![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Angel-Reese-John-Cena.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
Image Courtesy: Imago
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Angel-Reese-John-Cena.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
Image Courtesy: Imago
Louisiana State University star Angel Reese became the talk of the town after winning the NCAA Finals in April. The team, led by Reese, became first-time champions defeating the University of Iowa. To celebrate this astonishing moment, Angel imitated WWE legend John Cena’s ‘You can’t see me’ gesture on-court. And if this wasn’t enough, she went ahead and made yet another hand-signal, pointing to her ring finger, suggesting to Iowa’s Caitlin Clark that she will soon place a championship ring on the same.
It came as no surprise – she faced much backlash, not just from Clark’s fans, but also from John Cena’s fans. Things started to get worse when she won the ESPY for the best breakthrough athlete. During her speech, she flippantly performed the gesture again, provoking the wrath of John Cena’s fandom all over again.
Reese’s controversial move caused much hatred
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What was supposed to be a celebratory moment turned into a full-fledged rampage by the Cena fandom. They took offense at her supposedly appropriate move, viewing it as an insult. Fans were frustrated and demanded an apology from Reese.
Wrestling fans also expressed their discontent. They feel that Reese’s replication of the gesture tarnished the legacy of Cena’s renowned move.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-04-02T224859Z_1210926094_MT1USATODAY20379475_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-WOMENS-BASKETBALL-FINAL-FOUR-NATIONAL-CHAMPIONSHIP-LOUISIANA-STATE-VS-IOWA.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 2, 2023; Dallas, TX, USA; LSU Lady Tigers forward Angel Reese (10) reacts while cutting down a piece of the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes during the final round of the Women’s Final Four NCAA tournament at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Due to this incident, Reese has been a victim of nonstop trolling even though she did not mean any harm to anyone. All her achievements were overshadowed, including being the first All-American selection. Reese was also named the most outstanding player of the NCAA Women’s Basketball tournament.
However, all the criticism has now appeared to take a 180-degree turn, with Reese being honored by a newly renovated basketball court at the Scotts Branch Activity Center.
A slap in the face of the haters
Angel Reese became her town’s hero when she was honored with a basketball court to her name. Baltimore County executive Johnny Olszewski said the court will be named ‘Angel Reese Court’, built as an investment into youth recreation and athletics. The historic declaration also seeks to demonstrate Baltimore County’s commitment to empowering its students and supporting their aspirations.
Spectators anxiously anticipate the first game on the revered grounds of Angel Reese Court. The move comes as a slap in the face for all the trollers who were unnecessarily giving Reese hate and may give rise to a newer fanbase.
Now Reese has fans on her side, showing her support and encouraging her.
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A fan even taunted all her trollers by saying, “Damn a lot of ya men hating, she broke records and achievements 😂”
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A fan motivated Reese and made a very bold statement by commenting, “She better ball out this you she can shut y’all up again. They hate to see a black girl earning what’s giving to a lot of other people”.
And one fan who sounds like an activist could not resist but ask her haters, “Here comes the hate comments because a woman did something ?!”
As the hate also continues to pour in, Reese now also has a fair share of supporters who actually recognize the potential she possesses.
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Watch This Story: Distraught Over Distance, 21YO Angel Reese Who Is Busy on National Duty Longs for Rumored Beau
What do you think? Does Reese deserve all the hate, or does she deserve more recognition? Share your views in the comments below!