Eian Elmer-John Cena connection, explained: Why Miami (OH) basketball star is getting shoutouts from WWE star originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Miami (Ohio) has an array of shooters, a high-powered offense and a unique level of confidence. The RedHawks also have a secret weapon: John Cena.
Junior forward Eian Elmer is a noted fan of Cena, and a now-retired Cena is showing the love back to Elmer and the RedHawks.
Elmer did Cena’s signature hand wave after Miami’s First Four win over SMU, and there’s no telling what the ceiling could be for the RedHawks now that they have the wrestling great on their side.
Here’s what you need to know about the connection between Elmer and Cena.
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Eian Elmer-John Cena connection
Elmer is a longtime fan of Cena, and Miami has incorporated Cena’s signature “You can’t see me” hand wave gesture into its celebrations this season. While the exact history between Elmer and his wrestling fandom isn’t clear, the RedHawks have found inspiration through Cena during their remarkable season.
After Cena heard about his role in Miami’s success this season, he sent a message to Elmer in particular ahead of the RedHawks’ First Four game. It may be no surprise, then, that Miami advanced past SMU despite entering as an underdog. Elmer led the team in scoring despite foul trouble limiting him to 23 minutes, as he scored 23 points and drilled six 3-pointers with the power of Cena behind him.
MORE:How did Miami (Ohio) get its name?
Eian Elmer’s John Cena hand wave
Elmer and the rest of the RedHawks celebrated with Cena’s “You can’t see me” hand wave while doing an on-court interview after their First Four win, and Elmer led another hand wave celebration in the locker room:
John Cena. #UnFinishedBusiness || #MiamiMindset || #RiseUpRedHawkspic.twitter.com/cDO7CXorxA
— Miami Men’s Basketball (@MiamiOH_BBall) March 19, 2026
As Miami heads from Dayton to more unfamiliar territory in Philadelphia, it might take more than Cena to keep this run alive.
MORE: Miami (Ohio) strength of schedule, explained
John Cena’s message for Eian Elmer
Cena made Elmer’s day — or week, or month — with a personal video message he sent over before Miami’s First Four game.
Wise words from a legend!! #riseupredhawkspic.twitter.com/UH75rfOs09
— Eric Kay (@ekaycbs) March 17, 2026
Cena thanked Elmer and the RedHawks for finding inspiration in him, and he offered sage advice after an undefeated regular season. “My advice to you is may we never perfect. I choose to use the word ‘undefeated’ because there is always reflection we can have in our moments, and we get a takeaway if life seems to hand us a plan that we haven’t accounted for yet.”
After watching the video, Miami coach Travis Steele joked, “AI is incredible,” but Elmer knew Cena himself took the time to reach out and was nearly speechless.
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