According to a press release from Guinness World Records, the WWE champ-turned- actor now holds the world record for the most wishes granted through the Make- A-Wish Foundation, which offers children aged 2-18 who have been diagnosed with a critical illness the chance to make a special request that is fulfilled by the organization.
Cena, notes Guinness World Records, has made the wishes of 650 children come true. Cena first collaborated with Make-A-Wish in 2002, and in 2012 had the honour of becoming the foundation’s 1,000th wish.
In fact, he’s become the foundation’s most requested celebrity for wishes; in the 42 years since the foundation began, notes Guinness, no other single person has granted more than 200 wishes.
“I want them to have an experience that will stay with them to forever,” Cena said.
“I don’t ever want the children or their families to be treated in a way where they feel as if they’re up against anything at all.”
Back in 2015, when he marked granting his 500th wish for the foundation, Cena explained his commitment to Make-A-Wish.
“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,” he said at the time.
“I just drop everything,” Cena added. “If I can offer a fantastic experience, I’ll be first in line to do my part.”
Cena’s first experience with Make-A-Wish came about by accident. He recalled that he was still a WWE rookie in 2002 when he was hastily recruited to make a brief appearance.
“It wasn’t for me, I think the person wanted to meet another Superstar,” Cena said. “But the WWE does a great job of like, ‘Hey, there’s a Make-A-Wish kid in this room. Can you come say hello?’ So, a bunch of people are shuttled in to say hello to a young fan of WWE. So, we’re shuttled in and said my hellos and took my pictures and then left. And they’re like, ‘Thank you, Make-A-Wish thanks you.’ I was like, ‘What is Make-A- Wish?’”
This marks the second time that Cena has been honored by Guinness World Records. He has also been cited for his record- breaking 16 WWE world championships.
