John Cena, the WWE legend turned Hollywood actor, is once again in the spotlight—this time, not for a blockbuster or a wrestling match, but for an old relationship clause that’s resurfacing online. Years after his split with fellow WWE star Nikki Bella, fans are revisiting reports that Cena had Bella sign a 75-page live-in agreement before she moved into his Florida home.
The bombshell revelation first came to light during episodes of the reality show Total Bellas, which chronicled the lives of Nikki Bella and her twin sister Brie. The show detailed how Cena insisted on Bella signing a detailed legal document that explicitly defined her role in his home—not as a partner or equal, but as a “guest.” The contract further stated that she would receive nothing if they broke up, regardless of how long they were together or what she might have contributed emotionally or otherwise.
This document, though agreed upon by both parties at the time, raised eyebrows among fans and even Nikki’s own family members during the show. Critics online labeled it as “cold,” “controlling,” and “transactional,” while others defended Cena, citing his cautious approach due to past experiences, wealth, and public status.
Cena had reportedly explained on Total Bellas, “This is what my life is. This is what it’s like being with me. You sign it or not, but I have to protect my things, and this is part of it.” Nikki Bella eventually agreed, but admitted in later interviews that it was one of the difficult moments in their relationship.
The pair were engaged in 2017 after years of dating, but called off the wedding in 2018, just weeks before the ceremony. While both have since moved on—Nikki Bella married dancer Artem Chigvintsev and welcomed a son in 2020, and John Cena wed Shay Shariatzadeh in 2020—their past continues to fascinate fans and fuel online conversations.
The resurgence of the live-in contract news has reignited debates around trust, boundaries, and legal protection in relationships—especially among celebrities.
Some fans on social media argue that John Cena’s approach was “logical” given his fame and fortune. One user tweeted, “He was just protecting his assets. Nothing wrong with a contract if both parties agree.” Others found it troubling. A viral Reddit post labeled the arrangement as “an emotional red flag” masked behind legalese.
Despite public reaction, it’s not uncommon for celebrities or high-net-worth individuals to use legal agreements to define cohabitation terms. Prenups and live-in agreements have become more frequent in Hollywood to avoid costly legal disputes later on.
For Nikki Bella, the past appears to be behind her. In a 2021 interview with Health magazine, she noted, “I don’t regret that part of my life because I learned so much. And I’ve grown into someone who now knows exactly what she wants in a relationship.”
Meanwhile, John Cena continues to thrive in his acting career with appearances in films like Fast & Furious 9, The Suicide Squad, and the HBO series Peacemaker.
Still, the reemergence of this 75-page contract shows how celebrity relationships remain under a microscope, and how past decisions—even years later—can come back to stir controversy.
Sources:
- Total Bellas Episodes (E! Network)
- People Magazine
- Health Magazine Interview, Nikki Bella
- Reddit & Twitter Trending Topics (August 2025)
