In the twilight of a legendary wrestling career, John Cena has opened up about one surprising turning point in his life, one that didn't happen in the ring. Instead, it came from the stands. After fans repeatedly held up signs mocking his receding hairline with messages like 'Bald Cena', the 48-year-old wrestling icon decided to take action. That action, Cena now says, 'completely changed the course of my life'.
As he prepares for his farewell tour before retiring from the WWE at the end of 2025, Cena is reflecting on the impacts of ageing, perception and self-care. But the catalyst, he revealed, was fan feedback that hit a little too close to home.
Fans Forced the Mirror Moment
Cena, speaking to People Magazine in an exclusive interview, admitted it was the crowd's constant attention to his hair loss that made him seek help. 'As I was trying to hide my hair loss, the audience was bringing it to light. I saw their signs that said "The bald John Cena." They pushed me into going to see what my options were'.
He underwent a hair transplant in November 2024, a procedure he describes as deceptively simple. 'They don't do anything except move your hair, one by one, from one area to another', he explained in an interview. But the outcome, he insists, has had a profound effect on both his personal and professional lives.
The signs in the crowd were meant as jokes. But for Cena, they were the tipping point in addressing something that many men face but few talk about publicly: male pattern baldness.
Idk @JohnCena, you may have been born to be a @WWE superstar, but that is not all you are. Your impact will be felt for generations. Thank you for being so open and willing to share your journey with us 🙏 Out now, a special edition of #WhatsYourStory from our #StephaniesPlaces… pic.twitter.com/VTS1pfr2I9
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) July 31, 2025
Routine Built Around Restoration
Following the procedure, Cena's hair care became part of his daily life. He now follows a strict regimen to maintain his results, which includes red-light therapy, topical treatments like minoxidil, and nutritional supplements.
'I now have a routine: red-light therapy, minoxidil, vitamins, shampoo, conditioner — and I also got a hair transplant last November', he told TMZ. He added that if it weren't for the stigma surrounding such procedures, he would have done it a decade earlier.
His experience is far from uncommon. Cena noted that seven or eight out of ten men face hair thinning or baldness during their lives. But despite the numbers, he believes the stigma is still strong enough to prevent many from acting on it.
New Look, New Roles
Beyond self-esteem, the decision has affected Cena's acting career. Known for roles in blockbuster franchises like Fast & Furious and The Suicide Squad, Cena's hair transplant has reportedly helped him land new parts.
'A different hairstyle can identify a part that can get me more work, do the thing I love to do', he said. As he shifts focus from wrestling to acting, appearances matter more than ever in a competitive industry.
His current role as Peacemaker in the HBO Max series of the same name continues to raise his Hollywood profile. Season 2 of Peacemaker, set to premiere on August 21, marks another chapter in Cena's evolution from wrestler to mainstream star. According to another People interview, Cena credits the role and the support of his castmates, for allowing him to take creative risks and enjoy a new type of performance.
A Farewell With No Regrets
Cena announced his impending retirement from in-ring competition last year. Now, with a full head of hair and a future focused on acting, he says he's preparing to step away on his own terms. 'Age plays a factor. I'm not as strong or as fast as I used to be', he said. 'I made a promise that when I'm a step slower, I will go'.
The WWE legend also emphasised that his health and his relationship with wife Shay Shariatzadeh are now his top priorities.
Still, Cena recognises the role the fans have played throughout his journey, from pushing him to succeed to pushing him to confront his insecurities. 'They're the reason for my optimism, my perseverance, my passion', he told People.
For the man once known for saying, 'You Can't See Me', it seems the audience saw him clearly all along, and helped John Cena see himself in a new light.
