During the interview, guest host Jeff Goldblum noticed the timepiece and couldn’t help but ask why Cena carried a watch that didn’t work. Cena’s answer was unexpectedly moving. “It’s broken,” he admitted, sparking curiosity. When Goldblum pressed further, Cena explained, “I mean, it doesn’t tell time. I broke it a long time ago, but I keep it with me.” He then pointed to his wristwatch, saying, “This one tells time,” before gesturing toward the pocket watch and adding, “This one tells perspective.” For Cena, the watch isn’t about keeping track of minutes—it’s a symbol of gratitude, humility, and the importance of staying grounded, no matter how much time passes.
John Cena explains why he keeps a broken watch on him and it's a lesson in humility
John Cena’s special relationship with his broken pocket watch goes beyond telling time.
Everyone has their own relationship with time—some race against deadlines, while others hardly glance at the clock. But for actor and wrestler John Cena, time holds a deeper meaning. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the Jackpot! star was asked about a peculiar item he always carries: a broken pocket watch. His response was both profound and unexpected. Rather than tossing it aside, Cena keeps the watch as a constant reminder to stay humble, no matter how successful he becomes. A widely shared clip from the show’s YouTube channel captured the moment, offering a valuable lesson about perspective.
In many ways, this Farewell tour started that July night in London. Some of the loudest (and latest) nights on tour have been in Glasgow. I haven’t seen the beauty of Brussels in over a decade.
— John Cena (@JohnCena) February 17, 2025
For all of these reasons and many, many more, I’m grateful I can to say “Thank You”… https://t.co/kF6nY6Rdjl pic.twitter.com/wtXQLstBPG
When Goldblum appeared puzzled by why a Hollywood celebrity would carry a broken watch, Cena offered a brilliantly insightful explanation. “I keep it with me. It’s got engravings on both sides. The back is something I use when I feel uncomfortable. In rooms like this, in front of people—imagine that,” he elaborated. Goldblum nodded in agreement, reflecting on his own experiences with overcoming discomfort. Speaking about his job as a moderator, he shared, “Early on, I was exhilarated because I thought, ‘This is the scariest thing you could do.’ And then it changed. ‘Hey! I can do it.’ And then it became kind of exciting.”
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After Goldblum’s brief reflection, Cena remained steadfast in his perspective, sharing a deeply personal insight. “I used to think I wasn’t enough. I didn’t value myself,” he admitted. “So, on the back of this watch, it simply says, ‘Comparison is the thief of joy.’ Every time I feel uncomfortable or struggle with self-worth, I just look at it for a little reminder.” In this way, the broken pocket watch became a symbol of self-acceptance for the wrestler-turned-actor. “It reminds me that I am enough and that I’m worthy of love,” Cena added, revealing the details engraved on the other side of the cherished timepiece.
“It says, ‘memento mori,’” Cena revealed. “When my head gets too big, I need to remember that I’m human and above no one. I always remind myself where I came from and those who support me—that I don’t do it alone.” Describing his pocket watch as a “nice little keeper of perspective” rather than a timepiece, Cena explained how it kept his ego in check while also reinforcing his confidence. Meanwhile, the one-minute humbling excerpt from the lengthy interview quickly became a social media sensation, resonating with audiences and delivering a powerful life lesson.
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