John Cena's Unexpected Role: How He Convinced Bobby Berk to Join HGTV's 'Junk or Jackpot'

Design maven Bobby Berk, widely adored for his transformative work on Netflix's 'Queer Eye,' recently revealed a surprising twist in his career trajectory: his unexpected venture into HGTV's 'Junk or Jackpot.' And who was the unlikely architect behind this exciting new chapter? None other than his long-time friend and wrestling-superstar-turned-actor, John Cena.

Berk, known for his perpetually packed schedule and dedication to his craft, initially harbored reservations about adding another major project to his already overflowing plate.

The idea of diving into the world of storage unit auctions seemed a significant departure from his bespoke design projects. Yet, as Berk recounted, Cena's persuasive powers proved irresistible, delivered with a practical, no-nonsense approach only a true friend could employ.

“I love John, he’s a good friend of mine,” Berk shared, recalling the conversation that sealed his fate.

Cena, keenly aware of Berk’s demanding lifestyle, presented an argument that was both logical and highly appealing. “He called me and was like, ‘Dude, this show is literally 30 minutes from your house, and it’s 10 days for the entire year, just go do it.’” The sheer convenience and minimal time commitment, coupled with Cena's encouraging push, were enough to sway the design guru.

The premise of 'Junk or Jackpot' itself held a unique allure for Berk.

The show dives into the high-stakes world of bidding on abandoned storage units, where participants hope to uncover hidden treasures amidst forgotten belongings. “I’m not a storage unit guy,” Berk admitted, but the thrill of the unknown and the potential for incredible finds proved to be an exciting challenge, offering a refreshing contrast to his typical design challenges.

Beyond the intriguing concept, the opportunity to collaborate with a fresh team also resonated with Berk.

After years of working closely with the 'Queer Eye' Fab Five, a new dynamic offered a welcome change of pace. “I did like getting to work with new people because I love my 'Queer Eye' boys, but it was really nice to work with some new people for a bit,” he explained, highlighting the positive energy of the new production environment.

The friendship between Berk and Cena runs deep, extending beyond professional circles.

They are regular workout partners and share a bond forged over years. Cena's genuine encouragement stemmed from a place of understanding and support, making his influence all the more impactful. This friendly nudge opened a door to a new experience that Berk now cherishes, proving that sometimes, the best opportunities come from the most unexpected places—and friends.

As Berk transitions from his role on 'Queer Eye' after its eighth season, exploring diverse projects like 'Junk or Jackpot' allows him to continue his passion for transformation and discovery, albeit in a different context.

His time on the HGTV show serves as a testament to embracing new adventures and the power of a good friend's advice, even when it leads you to a storage unit auction.