John Cena, the legendary wrestler and actor, is speaking out about the intense pressure he faced from fans that led him to undergo a hair transplant.

Celebrating his 48th birthday today, Cena revealed during a candid conversation on The Pat McAfee Show that ongoing criticism about his appearance pushed him toward the surgical change.

“I got torn apart for something genetic I couldn’t control,” Cena admitted, referencing fan comments about his thinning hair. “You could’ve pulled me aside like a friend. Instead, you all chanted in unison and made me feel embarrassed.”

He explained that the harsh remarks—some telling him he didn’t “look good enough”—led to his decision to get a hair transplant, a common procedure that relocates healthy hair follicles to balding areas.

Though he joked, “Thanks for bullying me into surgery,” the pain behind his words was evident.

Clips of Cena’s heartfelt moment quickly circulated online, sparking sympathy and support. One user wrote, “He’s joking, but the hurt is real,” while another added, “People forget celebrities are human too.”

The recovery process for hair transplants can take months, but Cena’s openness is already helping others feel seen.