Leftfield pins down WWE star Cena

US producer Leftfield Entertainment has scored a development deal with WWE wrestling superstar John Cena.

The pair will co-create and produce unscripted series for television networks and digital platforms, with Cena’s involvement coming through his Hard Nocks South banner.

This comes after they worked together on Fox’s American Grit, which Cena (pictured) starred in and executive produced and Leftfield subsidiary Leftfield Pictures produced.

Already underway is development on “several projects, including series set in the worlds of real estate and construction, and several others geared to both male and female audiences”.

“Whether I’m in the ring for WWE or on a TV or film set, I approach all of my work the same way – with focus, authenticity and total commitment. I’m eager to bring that same work ethic to the team at Leftfield, and to create new kinds of programming that can inspire and push people to be their best,” said Cena, who is arguably the WWE’s biggest star and a multi-time heavyweight champion. He has 41 million Facebook followers and eight million on Twitter.

“There’s nowhere you can go with John Cena without eliciting respect, pure joy and excitement from everyone he meets,” said David George, CEO of Leftfield. “Beyond his physical strength and presence, his humor, strength of character and genuine desire to give back always comes through. That’s an inspiring place from which to create entertainment content, so we’re extremely proud and happy to be in business with John.”

George, formerly president of Leftfield Pictures, was elevated to chief executive in December when company founder Brent Montgomery was named CEO of the restructured ITV America.

UK broadcaster ITV bought a majority stake in Leftfield through its US arm in 2014, and hovered up the remaining shares at the end of last year.