What Is 'You Can't See Me'? The Timeless John Cena Meme And Joke Explained

Perhaps the most famous meme about American actor and professional wrestler John Cena comes from a decades-long running joke that never seems to die. Now, Cena is back in the spotlight once again, and it's time to take a look back on the meme.

So, what does "You Can't See Me" mean? What's the big deal with the catchphrase, and how has it become a running joke online? Here's everything you need to know about John Cena's meme legacy.

Where Does "You Can't See Me" Come From?

"You can't see me" is the catchphrase of professional wrestler John Cena. Typically, it's accompanied by Cena waving a hand in front of his face.

It's been Cena's trademark taunt since the early 2000s, and he even released a rap album with the phrase as its title. Cena says the move was inspired by a dance performed by his brother. Take a look at a brief clip from Cena's interview about his catchphrase below:

How Is "You Can't See Me" Used In Memes?

It's become a running joke online to claim that John Cena is missing from photos where John Cena can clearly be seen. Put simply, the internet has a blind spot for him. Over a decade since the phrase was first uttered, millions are still pretending they can't see him.

Why Is "You Can't See Me" Trending Again?

On March 10th, the Oscars premiered, and they featured an appearance from John Cena, who was pretty much naked. The moment surprised a lot of Oscars viewers and left social media trying to interpret what exactly just happened.

Now, "You can't see me" is trending again, and there's a clear reason why. To put it simply, people could see him. They saw him a little too well, in fact.

For the full history of "You can't see me," be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.