Nikki Bella, 34, hasn’t been tied to John Cena, 41, since the end of July, but that doesn’t mean she likes people hating on her ex-fiancé’s hair! In lieu of his trademark buzz cut, the Blockers actor debuted a long and parted ‘do at the WWE Super Show-Down Live Event in Australia, which Nikki also attended, on Oct. 6. Twitter soon blew up with creative insults. Despite being called a “grown Oliver Twist,” among other names, the WWE wrestler can take the punches. It’s his former lover who seems more hurt! “John is laughing off the haters that insulted his haircut, he doesn’t take that kind of thing to heart,” a friend of John’s EXCLUSIVELY shares with HollywoodLife. “He’s got very thick skin so the mocking is fine with him, he actually loves that people are talking about him. And as an added bonus, it’s scored him some sympathy points with Nikki.” But why is she offering her sympathy, anyways?
“She’s still protective of him and he can’t help but love that,” John’s friend reveals. Aww! The former couple, who once planned on marrying in May, proved the split was on amicable terms after being photographed together at a Melbourne mall the same weekend as the WWE event in Australia. But don’t confuse that photograph and a sympathetic Nikki for something more. “John played such an important role in her life and it’s been long enough since their breakup that they can enjoy spending time together occasionally, but only as friends,” a source close to Nikki EXCLUSIVELY told us on Oct. 8. Our source also explicitly noted that they are “not hooking up.”
John has since taken to Instagram to prove he’s truly unfazed by the critics. The actor posted a still from The Simpsons, which showed the iconic Homer Simpson admiring his brunette hairdo — much like John’s — in a hand mirror. John’s taking the hair cyberbullies in stride because he’s not so fond of the new look himself! The wrestler dropped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Oct. 9, and after Jimmy Fallon complimented his hairstyle, John joked, “It’s official, you are kind. And you may be losing your sight.”
As for why John grew his hair out, he was asked to for his upcoming action and thriller movie Project X-traction with Jackie Chan! The holder of 25 WWE championships further explained to Jimmy, “Last time people saw me, I had the traditional short crew cut and now I came back in just this ball of wax that’s on my head.” John had been filming the new project in China, set to be released in 2019. He continued, “Now everybody’s like, ‘Man you ruined my childhood.'” Well, we’re with Jimmy and Nikki — the new hair’s not that bad, John!