John Cena Recalls Naked Oscars Bit, How It Was Kept a Surprise

John Cena had a big moment when he showed up extremely underdressed on the Oscars stage last year, and he reflected on the bit in a new media appearance. Cena Jimmy Kimmel Live last night to promote his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13th. He and Kimmel revisited the Oscars moment. You can see some highlights below:

On What the Appearance Meant To Him:

“First of all, I don’t belong in that room. So you gave me a chance, an opportunity to stand in front of people who inspire me, and whom I admire, and have a few seconds. And that was really important.

On The Secrecy Around The Appearance:

“And with my background in WWE, I know to to keep a surprise a surprise. It’s — you have to miss out on some of the fun. So I didn’t walk the carpets. I got there early. I spent the whole time in a small dressing room playing cards with one of my best friends, Dan Boehm. And when it was time to go, we we did a very quick rehearsal, so minimal people saw, just for camera adjustments. And then I just sauntered out and sauntered back and was gone.

“So I didn’t I didn’t necessarily reap all the rewards of getting the fun. But it wasn’t about what I wanted, it was about making the bit good. So the bit ended up being great. You were a vehicle to put me in a room where I don’t necessarily belong and be able to entertain people.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit Jimmy Kimmel Live with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.