After conquering the ring, John Cena stepped into a whole different territory, Hollywood. While fans knew him as the 16-time WWE champion, no one expected him to drop jaws in Trainwreck (2015), a raunchy rom-com where he played Amy Schumer’s overly intense, kinda clueless gym rat boyfriend. The film, packed with chaos, comedy, and an exceptional cast, was a surprise critical hit. But just as the film rose to fame, so did the controversy surrounding one particular scene.

All about John Cena and the Trainwreck controversy, the full scoop on what really happened during that racy scene with Amy Schumer that left jaws dropped.

Inside the controversy: John Cena, Amy Schumer, and one risky scene

John Cena may be no stranger to stripping down on screen, but even he admits some moments are painfully awkward. In a 2024 interview on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, the Jackpot! star reflected on filming his outrageous sex scene with Amy Schumer in Trainwreck (2015). Calling Schumer “an angel” for making the set feel comfortable, Cena revealed the script was scrapped for a wild stunt scene, filmed just steps from catering and crew. “There is nothing intimate about it,” he said. “it’s real embarrassing.”

As if things were not awkward enough, John Cena shared that he was directed to make the s– scene in Trainwreck as hilariously uncomfortable as possible, being told, “Try to have the most awkward sex you possibly can.” Amy Schumer added her own wild twist in an MTV interview, joking that one major regret from filming was not getting to feel Cena’s balls during the scene. While the film scored an impressive 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and earned over $140 million worldwide, it was not just the racy scenes that drew attention, the sharp, emotionally layered plot played a huge part in its success.

Trainwreck became an unexpected smash, thanks to its sharp, no-filter plot that hooked audiences worldwide with raw humor, real emotions, and a romance that flipped the script on tradition.

Inside Trainwreck: a comedy that dared to get real

In Trainwreck, Amy, shaped by her father Gordon’s belief that monogamy is a myth, grows up to be a commitment-phobic party girl in New York. Assigned to write about sports doctor Aaron Conners, she unexpectedly connects with him. Despite her self-sabotaging habits, they begin dating. Things spiral when Amy’s father dies, emotions boil over, and her reckless choices derail her life and relationship. After a humiliating breakup and job loss, Aaron’s friends stage an intervention, pushing him to face his feelings and confront what he truly wants.

After a drunken night out, Amy ends up in a wildly awkward situation with an intern, only to learn he is just sixteen when his mother interrupts. The fallout is swift; Dianna fires her the next day. Meanwhile, Aaron faces an unexpected intervention by LeBron James and a group of celebrity friends. As Amy begins to rebuild her life, she wins Aaron back with a grand gesture. The film not only delivered laughs and heart but also placed John Cena who recently joined hands with Idris Elba, in hilariously awkward territory, and achieved massive success.

What do you think about that wild John Cena and Amy Schumer scene in Trainwreck? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!