WWE’s Cena sets wish-granting mark

John Cena had long ago turned “Never give up” from his wrestling catchphrase into a motto for sick children who have to fight daily more than the WWE superstar ever has inside the ring.

Today, he will become the first celebrity to grant 500 wishes in Make-A-Wish Foundation history.

“I just drop everything,” Cena said. “If I can offer a fantastic experience, I’ll be first in line to do my part.”

Rocco Lanzer, an 8-year-old boy from Queens, New York, diagnosed in January with leukemia, will get ringside seats for the weekly “Raw” television show.

Cena feted Rocco with swag on Thursday’s “Today” show and attended a party to celebrate all the wishes Friday in New York.

Cena surprised him on the set with a championship belt and tickets for today’s show. Rocco stared at the tickets with mouth agape before his mother, Maria, urged him to give Cena a high-five.

“When he was diagnosed, everybody would tell him you have to be strong and you can never give up,” Maria Lanzer said. “He was like, ‘Wow, mommy, that’s what John Cena says.’ I’m like, ‘See, if a wrestler tells you to never give up, then you can’t give up. You have to fight and be strong.’ ”

Cena granted his first wish in 2004, about two years after his WWE debut. He granted his 300th wish in 2012 and hit 400 in 2014. He was the first celebrity to reach those milestones.

“They certainly deserve a day as a real kid,” Cena said.

Bon Jovi makes good in Vancouver

Jon Bon Jovi says he rebooked a canceled Vancouver, B.C., show at a venue because he didn’t want to disappoint fans in the city he called home for six years.

The New Jersey-born rock star performed Saturday at Rogers Arena backed by The Kings of Suburbia after complications with a promoter forced the cancellation of their performance in Stanley Park.

Bon Jovi opened on an appropriate note with his song, “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.”

The birthday bunch

Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. is 55. Actor-comedian Dave Chappelle is 42. Actor Chad Michael Murray is 34. Actor Rupert Grint (“Harry Potter” films) is 27.