Cena Steals the Show (Almost Nothing On): A Hilarious Oscars Stunt Goes Viral
The 96th Academy Awards ceremony was cruising along on a steady current of elegance and acceptance speeches. Then, John Cena, the WWE legend turned Hollywood action star, took the stage (or rather, almost didn’t) and sent the internet into meltdown with a stunt that was equal parts shocking, hilarious, and perfectly timed.
Host Jimmy Kimmel, known for his comedic jabs, had just finished a playful nod to the infamous streaker incident of the 1974 Oscars. Little did the audience know, they were about to witness a modern reimagining of that chaotic moment, with a Cena twist.
John Cena naked on stage at the 2024 #OSCARS #JOHNCENA PIC.TWITTER.COM/WFUOL0SMVB
— Popcorn Poet 🍿 (@PopcornPoet) MARCH 11, 2024
The spotlight shines on center stage for Best Costume Design. Gasps ripple through the Dolby Theatre. There stood John Cena, but not quite. His imposing silhouette, seemingly clad in nothing but flesh-toned skin, was a sight that defied expectations. Muffled protests could be heard from behind a strategically placed curtain: “I changed my mind, Jimmy! This whole streaker bit…it just doesn’t feel right for this kind of event.” The tension was delicious, the audience buzzing with a mixture of shock and morbid curiosity.
Then, Cena, with the comedic timing of a seasoned performer, emerged from behind the curtain. His modesty was shielded by an oversized envelope strategically placed. Laughter erupted from the crowd as Cena pretended discomfort. His body language portrayed reluctant exhibitionism in a hilarious way.
But the act wasn’t a one-note joke. After a bit of awkward fun, Cena vanished backstage. The audience pondered if the “streak” was everything. Moments later, he reappeared, this time draped in a flowing golden toga. The former wrestler, looking like a Roman emperor, announces the winner. It’s hilarious.
Social media, of course, went ballistic. Memes with Cena’s “near-streak” took over timelines. It was the most discussed moment of the night. Reactions ranged from side-splitting laughter to mild shock, with a healthy dose of applause for Cena’s audacity. The Oscars noted the streaker incident, Cena’s take was new, funny, and well-timed.
Backstage photos showed Cena wore a flesh-colored undergarment. It confirmed his “nakedness” was a staged act. This detail, plus his recent cameo in “Barbie,” added humor and relevance to his performance.
Whether the skit pushed the boundaries of tastefulness is a matter of opinion. John Cena’s bold stunt at the 2024 Oscars was carefully planned. It became the most discussed moment, showing award ceremonies can amaze with humor.
