John Cena, the WWE superstar turned Hollywood actor, is known for many things: his wrestling prowess, his impressive physique, and his surprisingly successful acting career. However, one of his most enduring legacies is the “You can’t see me” catchphrase, which has transcended the wrestling ring to become a wildly popular internet meme. This taunt, initially aimed at his in-ring opponents, has morphed into a humorous joke about Cena’s supposed invisibility, finding its way into countless online gags and pop culture references. While wrestling boasts a rich history of memorable catchphrases, like The Undertaker’s ominous “Rest in peace” or The Rock’s enigmatic “If you smell what The Rock is cooking,” Cena’s “You can’t see me” stands out for its playful origin and widespread meme-ability. Originally intended as a boast about his speed and agility in the ring, suggesting his moves were too fast to be anticipated, the phrase has taken on a life of its own, fueled by the internet’s love for visual humor.
The WWE Origins of the “You Can’t See Me” Catchphrase
How It Started in the Ring
The story behind the “You can’t see me” catchphrase is as amusing as the meme itself. According to WWE official sources, the gesture and phrase were born out of a lighthearted moment between John Cena and his younger brother, Sean. Cena was working on his rap album, aptly titled You Can’t See Me, and experimenting with hip-hop beats. During this creative process, Sean jokingly started waving his hand in front of his face while dancing. He then playfully dared his older brother to incorporate this unusual gesture into his wrestling persona. John, always one to entertain, obliged. He debuted the hand wave, coupled with the now-iconic phrase, during a WWE match. The move quickly became a signature taunt, with Cena waving his hand dismissively in front of his face, implying his opponents were simply too inferior to even perceive him.
This seemingly simple taunt resonated with audiences and wrestlers alike, embedding itself into WWE culture. Little did Cena know, this playful jab would soon leap out of the wrestling arena and into the vast landscape of the internet, transforming into the “John Cena invisible meme” that is recognized and enjoyed by millions today. The literal interpretation of “You Can’t See Me,” suggesting actual invisibility, became the comedic engine behind this meme phenomenon.
The “You Can’t See Me” Meme Takes Off
From Wrestling Taunt to Viral Sensation
The John Cena “You can’t see me” meme thrives on the humorous concept of taking the wrestling taunt literally. The meme’s core structure typically involves an image, or lack thereof, accompanied by text that playfully suggests John Cena is absent or invisible within the depicted scene. This simple premise has proven remarkably versatile, spawning countless variations and applications across the internet. Even John Cena himself has enthusiastically embraced the joke, demonstrating a keen awareness and appreciation for the meme’s humor.
Examples of the Meme in Action
One notable example of Cena’s self-aware humor regarding the meme occurred in 2017 when Apple unveiled the iPhone X with its revolutionary Face ID feature. Cena playfully voiced his concerns on Twitter about the technology’s effectiveness for him, given his “invisibility.” Another viral instance that propelled the meme further into the mainstream was a video clip from Deadspin. The video captured Fox Sports reporter Jamie Little seemingly completely unaware of John Cena’s very visible presence at a NASCAR event, perfectly embodying the “You Can’t See Me” joke in a real-world scenario.
The classic You Can
The meme’s reach expanded further, moving beyond simple image macros and short videos. Creative internet users began incorporating Cena’s name into movie cast lists, then humorously feigning ignorance when others pointed out his presence, playing on the “invisible” gag within a cinematic context. This evolution demonstrates the meme’s adaptability and enduring comedic appeal. Furthermore, Cena’s consistent and recognizable appearance, coupled with his large physique, ironically amplifies the humor of the “You Can’t See Me” meme, making each iteration even more inherently funny. His transition into Hollywood has only broadened the meme’s audience and solidified its place in internet culture.
John Cena’s Thoughts on the Meme
Cena Embraces the Joke
Far from being bothered by the endless stream of “You Can’t See Me” memes, John Cena wholeheartedly embraces the joke. The WWE icon and global superstar consistently demonstrates his amusement and good-natured attitude whenever the meme is brought up. In a 2021 interview promoting F9, when asked if the joke ever gets old, Cena responded with playful enthusiasm:
“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 not only confirms Cena’s enjoyment of the meme but also reveals a deeper understanding of its impact on his career. Whether intentionally or not, Cena has leveraged the infinitely adaptable meme to refine his improvisational skills and comedic timing over the years. These skills have become hallmarks of his on-screen presence, contributing significantly to his success in Hollywood. With Cena increasingly embracing comedic roles, evident in movies like Ricky Stanicky, his willingness to laugh at himself and engage with the meme has only strengthened his appeal to audiences.
“Peacemaker” and Cena’s Hollywood Success Beyond the Meme
From Meme Star to Hollywood Actor
While the “You Can’t See Me” meme undoubtedly boosted John Cena’s public profile and comedic image, his role as Peacemaker in the HBO series of the same name solidified his status as a bonafide Hollywood star. While a degree of acting is inherent in professional wrestling, requiring performers to create characters and deliver compelling narratives, leading a television series demands a different level of skill and commitment.
The character of Peacemaker, initially introduced in Suicide Squad, proved to be complex and captivating enough to warrant his own spin-off series. Peacemaker thrust Cena into the leading role, demanding he showcase his acting range and carry a major television production. He rose to the occasion, exceeding expectations and demonstrating his capabilities beyond comedic timing.
Cena seamlessly blended his comedic talents with the James Gunn’s signature irreverent humor in Peacemaker. However, he also impressed critics and audiences with his dramatic depth, exploring the character’s internal conflicts and the turbulent dynamic with his father, White Dragon. Beyond his wrestling achievements, John Cena has demonstrably led one of the most critically acclaimed superhero shows in recent years. Anticipation is high for Peacemaker season 2, with expectations that it will further showcase Cena’s continued growth and versatility as an actor.
Other Famous Wrestler Memes
The Rock & Randy Orton Have Popular Memes Of Their Own
The “John Cena invisible meme” might be the most ubiquitous wrestling meme in mainstream internet culture, but it is not the only one to achieve widespread popularity. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, another wrestling superstar turned Hollywood icon, also boasts a meme that resonates across the internet.
The Rock’s Fanny Pack Meme
One of the most enduringly funny memes featuring The Rock originated from a photo he posted himself, dating back to the 1990s. The image showcases a young Dwayne Johnson sporting a black turtleneck, a silver necklace, and, most notably, a fanny pack. This meme has become a playful symbol of questionable 90s fashion and is often used to humorously highlight moments of perceived uncoolness, even in otherwise cool individuals. Even Kevin Hart, known for his comedic banter with Johnson, has playfully mocked this iconic look. Fortunately, The Rock himself embraces the humor of the fanny pack photo.
The Rock fanny pack meme.
“in the world of pro-wrestling in the ’90s, everyone had a fanny pack. But the one that stands out, and then makes the headlines looking like an idiot, is right here.”
Randy Orton’s RKO Meme
Another wrestling meme that exploded across social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok is Randy Orton’s “RKO Outta Nowhere” meme. This meme is centered around Orton’s finishing move, the RKO, a swift and decisive maneuver that often appears to strike opponents without warning, just before a pin. This unpredictable nature of the RKO has been translated into images and videos of a Photoshopped Randy Orton delivering the move to figures from entertainment, politics, and various sports. The “RKO Outta Nowhere” meme functions as a visual representation of someone being suddenly and decisively defeated or “owned,” retaining a more aggressive and taunting tone compared to the playful invisibility of the John Cena meme.
The Meme’s Impact on Cena’s Comedic Persona
Meme Fuels Comedic Roles
Among wrestlers who have successfully transitioned into acting, the most successful have carved unique niches for themselves in Hollywood. Dwayne Johnson has established himself as a crowd-pleasing action star, while Dave Bautista has pursued roles that showcase his range as a serious actor. John Cena, while capable of dramatic performances, has effectively become known as the wrestler-turned-comedic-actor. This trajectory was somewhat unexpected, as Hollywood initially attempted to cast him in action roles, mirroring his wrestling persona. However, the organic popularity of the John Cena meme inadvertently paved the way for his embrace of comedic roles.
The lighthearted nature of the “You Can’t See Me” meme aligns perfectly with the persona Cena projects: a wrestler who doesn’t take himself too seriously. This is reflected in his acting choices, as Cena has largely gravitated towards comedies after gaining traction in Hollywood. Beyond the comedic elements in Peacemaker, Cena has delivered memorable comedic performances in films like Trainwreck, Blockers, Vacation Friends, Barbie, and his recent appearance in The Bear.
Some of John Cena’s Best 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 continues to embrace his comedic side, consistently delivering humorous moments in interviews and public appearances. A prime example is his memorable appearance at the recent Academy Awards ceremony, where he generated significant laughter with a bit that involved him pretending to be nude on stage. Few wrestlers known for their tough-guy personas would be willing to engage in such self-deprecating humor, but it is precisely this quality that has contributed to Cena’s widespread popularity and enduring appeal.
John Cena Once Had To Hilariously Explain The Meme
Meme Explained to an Older Generation
Despite the widespread reach of the “You can’t see me” meme across the internet, there are still individuals unfamiliar with its meaning and origins. This knowledge gap led to an even more endearing moment for the meme when John Cena had the opportunity to explain the concept to an older woman, further amplifying its charm. Cena participated in a segment called “Teatime with Nana” from The Hook, where he was interviewed by an elderly woman named Nana Joan.
Nana Joan confessed to Cena that while her granddaughter was a big fan, she was puzzled by her granddaughter’s jokes about not being able to see Cena during the interview. In a heartwarming and humorous exchange, Cena patiently explained the meaning behind the “You Can’t See Me” joke and even gently guided Nana Joan in attempting his signature hand wave.
This lighthearted interaction, played for laughs, only enhanced the meme’s appeal and Cena’s public persona. Witnessing him explain his boastful wrestling gimmick to an older woman with such kindness and patience perfectly blended his memorable wrestling character with his reputation as a genuinely good-natured person. The “You Can’t See Me” meme, born from a wrestling taunt, has become a testament to John Cena’s enduring appeal and comedic talent, extending far beyond the wrestling ring and firmly embedding itself in internet culture.
