Citing a report from PWMania.com, WWE legend and 17-time World Titleholder John Cena announced the creation of the John Cena Classic during the 2026 Backlash premium live spectacular in May. While details about the tournament are limited, it is corroborated that wrestlers from all three brands—RAW, SmackDown, and NXT—will compete, with the winner being determined by fan votes.
Supporters have been curious about when WWE plans to host the inaugural tournament, since the announcement. Sources have informed False Finish that the event is tentatively penciled in for December 12th; yet, the company has not yet finalized a location.
In May, PWInsider.com relayed that WWE aims to hold the pay-per-view after Survivor Series, which is set for November 28th in Houston, Texas.
Cena was asked for an update on the tournament, at San Diego Comic-Con closing month. He mentioned that both he and the company are looking to hold the event toward the end of this year, although he did not provide concrete details about how the tournament would be structured.