black Adam sequel and various business ventures. Other megastars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, and Ryan Reynolds also took higher positions, thanks to their involvement in major studio productions and lucrative endorsement deals.
However, what truly surprised fans was the rise of newer faces and international stars who out-earned Cena. With the dominance of global cinema, actors from Bollywood, South Korea, and China made a significant impact on the list. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, for example, had a record-breaking year with multiple blockbusters, securing a much higher rank.
Additionally, Netflix and other streaming giants have been shifting the landscape of Hollywood paydays, allowing actors outside the traditional blockbuster circuit to earn massive salaries.
Why Cena’s Rank Might Change in 2025
Despite his 16th-place ranking, Cena is far from slowing down. He has several big projects lined up, including a possible return to the Fast & Furious franchise and a rumored collaboration with Marvel Studios. If these projects pan out, Cena could see a major boost in earnings next year.
Additionally, Cena remains one of the most sought-after celebrities for brand endorsements and sponsorships, thanks to his massive fan base spanning both wrestling and film audiences.
Another key factor is Cena’s future WWE appearances. While he has transitioned into acting full-time, he still occasionally makes appearances in WWE, drawing millions of viewers each time. If he decides to return for a blockbuster WrestleMania match in 2025, it could further enhance his earnings and popularity.
Final Thoughts
Though he ranked 16th on the highest-paid actors list of 2024, John Cena’s career is still on an upward trajectory. With a mix of blockbuster films, TV success, and potential WWE returns, he could very well climb the rankings in 2025.
For now, Cena fans can only wait and see what’s next for their favorite wrestling icon-turned-Hollywood star. Will he reclaim a higher spot next year? Stay tuned!
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