John Cena’s journey from WWE superstardom to Hollywood has been anything but predictable. Beyond his headline roles, Cena has quietly built a reputation for turning up where audiences least expect him- it can sometimes be for just a few seconds, often leaving a long-lasting impression.
These surprise appearances prove that the wrestler-turned-actor understands the power of timing, humour and self-awareness better than most of the celebrities.
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Here are five memorable John Cena cameos that caught viewers off guard.
Trainwreck
One of Cena’s earliest and most talked-about cameos came in Trainwreck (2015). Playing an exaggerated version of a hyper-masculine gym bro, Cena leaned fully into self-parody. His deadpan delivery and fearless humour instantly made the cameo iconic, showing Hollywood that he wasn’t afraid to laugh at his own image.
Daddy’s Home
In Daddy’s Home (2015), Cena popped up briefly as a rival to Mark Wahlberg’s character. Though short, the appearance worked as a clever casting joke, using Cena’s imposing physique for comic effect rather than dominance, a recurring theme in his cameo choices.
The Suicide Squad
Cena’s connection to the Superman universe arrived indirectly through DC. His portrayal of Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad and subsequent DC projects placed him firmly within the larger Superman-led world. While not sharing screen space with Superman himself, Cena’s presence in the DC universe functioned like a franchise-level cameo, explaining how even side characters can command massive attention.
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Barbie
Then came Barbie (2023), arguably his most unexpected appearance. As a merman version of Ken, Cena appeared briefly but fully committed to the film’s absurdist, utopian but self-aware tone. The cameo was both hilarious and symbolic, reinforcing Barbie’s playful subversion of traditional masculinity; this is something Cena clearly enjoys exploring.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Another blink-and-miss moment arrived in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023), where Cena lent his voice to a minor but impactful character. Even without screen presence, his voice carried enough personality to stand out.
John Cena’s cameos work because they are never accidental. Whether poking fun at his tough-guy image or slipping into pop culture’s biggest franchises, he treats even the smallest appearances as opportunities to surprise.
