John Cena says hair transplant ‘changed’ his life after he was 'bullied’ over his baldness by WWE fans

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: John Cena, 48, has revealed the hair transplant he got last year has affected him in a positive way. 

The professional wrestler and actor said the decision, prompted by relentless online attention, made a major impact on his life and career.

John Cena says fans drove him to hair transplant with 'bald' signs

Cena opened up about his hair transplant journey during his August cover story for People, saying the comments from WWE audiences pushed him to take action.

Fans first took notice back in March when his bald spot was suddenly gone, and by April, Cena confirmed that he had undergone the procedure after being subjected to constant scrutiny.

"They're the reason for my optimism, my perseverance, my passion,” Cena said of WWE fans.

“They don't let you get away with phoning it in, because they'll eat you alive,” he added.

Earlier in April he said on the 'The Pat McAfee Show': “You chant and you make me feel small and you embarrass me."

“Y’all don’t know what that’s like. That is straight-up bullying. That’s just not cool. I don’t like it.”

Cena told People that as he tried to conceal his hair loss, fans were calling it out more.

“I saw their signs that said: 'The bald John Cena.’ They pushed me into going to see what my options were,” Cena said.

Now, Cena says he follows a detailed haircare routine. “I now have a routine: red-light therapy, minoxidil, vitamins, shampoo, conditioner — and I also got a hair transplant last November,” he explained.

John Cena says shame stopped him from getting hair transplant earlier

Despite the positive results, Cena acknowledged the emotional difficulty of seeking help. He said he regrets not addressing the issue sooner due to the stigma attached to male baldness.

“I hate the fact that if there wasn't so much shame around it, I'd have gotten it done 10 years ago. I thought I was alone, but seven or eight out of 10 [men] suffer from thinning or baldness,” Cena shared.

He also spoke about the technical aspects of the procedure. “They don't do anything except move your hair, one by one, from one area to another,” adding that he now gets “fired up” over being judged for the choice.

“If somebody's going to sweat me for that, I don't think there's any shame in that,” Cena said. “It completely changed the course of my life.”

John Cena is getting more acting roles due to hair transplant 

Cena also said the transformation has affected his acting career. 

“A different hairstyle can identify a part that can get me more work, do the thing I love to do,” he explained, noting how important looks are in casting.

As he prepares to retire from professional wrestling by the end of the year, Cena said his focus has shifted.

“Age plays a factor. I'm not as strong or as fast as I used to be,” he said, discussing his decision to step away from the ring.

“I made a promise when I started gaining some notoriety, that when I'm a step slower, I will go, because there will be kids just as hungry as I was who have earned a shot to see if they can make it,” added Cena.

John Cena prioritizes health and marriage as wrestling career nears end

Cena announced that he's embracing a new path in life focused on wellness and love.

“My health and my dedication to my partner are the tip of my spear in life right now,” Cena said, referring to his wife, Shay Shariatzadeh.

“So I think every time I go out [in the ring], I just want to make sure I'm able to give my all, but it's time to step away,” he said, reaffirming his plan to leave wrestling behind.

“I hope to remain curious and healthy — and that's physically, spiritually, mentally,” added John Cena. “As long as I have love, health and curiosity for what life has to offer, I think it'll work out.”