AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm has shared her experience of being bullied for wearing John Cena merchandise, highlighting the challenges she faced as a wrestling fan when she was younger. The incident reflects the broader impact of wrestling culture on personal identity, and Toni’s story brings attention to the often-overlooked experience of fans who face mockery for their passion.
Toni Storm’s Experience with Bullying for Supporting John Cena
Toni Storm, currently one of the leading figures in women’s professional wrestling and holding the AEW Women’s World Title, disclosed that her admiration for WWE star John Cena made her a target of bullying during her school years. Cena, recognized as a 17-time world champion and an iconic figure in wrestling, is well respected by many top wrestlers, including Toni herself, who was a fan of his growing up.
During an appearance on The Sandman Podcast, Toni recounted the harsh treatment she received as the only wrestling fan among her peers. She specifically noted how wearing a John Cena T-shirt invited ridicule from classmates who did not understand her passion for wrestling.
“I got bullied for wearing a John Cena T-shirt so much. Got bullied so hard for hustle, loyalty and respect. No, people would mock it. I remember walking past a kid in the street and he went, ‘Oh, John Cena,’ and like mocked the thing [doing you can’t see me gesture] at me.”
— Toni Storm, AEW Women’s World Champion
John Cena’s Upcoming Match Draws Attention After Rivalry Heat
Meanwhile, John Cena is set for a significant wrestling event this Saturday, marking another chapter in his longstanding career as he approaches retirement. Following his loss of the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2025, Cena has been embroiled in a heated rivalry with Brock Lesnar. Lesnar’s surprise return and aggressive attacks on Cena have intensified their feud, making their scheduled bout at Wrestlepalooza highly anticipated.
At a recent SmackDown event in Chicago, Lesnar attacked Cena with his signature F-5 move, further fueling their conflict. This match is expected to be one of their final encounters, adding a layer of significance to the event as fans await to see if Cena, often called the leader of the Cenation, can overcome the Beast Incarnate once again.
The Broader Impact of Wrestling Fandom and Legacy
Toni Storm’s revelation about being bullied for wearing John Cena’s merchandise reveals the challenges fans sometimes face when expressing their interests, especially in formative years. Cena’s global influence as a wrestler and public figure has inspired many, yet Toni’s story reminds us that admiration for wrestlers can sometimes result in social struggles. Her experience underscores the personal side of wrestling fandom beyond the spectacle in the ring.
As Cena continues his farewell tour, his legacy remains deeply ingrained within the wrestling community, influencing rising stars like Storm and shaping the narratives that drive wrestling entertainment forward. The upcoming match against Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza will likely be one of the final moments in Cena’s storied career, underscoring his enduring stature and the respect he commands among fans and wrestlers alike.
With Toni Storm now a world champion in AEW and a proud John Cena supporter, her story adds emotional weight to the ongoing wrestling culture and highlights the complexities of being a fan in a world where passion can sometimes lead to exclusion or ridicule. The wrestling world awaits the next chapter in both Cena’s legendary career and Storm’s rising trajectory as a leading star in women’s wrestling.
