John Cena's 'naked' Oscar appearance debunked as backstage images emerge

John Cena's 'naked' appearance at the Oscars has been debunked after backstage images emerged online.

The great and good of Hollywood came together at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday for the 96th edition of the Academy Awards.

WWE legend John Cena was present at the ceremony having successfully combined his sporting commitments with acting in recent years.

While the 46-year-old didn't win any awards, he did produce a moment that quickly went viral.

Cena presented the award for best costume design wearing nothing but Birkenstocks, while holding an oversized envelope over his groin.

The stunt came after awards host Jimmy Kimmel joked about an infamous incident at the 1974 awards, when a streaker ran onto the stage during the presentation of the best picture award.

"Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today? Wouldn't that be crazy?" Kimmel said as a shirtless Cena peeked out from behind a stage prop.

Cena then emerged onto the stage holding the envelope over his genitals, and was then dressed in a makeshift toga by Kimmel and backstage staff while the nominations video played.

John Cena wasn't actually naked.

Although Cena appeared to be fully naked when he took to the stage, backstage photos have revealed that wasn't the case.

The Wrestler was actually wearing a skin-coloured protective garment that covered both his front and behind.

Had Cena dropped the envelope or if there had been a wardrobe malfunction with his toga, there would have been no risk of him exposing himself on stage.

Cena is hoping to be in WWE action soon, recently saying he is "crossing my fingers" during an appearance on ESPN's First Take.

His last match was a defeat to Solo Sikoa in Saudi Arabia and Cena has gone on record to say he envisions retirement from the ring before he is 50.