John Cena says WWE is still building toward the John Cena Classic, and that he is sitting on details he will not share.
Speaking with Extra, Cena was asked about the event he announced at WWE Backlash in May and said the target window remains the back end of 2026.
“What I can tell you is that we’re working towards it, and I cannot tell you how excited I am about it, the event, what it stands for. I want to do something great for WWE, for fans, towards the end of the calendar year.”
He was more direct about why he is not filling in the blanks.
“Man, I wish I could give you spoilers, but I’ve got to be loyal to my company. What I can tell you is we’re working on it, and I’m going to give you my absolute best.”
Cena also spoke about what it means to have the event carry his name.
“If an event is going to wear my name, especially in the WWE realm… I’m always giving my best to WWE, the classic will be no less.”
Cena announced the John Cena Classic on May 9 at WWE Backlash in Tampa, Florida. The concept pairs main roster talent from WWE Raw and WWE SmackDown with WWE NXT talent, and it introduces a new championship bearing Cena’s name. The wrinkle that drew the most attention is that the title will not be decided by match results. Every participant qualifies for a fan vote, meaning a wrestler could lose their match and still be voted the champion of the event.
Cena has described the show as WWE’s version of an All-Star Game, built around exhibition matches rather than traditional wins and losses. He has also said he wants the winner to keep the championship rather than defend it.
A date and a venue still have not been announced. PWInsider reported earlier this month that WWE is aiming to stage the first edition in the closing months of 2026, which lines up with what Cena told Extra. Previous reporting has pointed to December as the most likely landing spot, since it would fall on the one-year anniversary of Cena’s retirement match against Gunther at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Cena wrestled that final match in December 2025 and has appeared for WWE several times since, including hosting WrestleMania 42 before the Backlash announcement.
