John Cena Classic: John Cena made a major announcement at WWE Backlash 2026 on Saturday, May 9, revealing a new annual WWE event called the “John Cena Classic.” The 17-time world champion appeared ahead of the show’s main event and was welcomed by loud “one more match” chants from the crowd.
Cena addressed the audience and introduced the new competition, which will feature both WWE and NXT Superstars competing for a newly created championship.
“Your voice will be heard louder than ever before,” Cena said. “You, the audience, the fan will vote to crown the champion of the 'John Cena Classic.' And, every participant qualifies, which also means for the first time in history, a Superstar might not win their match, but their hustle could earn your respect, earn your heart, win your vote, and you can still crown them the 'John Cena Classic' champion. This is a single event that embodies everything I stand for and everything I value.”
The announcement came months after Cena officially retired from in-ring competition following his loss to Gunther at Saturday Night's Main Event in December 2025.
Although Cena remains retired as an active wrestler, he has continued to stay involved with WWE programming. Earlier this year, he also hosted WrestleMania 42 and recently teased an announcement in a post on X ahead of Backlash.
According to Cena, the new tournament will place fan participation at the center of the competition. WWE audiences will vote to determine the winner of the “John Cena Classic,” even allowing Superstars who lose matches to remain in contention based on fan support.
The event will also feature crossover competition between WWE and NXT talent, an idea reportedly pitched by Cena himself.
Cena addressed the audience and introduced the new competition, which will feature both WWE and NXT Superstars competing for a newly created championship.
“Your voice will be heard louder than ever before,” Cena said. “You, the audience, the fan will vote to crown the champion of the 'John Cena Classic.' And, every participant qualifies, which also means for the first time in history, a Superstar might not win their match, but their hustle could earn your respect, earn your heart, win your vote, and you can still crown them the 'John Cena Classic' champion. This is a single event that embodies everything I stand for and everything I value.”
The announcement came months after Cena officially retired from in-ring competition following his loss to Gunther at Saturday Night's Main Event in December 2025.
Although Cena remains retired as an active wrestler, he has continued to stay involved with WWE programming. Earlier this year, he also hosted WrestleMania 42 and recently teased an announcement in a post on X ahead of Backlash.
According to Cena, the new tournament will place fan participation at the center of the competition. WWE audiences will vote to determine the winner of the “John Cena Classic,” even allowing Superstars who lose matches to remain in contention based on fan support.
The event will also feature crossover competition between WWE and NXT talent, an idea reportedly pitched by Cena himself.
