John Cena, the WWE superstar turned Hollywood actor, is known for many things: his wrestling prowess, his action roles, and his surprising comedic talent. But perhaps one of his most enduring legacies is the “You Can’t See Me” catchphrase, which has morphed into a wildly popular internet meme. What started as a wrestling taunt has become a global joke, suggesting that John Cena is literally invisible. This seemingly simple phrase has a surprisingly fun origin story and a reach that extends far beyond the wrestling ring.
From WWE Taunt to Internet Sensation: The Genesis of “You Can’t See Me”
Humble Beginnings in the WWE Universe
Before John Cena became a household name in Hollywood, he spent years captivating audiences in WWE. While he initially debuted as a heel (wrestling villain), he transitioned into a beloved face (good guy), all the while keeping his signature taunts. Among them, “You Can’t See Me” became iconic. But the phrase wasn’t originally intended to imply actual invisibility; it was a boast about his wrestling skills, suggesting his moves were too fast and unpredictable for opponents to anticipate.
The real backstory, according to WWE sources, is rooted in a lighthearted moment with his younger brother, Sean. Cena was working on his rap album, aptly titled You Can’t See Me, and experimenting with hip-hop beats. Sean, in a playful mood, started waving his hand in front of his face while dancing. He then jokingly dared John to incorporate this gesture into his wrestling routine. John Cena took up the challenge, adding the now-famous catchphrase. This hand motion, waved back and forth in front of his face, became a visual representation of his supposed superiority in the ring.
However, the internet took this taunt in a completely different direction.
John Cena performs his "You Can't See Me" taunt in a WWE ring.
The “You Can’t See Me” phrase, initially a wrestling boast, was reinterpreted by meme culture in a literal and humorous way. Instead of signifying wrestling dominance, the meme suggests Cena genuinely believes he is invisible, or perhaps, actually is. This comedic twist propelled the phrase far beyond WWE fandom.
The “You Can’t See Me” Meme Exploded: More Than Just a Wrestling Joke
A Meme for Every Occasion
The John Cena invisible meme’s structure is brilliantly simple: pair an image of John Cena with text implying his absence from the picture. This simplicity is key to its widespread appeal and adaptability. Even John Cena himself has enthusiastically joined in on the joke. When Apple launched the iPhone X with Face ID, Cena playfully questioned on Twitter whether the technology would even recognize him.
Another viral example is a Deadspin video clip from a NASCAR event, where a Fox Sports reporter, Jamie Little, appears completely unaware of John Cena’s obvious presence nearby. These instances fueled the meme’s popularity, extending it into mainstream internet culture.
The meme further evolved, incorporating John Cena’s name into movie cast lists with humorous results. People would jokingly claim they didn’t see him in films, even when he was clearly present. His successful movie career ironically amplified the meme’s reach, surpassing his wrestling fame. John Cena’s recognizable look and imposing physique only enhance the humor of the “You Can’t See Me” meme, making the instances of supposed invisibility even more absurd and funny.
John Cena’s Take on the Meme: Embracing the Invisibility
He’s in on the Joke (and Loves It)
Far from being annoyed, WWE icon John Cena wholeheartedly embraces the “You Can’t See Me” meme. In a 2021 interview promoting F9, when asked if the joke ever gets old, Cena responded with perfect comedic timing:
“No, not at all. I, somehow, through almost two decades of involvement with the WWE, have genuinely developed a superpower – I’m invisible bro.”
This witty response highlights Cena’s understanding and appreciation of the meme’s humor. But beyond just finding it funny, Cena has cleverly utilized the meme’s comedic potential to refine his improvisational and comedic skills. This has undoubtedly contributed to his successful transition into comedic acting roles. With recent roles in movies like Ricky Stanicky, Cena’s willingness to laugh at himself and embrace his comedic side is evident.
Peacemaker and Beyond: John Cena’s Star Power Transcends Memes
From Meme Star to Hollywood Leading Man
While the “You Can’t See Me” meme is a significant part of John Cena’s public image, his role as Peacemaker in the HBO series of the same name demonstrates his capabilities far beyond meme status. While WWE requires a degree of acting ability, leading a television series is a different challenge altogether.
The character of Peacemaker, initially introduced in Suicide Squad, proved complex and compelling enough to warrant his own spin-off show. This role placed Cena squarely in the spotlight, demanding both comedic and dramatic range. He rose to the occasion, proving his acting talent and solidifying his position as a versatile performer.
Outside of being a phenomenally successful wrestler, John Cena has led one of the best superhero shows in years.
Cena seamlessly blended his comedic timing with James Gunn’s signature irreverent humor in Peacemaker. He also showcased his dramatic skills by exploring the character’s troubled psyche and his fraught relationship with his father, White Dragon. His performance in Peacemaker cemented his status as more than just a meme – he’s a bonafide Hollywood star. The eagerly anticipated Peacemaker season 2 promises to further showcase his acting range.
Wrestling Memes: Cena’s Not Alone in Internet Fame
The Rock and Randy Orton Join the Meme Club
While the John Cena “You Can’t See Me” meme may be the most pervasive wrestling meme, it’s not alone. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, another wrestling icon turned movie star, also boasts a hilarious meme.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson sporting a fanny pack in a 1990s photo.
The Rock’s meme originates from a 1990s photo featuring him in a black turtleneck, silver chain, and a fanny pack. This image has become a symbol of questionable 90s fashion and is used to playfully mock even the coolest figures. Even Kevin Hart has playfully teased The Rock about this iconic photo. Fortunately, The Rock himself embraces the humor, acknowledging the fanny pack’s place in wrestling culture of the era.
Randy Orton’s “RKO Outta Nowhere” meme is another wrestling creation that has gone viral, particularly on platforms like Twitter and TikTok. This meme centers around Orton’s finishing move, the RKO, known for its sudden and unexpected execution. The meme typically involves Photoshopped images of Orton delivering the RKO to figures in entertainment, politics, and sports, signifying a sudden and decisive “owning” of the target. Unlike the Cena meme, the RKO meme retains a more aggressive, taunting tone, closer to its wrestling origins.
Comedic Chops and Meme Persona: A Perfect Match for John Cena
Comedy as a Career Path
Among wrestlers who transitioned to acting, John Cena has carved a unique niche as a comedic actor. While Dwayne Johnson became an action star and Dave Bautista pursued more serious acting roles, Cena has leaned into comedy. Initially, Hollywood seemed to steer him towards action roles, but the “You Can’t See Me” meme inadvertently paved the way for his comedic career.
The meme’s playful nature aligns perfectly with the public persona Cena projects: a wrestler who doesn’t take himself too seriously. This is reflected in his acting choices, as he has predominantly gravitated towards comedies since becoming a sought-after actor. Beyond the comedic elements in Peacemaker, Cena has delivered hilarious performances in films like Trainwreck, Blockers, Vacation Friends, Barbie, and Ricky Stanicky.
John Cena’s Notable Comedic Roles:
| Movie | Character |
|---|---|
| Trainwreck (2015) | Steven |
| Blockers (2018) | Mitchell Mannes |
| Vacation Friends (2021) | Ron |
| Peacemaker (2022-) | Christopher Smith / Peacemaker |
| Barbie (2023) | Kenmaid |
| Ricky Stanicky (2024) | Rod / Ricky Stanicky |
Off-screen, Cena consistently displays his comedic sensibilities in interviews and public appearances. His humorous turn at the Academy Awards, where he presented an award seemingly nude, generated significant laughs and further solidified his comedic image. Few wrestlers known for their tough-guy personas would embrace such self-deprecating humor, which is a key reason for Cena’s broad appeal.
Explaining the Meme to the Uninitiated: John Cena’s Viral Moment with Nana Joan
Charming Explanation Amplifies Meme’s Appeal
Despite the widespread popularity of the “You Can’t See Me” meme, some people, particularly those outside internet meme culture, remain unfamiliar with its meaning and origins. This knowledge gap led to a particularly endearing viral moment for John Cena. He appeared in a segment called “Teatime with Nana” from The Hook, where he was interviewed by an older woman named Nana Joan.
Nana Joan confessed that while her granddaughter was a big fan, she was confused by jokes suggesting she wouldn’t be able to see Cena during the interview. Cena patiently explained the meme’s origins, demonstrating the signature hand gesture and even encouraging Nana Joan to try it herself.
This lighthearted exchange further enhanced the meme’s charm and Cena’s affable personality. Witnessing him gently and kindly explain his boastful wrestling gimmick to an older woman created a delightful contrast between his wrestling persona and his genuine character, further endearing him to audiences.
