John Cena opens up about hair transplant after being ‘bullied’ over ‘genetic problem that he can’t control’
John Cena has called out fans for being 'straight-up' bullies while raising awareness of male balding.
The WWE legend and actor is retiring from wrestling after a whopping 24 years in the industry, having won the world championship a staggering 17 times.
He took to the ring against Cody Rhodes this weekend as part of his final ever Wrestlemania at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada and secured yet another victory.
Using the platform he's developed from both his performance in the ring alongside his performance on-screen in Hollywood, Cena has spoken out about being diagnosed with skin cancer and has since opened up about another health concern too.
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In November last year, Cena underwent a hair transplant and has now spoken out about what led him to the decision.
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show - shared to YouTube on April 21 - Cena reflected on comments made about his hair by viewers while he was taking part in WWE.
He said: "That's when I came like half a skin head up here. You guys, thank you for being so aware of my needs and emotions 'cuz you guys ripped me to shreds for a genetic problem that I can’t control. 'Hey dude you don't look good enough out there'.
"Like that's what I'm saying, this isn't cool, you guys aren't cool to me.
"I'm in the rumble, trying to win and you're like, 'There's a bald spot'.
"That's not fair. I can't control that. It happens to seven out of 10 dudes."
Cena questioned why no one 'pulled him to the side' to chat about it, detailing what happened instead.
He continued: "No but in unison you chant and make me feel small and embarrass me. You don't know what that's like. That is straight-up bullying and it's just not cool."
Cena resolved: "So thank you for bullying me into surgical hair replacement. That’s how far y’all pushed me. I appreciate that."
And it's not taken long for people to flock to social media in support of the star.
One Redditor said: "Normalize men getting hair transplants."
Another added: "Normalizing it being okay to be bald would be better."
And a Twitter user resolved: "Good for him. It looks good. If it makes him feel better, then good."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center or you can webchat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
Poppy Bilderbeck