John Cena’s surprise return at the WWE Royal Rumble 2025 was supposed to be a jaw-dropping moment, but according to a WWE legend, one small detail gave away the ending before it even happened—Cena’s lack of a tan.
During a recent podcast appearance, WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash pointed out that Cena, known for his signature bronzed look, appeared noticeably pale when he entered the match. This, Nash believes, was a dead giveaway that Cena hadn’t been preparing for a long run in the match—or for a WrestleMania main event.
“Look, if you’re gonna win the Rumble and headline WrestleMania, you’re getting a spray tan, you’re hitting the tanning beds—you’re coming in looking like a million bucks,” Nash said. “Cena shows up looking like he just got off a movie set and forgot to hit the beach. That told me right away—he’s not winning.”
Cena entered the Rumble at No. 27, sparking excitement among fans who hoped he might be making a serious run for the main event. However, he was eliminated just minutes later, crushing any hopes of another championship push. Some fans online even joked that his pale complexion made it clear he wasn’t sticking around for a long-term storyline.
Cena’s recent Hollywood commitments have kept him out of WWE for extended periods, so his return was a special moment. However, as Nash suggested, the details matter in wrestling. Fans are always looking for clues, and something as simple as a missing tan may have signaled Cena’s fate before the action even unfolded.
While Cena’s future in WWE remains uncertain, one thing is clear—if he ever plans to shock fans again, he might want to hit the tanning booth first.
