WWE legend John Cena has learned how to protect himself from public perception and criticism, from comments about his hair loss to being an internet meme.
John Cena has protected himself from the struggles of fame by being “authentic”.
The 49-year-old WWE legend turned Hollywood star has dealt with a lot living the last 23 years in the spotlight, including becoming an internet meme, and having wrestling fans point out his hair loss.
He told the Metro newspaper’s 60 Seconds column: “What’s helped me is, just be authentic. I got a hair transplant. I could have hidden it but the fans have a way to make you honest.
“You could see the back of my head was as bald as my a**. How am I going to hide the fact that I didn’t have hair and now I have hair?
“Wrestling in the WWE has taught me so much about being the human being that I am today.”
Despite fame bringing its own set of challenges, Cena explained that he doesn’t see failure or tough times as a bad thing.
He added: “I don’t think it’s a burden. I think it’s a gift. Every job has its setbacks. I love what I do and it’s a happy tax for doing it.”
Meanwhile, the Coyote vs. Acme actor also revealed how he has continued to grow as a human being.
Asked how he’s changed since his early years in WWE, he quipped: “Oh goodness! What I’m hearing is, ‘Are you the same person in 2008 that you are today?’
“The answers is a resounding no! I try to remain curious and work towards growth every day.”
Cena first went under the knife in late 2024 after spending years struggling with hair loss.
In July, he revealed he had treatment for a second time earlier this year after noticing a balding “spot” that needed attention.
He told PEOPLE: “The objective is to get more hair, and this was the best way to do it, talking with Ken Anderson, my doctor … I love the guy. He’s totally changed my life …
“[After having the first procedure] I went back to him like: Man, you did great. I have this one small, small, small spot. Can you do it?’ He’s like: ‘I can. My best results are – if you’re bold enough to shave your head, I can keep the follicles’ …
“My first operation was 13 and a half hours. The second one was eight hours.”
The screen star previously revealed he was trying to keep his new locks healthy by using a combination of red light therapy and vitamins as well as drinking lots of water.
He told TMZ Sports: “[My doctor] he educated me on scalp care. The way he put it was like: ‘I’m your dentist and you’re coming to me with a cavity. I’m going to fix your cavity but you don’t brush your teeth. I’m going to teach you how to brush your teeth’…
“Every day without fail I have a scalp care routine of red light therapy, vitamins, [preventative anti-hair loss medication] finasteride, you know all that stuff.
“Staying hydrated, making good choices to keep what’s up there healthy. To keep [my doctor’s] work safe.”
John Cena reveals his secret to dealing with negative sides of fame
