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John Cena launches the John Cena Classic tournament at WWE Backlash 2026

A bold new era for WWE begins as Cena's vision puts fans in control. Will this tournament redefine how champions are crowned?

, and ASMedia

2026 May 11 . 4:07 PM

1 min read

The image shows a group of people standing on top of a stage, with a woman in a squat position... — The image shows a group of people standing on top of a stage, with a woman in a squat position holding a belt in her hand. On the right side of the stage, there are speakers, wires, and other objects placed on the floor. In the background, there is a board with some text on it, metal poles, a wall, and a roof with some ceiling lights. The text on the board reads "WWE World Heavyweight Championship: The Best of the Best".

John Cena launches the John Cena Classic tournament at WWE Backlash 2026

John Cena made a surprise return to WWE at the 2026 Backlash event in Tampa, Florida. During his appearance, he announced a brand-new tournament called the John Cena Classic, complete with its own championship title. The tournament will bring together wrestlers from both NXT and WWE. Cena described the event as a way to offer fresh opportunities for rising talent within the company. He also emphasised that the John Cena Classic aims to give fans a unique and engaging experience.

On social media, Cena addressed the mixed reactions from the crowd about the new tournament. He explained that stepping outside his comfort zone was a deliberate choice, one that reflects his personal values and beliefs. The winner of the competition will be decided by audience votes, crowning the first-ever John Cena Classic Champion.

The John Cena Classic is set to become a new platform for WWE talent. The tournament will feature a mix of established and up-and-coming wrestlers, with fans playing a direct role in deciding the champion. Cena’s vision for the event focuses on opportunity, fan engagement, and pushing boundaries within the sport.