John Cena shocked fans this week by announcing that he had joined adult subscription website OnlyFans – but it wasn’t what it seemed.
It seemed the 46-year-old former WWE wrestler had joined other celebrities selling exclusive content on the site as he posted: “Like y’all never seen me before. Subscribe to me using the link in bio. @onlyfans.”
Celebrities such as Iggy Azalea, Tana Mongeau and Tyga post content on the site for their paying subscribers.
At first, some fans were confused about Cena’s move to the site. “Was he hacked?” wrote one X/Twitter user, with another adding, “Cena, noooo!”
However, the link posted by Cena opens a free OnlyFans page with the wrestler’s face in the profile picture, but he uses the name Ricky Stanicky,
The bio reads: “You have found the verified OnlyFans account for Ricky Stanicky; renowned impersonator, philanthropist, investment banker, socialite, cancer survivor, and method actor. Subscribe to get SPICY pictures and videos.”
Fans quickly realized that the account was a marketing stunt to promote Cena’s role in the upcoming comedy. Ricky Stanickyin which he plays the title character.
The film, which also stars Zac Efron, is about three childhood friends who create an imaginary friend named Ricky Stanicky to avoid trouble. Decades later, the adult trio still use the nonexistent Ricky as a convenient alibi for their immature behavior and decide to hire a failed actor, Rod (played by Cena), to pose as the “friend” to cover up their lies.
On the account, Cena appears to keep up the publicity stunt by posting sexually suggestive captions to attract subscribers.
“Anyone want to try this again?” reads one caption. “How low can it go?” asks another.
Cena has recently starred in several blockbusters, including the upcoming film Argylle next to Henry Cavill, as well as a variation of the Ken doll in last year’s box office hit Barbie.
In a recent interview, Cena revealed how he came to play the role of Merman Ken in Barbie, It was a “happy coincidence,” as he described it.
The professional wrestler recalled how a chance encounter with Margot Robbie led to his role.
“By a happy coincidence, we met while filming in London. We were both in a restaurant and she said, ‘Why don’t you act in Barbie?’ and I said, ‘I tried, but you didn’t want me,'” he said. Good morning, Great Britain.
“She approached the decision makers at the table and gave them her consent, and the next day I got a call.”
