Caleb Hearon Told John Cena the Story of How His Friends Made Him Cosplay as Rikishi Instead

Working alongside a legend like John Cena apparently comes with an opportunity to share some deeply personal — and embarrassing — wrestling memories. Actor and stand-up comedian Caleb Hearon recently stopped by Late Night with Seth Meyers to promote his upcoming film Little Brother, which also stars Cena and comedian Eric Andre, and he used the appearance to share a wrestling-adjacent story that found its way onto the set of the movie itself.

Hearon told the late-night audience that he had recounted a personal story to Cena directly while filming — one involving a childhood cosplay situation that did not go the way he had hoped. Hearon had apparently wanted to dress as John Cena, but his friends intervened and steered him toward Rikishi instead.

It’s the kind of anecdote that lands differently when you’re telling it to the actual John Cena on a movie set. Rikishi, of course, is the Hall of Fame Samoan superstar best known for his run in WWE during the Attitude Era, famous for his dancing, his devastating Stinkface move, and his role as a cornerstone of the Anoa’i family’s long legacy in professional wrestling. Being made to portray him over Cena is, depending on your perspective, either a step down or an honor.

Little Brother marks another acting credit for Cena, who has steadily built a Hollywood presence alongside his WWE career over the past two decades. The film pairs him with Eric Andre, making for a comedic lineup that clearly attracted talent like Hearon to the project. No release date was mentioned in the appearance.