John Cena announces special event to showcase WWE veterans, rising stars

WWE star Liv Morgan talks to Fox News Digital about potential dream matches with recent returning legends.

John Cena teased "history-making" news ahead of WWE Backlash on Saturday and he delivered.

Cena announced the formation of the John Cena Classic, which will be a showcase of pro wrestling talent across the entire WWE roster – from the main brands to NXT. He said the event will feature a champion as voted on by fans. WWE wrestlers who lose their respective matches could still end up the overall winner of the event.

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John Cena smiles during WWE Backlash at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla., on May 9, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE via Getty Images)

"I am so honored tonight to announce to you the John Cena Classic. An entire evening of the best of today competing with the best of tomorrow," Cena explained to the crowd in Tampa, Florida. "An entire event where WWE superstars and NXT superstars get an opportunity to give you all they have in hopes to be crowned a champion.

"… And not just any championship. This is an event and this is a championship I’m personally putting my name on. So, I’m going to strive for a certain level of excellence and I’m also going to do everything I can to make it special."

John Cena enters the ring during Survivor Series at Petco Park in San Diego, Calif., on Nov. 29, 2025. (Georgiana Dallas/WWE)

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Cena reiterated that the "biggest star" in WWE was the audience. He said fans will vote to "crown the champion of the John Cena Classic," noting that everyone on the card is eligible for the championship.

The 17-time WWE champion recalled how much he enjoyed