WWE superstar John Cena and Leftfield Entertainment (LFE) announced a development deal on Wednesday through which they will co-create and produce unscripted projects for television and digital platforms.
The deal extends Leftfield’s relationship with Cena, star and executive producer of Fox’s “American Grit” from LFE’s Leftfield Pictures.
Cena, who is set to host the ESPYs tonight, and LFE are already in development on several projects, including series set in the worlds of real estate and construction, and several others geared to both male and female audiences. Cena will executive produce via his Hard Nocks South production banner.
“Whether I’m in the ring for WWE or on a TV or film set, I approach all of my work the same way – with focus, authenticity and total commitment,” Cena said. “I’m eager to bring that same work ethic to the team at Leftfield, and to create new kinds of programming that can inspire and push people to be their best. I’m living proof of what you can accomplish when that happens.”
Cena has been one of WWE’s top stars for almost two decades. He is a prolific Celebrity Wish Granter and Ambassador for Make-A-Wish, having granted more than 500 wishes, the most ever granted by a single person in the history of Make-A-Wish.
Cena, along with WWE, also launched the “Rise Above Cancer” campaign to support Susan G. Komen’s mission to save lives and end breast cancer. Most recently, Cena appeared in Judd Apatow‘s “Trainwreck” and the film “Sisters,” alongside Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. He also will serve as host of the 2016 ESPY Awards on July 13 as well as the Teen Choice Awards airing live on July 31.
13 Wrestlers Who Body Slammed the Acting World (Photos)
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson-This former WWE champ has a massive movie career, most recently starring in "Furious 7" and "San Andreas."
Universal Pictures
Andre the Giant-The gentle giant delighted fans with his portrayal of Fezzik in "The Princess Bride."
20th Century Fox
Hulk Hogan-One of the most popular wrestlers in history appeared in "Mr. Nanny," "Suburban Commando," and "Rocky III."
New Line Cinema
Roddy Piper-This notorious wrestling bad boy came to chew bubblegum and kick butt in John Carpenter's 1988 film "They Live."
Universal
Lou Albano-This WWE Hall of Famer portrayed video game plumber Mario in the "Super Mario Bros." TV show.
Dakota Pictures
Nathan Jones-The former wrestler appeared in "Mad Max: Fury Road" and Jet Li's "Fearless."
Warner Bros.
Jesse Ventura-This wrestler and ex Minnesota governor didn't have time to bleed in Schwarzenegger vehicle "Predator."
20th Century Fox
Diamond Dallas Page-This superstar has appeared in numerous films, including the 2005 Rob Zombie film "Devil's Rejects"
Boundless Pictures
Steve Austin-The face of the Attitude Era has appeared in "The Longest Yard," "The Condemned" and "The Expendables."
Millennium Films
Dave Bautista-This wrestler recently broke out with his role as Drax in the megahit "Guardians of the Galaxy"
Marvel Studios
Chris Jericho-The Ayatollah of Rock 'n' Rollah appeared in "MacGruber" and currently stars in the web series "Nothing to Report."
Anxiety Island Entertainment
Tom "Tiny" Lister-Most famous for his role as Deebo in "Friday," enjoyed a stint as a pro wrestler in the late '80s.
New Line Cinema
Triple H-WWE's executive vice president tried his hand at acting in "Blade: Trinity" and "The Chaperone."
New Line Cinema
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Hulk Hogan, Dwayne Johnson, and Roddy Piper have all flexed their muscles in movies and TV shows
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson-This former WWE champ has a massive movie career, most recently starring in "Furious 7" and "San Andreas."