John Cena wore denim shorts, known as "jorts," during his appearance at WrestleMania 42 in Glendale, Arizona [1].
The attire choice by the 17-time WWE world champion [2] represents an attempt to merge athletic performance with casual lifestyle fashion. By introducing denim into the ring, Cena aimed to influence the visual identity of professional wrestling.
Cena appeared in the ring wearing the shorts on Saturday night, April 2, 2026 [3]. He said he wore the garment to spark a new denim-focused trend in professional wrestling, and to promote a casual, lifestyle-oriented look [4].
The move marks a departure from traditional wrestling gear. Cena said the goal was to bring a specific aesthetic to the sport that emphasizes a more relaxed, everyday style over standard athletic wear [4].
Reports on the specific timing of the attire vary. While some accounts state Cena entered the ring wearing the jorts [3], other reports suggest he entered the arena in a suit before transitioning to the denim shorts. Additionally, some sources indicate Cena has since stopped wearing the attire following a loss to Gunther and said he will not wear them again [5].
Despite these contradictions, the initial appearance at WrestleMania 42 was intended as a catalyst for a broader fashion shift within the industry [4]. The 17-time champion [2] sought to leverage his platform to normalize the use of denim in high-profile matches [4].
“John Cena wore denim shorts, known as "jorts," during his appearance at WrestleMania 42”
Cena's experiment with 'jorts' highlights the intersection of sports entertainment and celebrity branding. By attempting to start a fashion trend, Cena is treating the WWE ring as a runway to influence consumer behavior and athlete presentation, moving the sport further toward a lifestyle-centric business model.
