Meme culture often jumps from the internet into television, and Apple TV's Pluribus just proved the sci-fi show isn't immune to this phenomenon. While Pluribus' sixth episode, "HDP," utilizes a more subtle approach than some in this respect, it's still tough to deny which meme is being referenced. The show itself, while not strictly a comedy, does still find creative ways to make the audience laugh. One meme-inspired scene is one of the best examples of that esoteric sense of humor so far.
"HDP" is an episode full of twists and turns, taking some pretty sinister reveals and turning them on their respective heads to come across as oddly wholesome. The installment boasts a surprising amount of levity, but only in ways that offset the darkness of the storyline. It's an unconventional but highly effective formula, made more prominent by the surprise appearance of a certain wrestler-turned-actor.
FULL SPOILERS for Pluribus season 1, Episode 6, "HDP."
How John Cena's Pluribus cameo references the iconic meme about him
Around the 18:30 mark of "HDP," John Cena suddenly enters the world of Pluribus when he shows up in an uncomfortably corporate video about the Joining's begrudging decision to resort to cannibalism. Although Cena has become more well-known for his acting career in recent years, especially in Peacemaker, there is a well-known meme that originates from his time as a full-time wrestler. With the WWE, he would often make use of his catchphrase, "you can't see me," and accompany it with a gesture by sweeping his hand over his face.
Cena has explained in countless interviews that the phrase was intended to communicate that his opponents weren't on his level, not that they literally couldn't see him. However, the internet, being what it is, has come to the shared conclusion that it's far funnier to act as though John Cena were claiming to be invisible. As such, for years, he has had to put up with fans posting comments like "why is there no one in this photo?" whenever an image of him appears online. (Is it just me who thinks the internet beat the Joining to the punch with its creepy hive mind?)
Cena's views on the meme itself vary depending on context. In general, he has spoken about how impressive it is that the joke has had such staying power and that he still appreciates it for what it is. That said, there have been times during his WWE career when he has openly admonished fans for the meme. It should be remembered, though, that Cena is also playing a fictionalized version of himself when he steps into the ring. WWE has a pre-written storyline, just like Pluribus — sorry, wrestling fans — so it's likely Cena's views on the meme during these moments aren't true to what he personally feels.
The reference to this meme in "HDP" is pretty cryptic, but it is there. While Carol (Rhea Seehorn) has no problem seeing John Cena — who is playing a joined version of himself — she says something pretty coy after the recording has run its course. She tells Samba Schutte's Mr. Diabaté: "That is not John Cena." In the world of the show, Carol is simply stating that John Cena as an individual doesn't exist anymore since the Joining. However, it's also an embedded nod to Cena's real-world invisibility meme. In other words, Carol can't "see" John Cena; she can only see a member of the Joining.
Why John Cena is the one giving the HDP presentation in Pluribus
The simplest explanation for why John Cena was handed a cameo in Pluribus is that it resulted in a cool moment that the audience didn't expect. The show doesn't have any particularly big-name cast members other than Rhea Seehorn, so it was a shock to see such a major celebrity suddenly thrown into the mix with no warning. On the other hand, "HDP" does provide some subtle context clues that provide an in-universe explanation for why John Cena specifically was the one on that hotel TV screen.
Mr Diabaté briefly mentions that he and John Cena had been "hanging out" before the events of "HDP." With Schutte's character using the new state of the world to get everything he's ever wanted, it seems that learning the Sunset Flip Powerbomb from Cena himself was near the top of Mr. Diabaté's list. He also says Cena was "even more convincing" in French, which is the native tongue of Schutte's character. Of course, since the Joining, every Other can speak every language.
So, pairing the fact that Mr. Diabaté had face-to-face time with John Cena, and was told in French why the Joining are relying on "Human-Derived Protein," it's not unreasonable to assume that the reveal was made in person while Cena was acting as Mr. Diabaté's powerbomb coach. If Carol is a John Cena fan, she has never said it out loud. Regardless, Mr. Diabaté probably asked Cena to record the HDP video for Carol, hoping it would come across better somehow from the mouth of a celebrity.
It would arguably have been better for Carol if the video had been a recording of Zosia (Karolina Wydra), but she is presumably still recovering after Carol drugged her at the end of episode 4, "Please, Carol." Plus, as a well-built man, it's reasonable to assume that Cena consumes a lot of protein. With the video centering on the subject of nutrition, John Cena just seems like a logical choice as the one to explain things during this key Pluribus moment.
Pluribus season 1 will conclude on December 26, 2025. Until then, a new episode will drop on Apple TV every Friday.