WWE wrestler and actor John Cena made a surprise appearance at a Savannah Bananas baseball game in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday. The 16-time world heavyweight champion, known for his trademark gestures, walked out of the dugout to his theme song at George Steinbrenner Field. Before stepping into the batter’s box, Cena raised a championship belt and three fingers.
You can't see him, but WWE Legend @JohnCena just made his debut in Bananaland👋 pic.twitter.com/nqmGjc1Pnj
— Savannah Bananas (@TheSavBananas) February 10, 2024
John Cena took to his social media to appreciate the experience with the Savannah Bananas side. He regarded it as an opportunity as appealing as it could get.
A chance to be on @TheSavBananas for a day sounded appealing 🍌 but these guys kick some serious potassium!!!
Grateful for an incredible and unforgettable experience! 🍌🍌🍌 https://t.co/eroPgWXos3
— John Cena (@JohnCena) February 10, 2024
John Cena’s show of sportsmanship earns cheers from the crowd; Fans delighted with Cena’s appearance
John Cena adopted a unique stance in the right batter’s box but had little success, ultimately striking out looking. He squatted for two of the three pitches while searching for a ball, but the umpire called three strikes, ending Cena’s debut in baseball. Cena contested the call, leading to a humorous moment where the umpire laid an elbow on the ground, mimicking Cena’s wrestling moves.
HOLY SHIT JOHN CENA IS PLAYING BANANA BALL @TheSavBananas pic.twitter.com/rtt4L2d1FA
— EVE CoolBoyNY🇵🇷 (@CoolBoy_NY) February 10, 2024
Despite the strikeout, John Cena showed good sportsmanship by congratulating the pitcher, even replicating a Hulk Hogan point at the mound. Although there was no attitude adjustment, Cena raised the pitcher’s hand, earning cheers from the crowd.
John Cena sported a jersey with “Stanicky,” suggesting his presence was tied to promoting his upcoming comedy, “Ricky Stanicky,” set for release on Amazon Prime Video next month. The choice of attire hints at a strategic move to generate buzz and anticipation for his new project, cleverly incorporating it into his entertaining baseball cameo.
Fans have been over the top with John Cena’s inclusion in the event. The WWE legend has generated a lot of positive reactions from the fans all over the world.
Just another day of @JohnCena doing the most random things living his best life 💛
— Millee 🇮🇹 (@MilleeGrazie) February 10, 2024
Legend indeed
— Michael Schiro (@Schirombaseball) February 10, 2024
The Savannah Bananas, on a global tour, are renowned for their zany on-field antics and dance breaks, garnering over 300 million TikTok views. They had an unforgettable week at Tampa Bay with appearances from Nick Swisher and John Cena. Having a blast over the week, vibing to Noah Kahan and MJ, the Bananas look to tour Peoria next.
Tampa Bay, we wouldn’t want to kick off the 2024 season anywhere else!
From World Series Champ Nick Swisher taking an at bat to WWE legend John Cena making his Bananaland debut, it was a weekend to remember. We jammed out to Noah Kahan and danced the night away to some MJ. We… pic.twitter.com/uE2O5cPp8s
— Savannah Bananas (@TheSavBananas) February 10, 2024
Though John Cena’s at-bat with the Savannah Bananas doesn’t signal a nationwide baseball tour, it was an unexpected and enjoyable moment. Cena, now a beloved figure in film and television, brought his charisma to the ballpark, making a brief but memorable appearance with the Bananas. The fun inning added another dimension to Cena’s diverse public persona, delighting fans with a surprising crossover between wrestling and baseball. John Cena hasn’t appeared in WWE since his defeat to Solo Sikoa at Crown Jewel.
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