John Cena Helps His Dad Lose 50 Pounds Using Strict Workouts And Tough Love

John Cena is known as a tough guy in the WWE ring, and when it came to his dad’s health, the wrestling superstar turned to a bit of tough love to help save his life.

John Cena Jr. noted that he was not always on the best terms with his father, John Cena Sr. In fact, the Junior even moved away from his father after college, which he said at the time was to become a bodybuilder.

“Really, I just left to leave,” Cena Jr. told The Huffington Post. “I needed to get away and as far away as I could.”

Cena ended up in Venice Beach, living out of his car and working out at Gold’s Gym. He eventually was noticed by a wrestler, who got him into a WWE developmental league known as Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW).

Cena Sr. joined him, working as a ring announcer.

But as the two worked the independent wrestling circuit together, John Cena Jr. noticed how quickly his father’s health was declining. His weight rose out of control, reaching as high as 310 pounds. Doctors told Cena he could have a heart attack at any time.

John Cena Jr. knew he had to do something.

“My dad thinks he’s invincible, thinks he’ll live forever. But he’s like most people: give him an excuse 00 the weather’s bad or I’m going to this or that party — and some fancy diet program just isn’t gonna happen,” Cena Jr. said.

So John worked with a team of sports scientists and nutritionists, developing what he called the 10 Week BodyChange. The program allowed his father to eat healthy for six days and cheat on the seventh — an important feature given how much his father loved food. It was a strict program, but John helped his father work through it.

By the end of the program, John Cena Sr. had lost 50 pounds and brought his blood pressure back down to healthy levels.

“My blood pressure was out of sight,” the elder Cena said, “and now it’s down to 110/70. I’m 70 years old, and people say I look 52.”

With a renewed health, John Cena Sr. has rejoined his son in the wrestling world and showing off his toughness. Earlier this year the elder Cena was dragged out of the crowd by Randy Orton during a match, taking a few shots with a metal chair and leaving in an ambulance.