John Cena argues with Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel over nude bit: 'You wrestle naked, why not?'

John Cena may be known for his muscular physique, but he draws the line at performing in the buff.

The wrestler-turned-actor was tapped to present the best costume design award at the 96th Academy Awards on Sunday night.

Host Jimmy Kimmel began the segment with a joking reference to the "craziest moment in Oscar history," recalling an incident during the 46th Academy Awards in 1974 when a nude man streaked onstage behind host David Niven. "Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today?" Kimmel asked.

The question was meant to serve as Cena's cue to come onstage. But instead, a visibly nervous Cena peeked from behind the stage and called Kimmel over to share his reservations.

"I changed my mind. I don't want to do the streaker bit anymore," Cena told Kimmel. "I just don't feel right about it. This is an elegant event. Honestly, you should feel ashamed right now for suggesting such a tasteless idea."

A perturbed Kimmel then attempted to persuade Cena to go through with the risqué bit. "You wrestle naked, why not?" Kimmel said.

"Dude, I don't wrestle naked. I wrestle in jorts," Cena replied, to which Kimmel quipped, "Jorts are worse than naked."

Having given up on the bit, Kimmel walked offstage, leaving Cena to present the award. The "Ricky Stanicky" star gingerly made his way to the front of the stage, holding a strategically placed envelope beneath his abdomen.

"Costumes, they are so important. Maybe the most important thing there is," Cena said. "I can't open the envelope."

Kimmel came to Cena's rescue and introduced the nominees for best costume design. By the time all the nominees' names had been announced, Cena had changed into an elegant light pink dress, which Kimmel was seen adjusting onstage. "There, you look beautiful," Kimmel said.

Cena then announced the recipient of the award: "Poor Things" designer Holly Waddington.

'Ricky Stanicky':Zac Efron and John Cena on their 'very natural' friendship, new comedy