Local John Cena super fan gets special surprise video from celebrity hero

Days after an Uxbridge High School teen with Asperger’s Syndrome stunned cheering fans in a basketball game, the sophomore received a special surprise message from his celebrity inspiration.

Fifteen-year-old Jaeden Morales, who took his nickname, “J.C.” from WWE star John Cena, told Boston 25 News he never gave up on his goal of playing with his team because of Cena’s motivation.

“I always ask myself, ‘What would John Cena do?’ That’s the one thing I ask myself every day,” Jaeden said. “I never gave up, no matter how tired I was and no matter how out of breath I was.”

Jaeden, who is the team manager of the junior varsity team, played in the final game of the season Friday. With some good sportsmanship on both benches, Jaeden scored 10 points, helping lead his team to victory.

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Jaeden’s mother, Jennifer Morales, filmed the incredible moments from the stands, and the video quickly spread on social media and in local news reports.

“You wouldn’t believe it. The crowd was running wild,” Jaeden said. “This will go down as one of the greatest moments of my life.”But to top off what has been an unforgettable few days, Jaeden received a special video message Wednesday.

“Jaeden, this is 16-time WWE champ John Cena saying I saw your video, and I was completely amazed,” Cena says in a video sent to Boston 25 News and delivered to Jaeden at his Northbridge home. “I thought it was awesome, you getting a chance to play. And I saw you score, and it was fantastic.”

“Oh my god. I don’t know what to say at all” Jaeden said, his eyes widening as he watched the video. “This is amazing.”

"I also read an article about you that your nickname is J.C., and that you go through life thinking, 'What would J.C. do?'" Cena goes on to say. "Well, obviously, never give up, and that shows in your participation with your team."

“That was incredible even for me, too,” Jennifer said of the video, her eyes filling with tears. “I’m just extremely proud, and I’m just so happy for him.”

Jaeden and Jennifer thanked Cena for making a young man’s dream come true. Jaeden’s next goal is to meet his idol.

“I’ve always worried about him because he is different, and I really don’t have to worry about him anymore,” Jennifer said of the support from her son’s classmates and his biggest inspiration.

Cox Media Group