John Cena Announces “The John Cena Classic” At WWE Backlash 2026

Submitted by Tom Araya on

Before last night's 2026 WWE Backlash premium live event (PLE), 17-time World Champion John Cena teased a “history-making” announcement that he would reveal during the event.

Cena appeared at the show just ahead of the main event and was met with chants of “one more match” from the crowd. He acknowledged the chants and addressed the criticism surrounding the ending of his retirement match against "The Ring General" GUNTHER. Cena mentioned that he thinks about that match often but expressed his satisfaction with the fact that the event featuring his last match also highlighted future WWE superstars, particularly Sol Ruca and Oba Femi, who, in his words, “kicked Brock Lesnar’s a**” at WrestleMania 42.

The 17-time World Champion then announced the creation of the “John Cena Classic,” a tournament that will pit several NXT stars against main roster superstars. The winner of this tournament will receive the John Cena Classic Championship. Cena added that fan voting will determine the championship winner, meaning that even if a wrestler loses matches, they still have the chance to win the title.

There are currently no details available on when the tournament matches will take place or which stars will compete, but updates will be provided as they become available.