"John Cena unveils WWE’s new tournament to elevate veterans and rising stars through fan voting"
John Cena used WWE Backlash 2026 to deliver one of the company’s biggest announcements of the year, revealing a brand-new event called the “John Cena Classic.”
The surprise reveal immediately became a major talking point across the wrestling world because the concept blends legendary WWE names with the next generation of rising stars.
According to reports published within the last 24 hours, the event will feature talent from both WWE’s main roster and NXT competing on the same stage.
The announcement came during Backlash in Tampa, where Cena addressed the crowd and explained that the competition would not follow a traditional format. Instead of simply rewarding match winners, fans themselves will help decide who becomes the face of the tournament.
Cena described the idea as a celebration of effort, charisma, and performance rather than only victories and losses. WWE is also introducing a brand-new championship connected directly to the event, making the concept feel bigger than a normal tournament.
A New Spotlight for WWE’s Future
The John Cena Classic appears designed to bridge WWE’s past, present, and future all at once. Several reports noted that Cena wants younger talent to gain exposure beside established names, similar to the atmosphere created during his farewell appearances last year.
The format is expected to feature experienced WWE veterans sharing the spotlight with developing NXT performers who are trying to break into the company’s top tier.
The fan-voting system may become the most unique part of the project. Cena told the audience that WWE fans are the real stars of the business, and this tournament gives them direct influence over the outcome.
That approach adds unpredictability because competitors could still leave the event as champions even after losing matches if the audience connects strongly with their performance.
While WWE has not confirmed an official date for the first John Cena Classic, the early reaction has already generated strong excitement.
Many see the event as a fresh way to introduce future main event stars while keeping Cena connected to WWE long after his retirement from full-time competition.
