WWE's John Cena Classic scheduled for late 2026 - Report
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John Cena Classic was revealed at Backlash.
After hosting WrestleMania in Las Vegas, John Cena returned at Backlash 2026 in Tampa, Florida, teasing a major announcement for his return. Cena, in his appearance at the PLE last month, announced the ‘John Cena Classic.’
The event will showcase main roster stars facing off against NXT talent, similar to the December 13, 2025, edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, which featured Cena’s retirement match. A John Cena Classic Championship is also planned for the tournament.
Earlier reports have revealed that the tournament is still a work in progress, as WWE wanted to announce the tournament despite not yet finalizing its exact format. Even now, WWE has not announced an official start date, the tournament bracket, or the match format.
That said, a new report from PWInsider has provided an update on the tournament and the promotion’s plans.
John Cena Classic is targeted for late 2026
According to the report, the WWE John Cena Classic is still in the works, but it is not expected to happen anytime soon.
The outlet also referenced its report from last month, which noted that during a WWE Town Hall meeting for employees, the tournament was being targeted for later in the year. One source that Insiders talked to further indicated that it is being aimed for “the end of the year.”
An earlier report from the Observer had noted that holding the event in December would make logistical sense for WWE’s schedule, while also coinciding with the one-year anniversary of Cena’s retirement, which, as noted, was at the December edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event.
What is the John Cena Classic?
The John Cena Classic is a newly announced tournament concept tied to John Cena and WWE. “The best of today competing with the best of tomorrow, in the hopes of being crowned a Champion.“
When and where will the tournament take place?
Per PWInsider, the tournament is now expected to take place later this year rather than in the immediate future.
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