Wrestler and actor John Cena has teamed up with McDonald's to introduce the fast-food chain's new McValue menu, making a splash with wallet-friendly meal options. The much-anticipated launch took place on Tuesday, January 7, and aims to attract customers with various enticing offers, all part of the restaurant's push to provide affordable meals.
Clearly excited by the partnership, Cena remarked, "McDonald's is a global phenomenon, a slice of Americana and certainly has been a major part of my life with food ever since I canremember anything about food," as reported by PEOPLE. His fondness for the brand runs deep, as he reminisces about the nostalgia tied to McDonald's meals.
The McValue menu includes the popular $5 Meal Deal, featuring flavorful options presented at budget prices. The offerings also encompass local food and drink deals, plus unique in-app promotions such as free medium fries with any $1 purchase every Friday throughout 2025. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, diners can enjoy special deals including buy one add one for just $1 on selected items.
Cena, 47, is honest about his dining preferences at McDonald's, humorously admitting, "I am such a creature of habit.” His go-to order typically features two double cheeseburgers and two six-piece Chicken McNuggets, forgoing drinks to fully savor the flavors. He adds, “I tend not to do any drinks, because I just want to enjoy the savoriness ofthat,” underscoring his commitment to maximizing the taste experience. When itcomes to breakfast, Cena finds himself torn between the classic Egg McMuffin and the beloved McGriddle. He also confessed to being "a sucker" for McDonald's hash browns, which he sees as part of his go-to breakfast routine.
Reflecting on life growing up with four brothers, Cena fondly remembers the cherished moments spent at McDonald's. The family often participated in Happy Meal swaps and toy trades, making the meal more than just food; it was about forging connections. "Coming froma family of five, man, we would do Happy Meal swaps, and toy swaps..." he reveals. Particularly vivid memories involve iconic toys tied to childhood movies, like when Happy Meals included Transformers. He also notes how the restaurant was a regular hangout when his older brother got his first job there—a memory filled with warmth.
The Big Mac, he admits, holds a unique place in his heart, sparking nostalgia. When recalling the first time he experienced the famed sandwich, he asserted, "Man, tastingthat Big Mac was something special. I always thought it to bean insurmountable sandwich, and then I guess as a teenager being able toleaninto being big enough to order the Big Mac..." For Cena, the Big Mac is not just another menu item but rather a rite of passage.
Looking to the future, Cena's focus for the upcoming year revolves around his WWE Farewell Tour. Having announced July 2023 as the year of his final matches, Cena reflects, "Every single year I take pridein taking the assessment of myself and creating resolutions and goals... I don't hit them all, all the time; there's a lot I fail at. But I really enjoy making, like, a stretch goal and doing my best to reachit.” This perspective highlights his dedication to both his professional wrestling career and his personal growth.
Through celebrity partnerships like this, brands like McDonald's tap deep emotional bonds with consumers. Cena's enthusiasm not only promotes the new McValue menu but also reinforces the idea of shared cultural experiences tied to fast-food dining, making the launch even more significant to many customers. The collaboration between Cena and McDonald's certainly stands to resonate with fans of the wrestler and the iconic chain alike, proving the staying power and adaptability of both.