HOUSTON -- John Cena, one of the Make-A-Wish Foundation's most-requested and devoted celebrity Wish granters, was named Wish Ambassador Saturday at Reliant Center, just one day before he'll battle Big Show and World Heavyweight Champion Edge at the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania. As a Wish Ambassador, the Raw Superstar will serve on Make-A-Wish Foundation's Wish Ambassador Council and assist in expanding Wish-granting outreach across the United States. (PHOTOS) (WATCH)

"I really appreciate the fact that I was invited to be here with all of you guys," Cena said. "I just want to say thank you to make a Wish for making me a Wish Ambassador. This is a charity I firmly believe in. As I told Make-A-Wish, as long they'll have me, I'll be happy to donate my time, effort, whatever they need."

Led by basketball legend and Chief Wish Ambassador Michael Jordan, the council is composed of people passionate about the Foundation's work, including the Make-A-Wish founders, celebrities and national sports figures, former wish children, wish parents and other Foundation supporters. Cena is the first celebrity to be named to join Jordan on the Wish Ambassador Council.

"I'm here today to tell you about our newest Wish Ambassador. He's a WWE Superstar who quickly became one of our most requested celebrity Wish granters. He has granted nearly 130 Wishes since 2004, which is pretty phenomenal if you ask me," said Kathy Forshey, Vice President of Marketing & Corporate Alliances.

"He has a great appreciation and enthusiasm for our mission," Forshey continued. "We are delighted to have him help grant the Wishes of even more children across the country."

Cena was formally introduced Saturday during a party he and WWE hosted for more than 50 wish kids and their families as part of WWE's "25 Years of Wishes" weekend event at the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania.

"This is a big weekend. WrestleMania is obviously a big event for us -- the WWE Superstars. But please don't forget this weekend is about you guys. Please enjoy yourselves. Have as much fun as you can. We're here for you. So really enjoy WrestleMania. Have fun today. And please please cheer really loud for me tomorrow!" Cena told the Wish kids.

The wish kids were inducted into the WWE's Circle of Champions as part of their action-packed WrestleMania wish weekend, which also included an exclusive meet-and-greet with Big Show, Chris Jericho, Mickie James and Kelly Kelly, as well as a trip to the Houston Zoo with CM Punk, Mr. Kennedy, Tiffany and Alicia Fox.

For 25 years, WWE has been one of the Make-A-Wish Foundation's most dedicated wish granters, fulfilling hundreds of children's wishes to meet its Superstars and Divas and attend major events such as WrestleMania. WWE has also made a multi-year commitment to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation and its Wish-granting activities.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation has increased its number of wishes granted each year since 1985, including 13,425 in 2008, the most in its 28-year history. The Foundation estimates that 27,000 children are diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition in the United States each year, creating the opportunity to increase its outreach efforts to grant more wishes.