The year of McValue has begun — with the help of a rather unexpected — and unseeable — spokesperson.
John Cena tells TODAY.com that the partnership came about after he appeared on Kai Cenat’s livestream and waxed poetic about his love for the fast-food giant.
On Jan. 7, McDonald’s new McValue menu officially debuted nationwide, featuring the $5 Meal Deal, in-app offers, local food and drink deals, and the new Buy One, Add One for $1 offer on breakfast, lunch and dinner items, which is all detailed in a new commercial starring the “Peacemaker” himself.
“Introducing McValue at McDonald’s,” Cena says in the ad. In dulcet tones, the WWE champion describes the Buy One, Add One for $1 offer, where customers can purchase one full-priced menu item from the McValue menu and add another item of their choice for $1.
For breakfast, this includes the Sausage McMuffin, Sausage Biscuit, Sausage Burrito and Hash Browns, and after breakfast, folks can choose from the six-piece Chicken McNuggets, Double Cheeseburger, McChicken and Small Fries.
“You see, at any moment of the day, McValue can take you to a place where a whole new menu of possibilities exist, inspiring you to order more from life than you could ever imagine,” Cena says at the close of the ad, signing off with his signature “you can’t see me” hand motion. “And while you’re here, I can’t wait to meet you.”
If you’re wondering where the very kumbaya vibe of the ad comes from, Cena is known for sharing inspirational messages on his X account. An extended cut of the commercial includes more Cena-oriented easter eggs including the viral meme of Cena dancing with headphones.
“A lot of it is kind of poking fun at me, which I don’t mind,” Cena tells TODAY.com, adding that he leaned into exaggerated facets of his personality for the spot.
For Cena, whose diet and exercise regimen has made many headlines, one might squint their eyes at this partnership, but he says his current go-to order of two Double Cheeseburgers and two six-piece Chicken McNuggets seamlessly fits into his diet plan.
“I start from a large scope of field, and for me, that starts with total calories,” he says. “McDonald’s does a great job because I know how many calories are in everything, so it’s perfect for someone like me, because I have a degree in exercise science and kinesiology, and I’ve been working out since I was 13 years old.”
“That might be an answer that you weren’t expecting, but it’s an incredible tool for me,” Cena continues, pointing out that if you sit down at a restaurant and order a dish it often involves a lot of guesswork. “If I find another deficiency through later testing, I can course-correct, but it really helps me.”
Cena will also be appearing on McDonald’s social channels to share his go-to Buy One, Add One for $1 combo (a Sausage McMuffin and Hash Browns), reflecting on life lessons and more.
“It’s the first time I’m seeing a hash brown voicing a commercial,” reads a popular comment on one of the spots, referencing Cena’s invisibility.
