NICKELODEON REVEALS CHARACTER ART OF VILLAIN BARON DRAXUM, VOICED BY WWE SUPERSTAR JOHN CENA, IN ALL-NEW "RISE OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" ANIMATED SERIES

Nickelodeon today revealed a first look at the character art of original villain, Baron Draxum, voiced by WWE Superstar John Cena, in the all-new animated series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Cena will portray the Turtles' newest nemesis, alongside Omar Miller (Ballers) as Raphael, Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation) as Leonardo, Josh Brener (Silicon Valley) as Donatello, Brandon Mychal Smith (You're The Worst) as Michelangelo, Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries) as April O'Neil and Eric Bauza (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) as Splinter. Cena unveiled the artwork at Nickelodeon's Upfront presentation, held today in New York City.

"I've always been a fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, so getting the opportunity to voice a character, especially the villain Baron Draxum, is truly special," said Cena.

An alchemist warrior mutant from the Hidden City, Baron Draxum is the self-proclaimed protector of all mutant-kind. Using ooze, he plans to mutate all of humanity with his insect-like creatures called Oozesquitoes. Cena's recurring character will debut in the premiere episode of Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, bowing later this year on Nickelodeon.

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles follows the band of brothers as they discover new powers and encounter a mystical world they never knew existed beneath the streets of New York City. The new 26-episode series is co-executive produced by Andy Suriano (character designer, Samurai Jack) and Ant Ward (supervising producer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) at Nickelodeon in Burbank, Calif. Veteran animation industry voice actor Rob Paulsen is voice directing the series.

Viewers can visit the Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles page on Nick.com for more information and follow @TMNT for Turtle Power updates.