SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- World Wrestling Entertainment Superstar and current WWE Champion John Cena will serve as the grand marshal for the 39th Annual Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade, presented by Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, at 11:00 a.m. MT on January 2, 2010 in central Phoenix.

As grand marshal, Cena will not only lead this year's Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade, but will also serve as a special guest at the 39th Annual Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Monday, January 4, 2010, where he will participate in the pre-game festivities and coin toss. 

"We are honored to have one of the greatest WWE Superstars, Mr. John Cena, serving as this year's Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade grand marshal," said Fiesta Bowl Chairman of the Board Alan Young. "As both a former college football athlete and an electric entertainer, John will make the perfect Fiesta Bowl ambassador to college football fans and the entire state of Arizona."

Cena's personality and charm has brought him international acclaim and has led to starring roles in Hollywood. In March 2009, Cena starred in 20th Century Fox's high-octane feature film "12 Rounds" directed by Renny Harlin.  Cena's first theatrical film, also from 20th Century Fox, "The Marine," was released in October 2006 and also starred Robert Patrick and Kelly Carlson.

Cena, the 6-foot-1, 248-pound WWE Superstar, attended Springfield College (Mass.), obtaining a degree in exercise physiology. He was an offensive lineman for the school's Division III football team, earning All-America honors as a senior.

As one of the Make-A-Wish Foundation's most requested and devoted celebrity wish granters, John Cena was the first celebrity to join NBA Legend Michael Jordan as a Wish Ambassador.  As a Wish Ambassador, he supports the Foundation's efforts to grant wishes to children with life threatening medical conditions. 

"The Fiesta Bowl's mission each year is to create family friendly events that service the community," said Fiesta Bowl Parade Chairman Marcus Sipolt. "To have a grand marshal like Mr. Cena for one of our biggest and most highly celebrated events is a real treat.  We are looking forward to working with him in our outreach toward the community."

The Parade's annual theme, "Spirit of the Southwest," honors the essence of Arizona's breathtaking desert landscapes and unique cultural heritage.  The Parade is free to the public; however, reserved seating is available for $25 through the Fiesta Bowl Ticket Office at 480-350-0911 or by visiting www.fiestabowl.org. 

WrestleMania XXVI will take place Sunday, March 28, 2010 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale and for more details on the global pop culture extravaganza visit www.wrestlemania26.com.