Tag: John Cena

Lance Storm points out potentially glaring issue with The John Cena Classic format

Posted on by Jake Skudder

John Cena recently revealed that The John Cena Classic Championship will be making its way to WWE programming in the near future, with a unique format featuring matches with main roster and NXT stars. The USP with the JCC is fans voting to determine who will be the John Cena Classic Champion.

What that means is, essentially, that wins and losses in the tournament do not ‘matter.’ You can lose a match in the Classic and still end up becoming the Champion….but only if the fans like you enough to vote for you.

Lance Storm on The John Cena Classic

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Live, F4W’s own Lance Storm pointed out a potentially glaring issue with the new format and why it might lead to talent not wanting to put over their colleagues on TV:

“If I’m a $500,000 main roster talent and I’m in there with a $75,000 a year NXT guy, why would I use my skill and my experience to make him look good? If he wins the popularity contest and wins and gets the push to the championship, I could lose my job” Lance noted. “Because there is going top be a TKO executive saying, ‘well why are we paying this guy that lost the fan vote and is less over than this NXT guy that works for way less money?'”

One of the biggest elements to making a pro wrestling match work is the talent working together, which is something Lance points out could be thrown out the window: “If I know ahead of time, ‘Hey, you’re getting a push, we wanna protect this guy,’ I’ll make him look good. But if I don’t know who’s winning or losing the actual fan vote, it’s no longer in my interest to make the guy look good.”

WOL: John Cena tournament, Asuka’s career, Backlash, more!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Lance Storm is back with tons to talk about including the JOHN CENA TOURNAMENT and why it sounds like a very bad idea even though apparently they have no idea what they’re going to do yet, a look at Asuka’s career and future, line-ups for the next few days, Backlash review and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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Bayley teases match with WWE NXT name for The John Cena Classic 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

At Backlash, John Cena announced The John Cena Classic – a new event and championship to launch the next big star in WWE basis fan votes. 

A fan posted on X showcasing interest in voting for Bayley vs. Tatum Paxley. Bayley tagged and called out Paxley in the post thread whether she was ready for a match. Paxley responded that she was. 

Paxley is the NXT Women’s North American Champion. She signed with WWE in 2021 and has been actively competing on the NXT brand. Last year she defeated Jacy Jayne to win the Women’s Championship despite being for a short reign of 24 days. 

Bayley’s eagerness to foster and mentor talents has been evident in WWE and beyond. She hosted a couple of Lodestone Wrestling Seminars to give back to the industry and uplift the next generation of talents. 

Last year, she teamed up with Lyra Valkyria and competed for the Women’s Tag Team Titles. They participated in the fatal four-way tag team bout at WrestleMania 42 for the titles eventually won by Brie Bella and Paige.

Bayley returned to AAA last weekend and assisted Lola Vice and La Catalina from Las Toxicas’ ambush.

John Cena says new event concept ‘isn’t perfect’ but is ‘authentically me’

Posted on by Bryan Rose

John Cena realizes his new concept isn’t perfect, but then again, neither is he.

The multi-time WWE Champion took to social media on Sunday to explain his thoughts on the new John Cena Classic event he announced at Backlash, saying it represents himself authentically.

“When asked to give advice, especially with WWE, I often reply ‘be authentic’, ‘do not fear failure’, ‘know your why,’ Cena wrote. “The John Cena Classic may not be perfect by any means yet it’s authentically me (I am not perfect either) and reflects my values and beliefs. I’m aware that there is the risk it might be a total failure and I’m not afraid of that and believe it’s still worth stepping ‘in the arena.’”

Cena wrote further that his goal was to be as useful as possible by creating new opportunities for NXT wrestlers.

“My ‘why’ in WWE is to consistently be as useful as possible for as long as possible, with my in ring career at an end, my ‘why’ is to use whatever energy or relevance I have left in hopes to create a launchpad of opportunity for all talent to show their skills while simultaneously creating a unique experience for our dedicated fan base. At the very least..we all learn something. At the very best..we all create something. I’m ready for wherever the road takes us. Thank you WWE for this opportunity. More details to come as we figure all this out!”

John Cena had been hyping a Backlash announcement all last week

At Backlash, the WWE icon revealed the John Cena Classic as an event that would see NXT wrestlers and WWE main roster stars compete against one another, similar to the undercard of his final match in December. He said that the new champion from the event would be determined via fan vote, noting that even those who lose their match on the show would still be eligible to become champion.

Prior to his reveal, Cena had been promoting his Backlash appearance hard in the last week, saying it would be a ‘defining moment’ in his career.

WWE reveals new event, championship named after John Cena

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The John Cena Classic is coming.

John Cena revealed on Saturday during WWE Backlash that a brand new event and championship would be coming to WWE, the John Cena Classic. This event would feature both NXT and WWE stars doing battle with the intention of winning the new John Cena Classic Championship. 

Cena explained that he would look for a certain level of excellence as he is personally putting his name on the project. He also emphasized that the audience will vote to crown the champion of the event. Every participant will qualify, meaning that even if someone loses, their hustle could get them the championship.

The WWE legend said he hoped to do this event for a long time to come and thanked the likes of Oba Femi for making something like this a reality. He also thanked Tampa Bay before sending it to the main event between Jacob Fatu and Roman Reigns. 

Cena hyped up his announcement in the last week

In the week prior to Backlash, the Benchmark Arena in Tampa had advertised John Cena would be making an appearance. Cena confirmed the news shortly thereafter, saying his announcement at the show would “shock the very foundation of WWE” and would be ‘another defining moment of my WWE career.’

Once he arrived on Saturday, Cena put over his final match undercard at Saturday Night’s Main Event back in December, saying he was happy that the event was a showcase of the future. He put over stars like Sol Ruca, Je’Von Evans, and Oba Femi, saying they got the spotlight that night.

John Cena hypes Backlash as another ‘defining moment’ in WWE career

Posted on by Joseph Currier

John Cena isn’t doing anything to cool down the hype for his appearance at WWE Backlash.

At tonight’s PLE in Tampa, Florida, Cena is set to deliver what he’s promised will be history-making news. He’s said the announcement will “shock the very foundation of WWE” for both wrestlers and fans. There’s been no confirmation of what Cena’s announcement will be, but it’s expected to have something to do with the new Club WWE membership program that the company is introducing.

Cena sent out one more tweet before Backlash stating that tonight will be another defining moment of his time in WWE.

“My time in @WWE has been filled with defining moments. We’re hours away from what will certainly be another,” he wrote. “C U Tonight at #WWEBacklash!”

Club WWE was first announced last month, with fans who sign up set to receive benefits like exclusive ticket pre-sales, merchandise collections, and bonus WWE content. There will be an annual fee for the gold tier, but WWE has not disclosed the price as of now. Sign-ups for the program are not officially open yet.

Since retiring from the ring in December 2025, Cena has shifted into an ambassadorial role for WWE. He’s been the promotional face of Club WWE’s launch, along with hosting both nights of WrestleMania 42.

Backlash begins at 6 p.m. Eastern time tonight. Here is the announced card:

WWE Backlash 2026 (Saturday, May 9) —

  • World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns defends against Jacob Fatu
  • IYO SKY vs. Asuka
  • Danhausen and a mystery partner vs. The Miz & Kit Wilson
  • John Cena delivers an announcement
  • Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
  • United States Champion Trick Williams defends against Sami Zayn

John Cena says Backlash announcement will ‘shock the very foundation of WWE’

Posted on by Ian Carey

This story has been updated.

John Cena says that his announcement at Backlash will “shock the very foundation of WWE.”

Cena confirmed earlier this week that he would be at the PLE in Tampa on Saturday and teased that he had some “history-making news.”

He posted a video to social media on Thursday from outside Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, which will host the event, and promised that the announcement will impact every aspect of WWE.

On Thursday night, WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select reported that the expectation is the announcement is “tied to Club WWE and its upcoming launch” and that Cena being the face of it “is a huge boost.”

Cena said in the video, seen below:

“WWE Universe, hey, John Cena here, standing in Thunder Alley, outside of Benchmark International Arena in Tampa Bay.

In just a few days, I have a major announcement inside this building that is gonna shock the very foundation of WWE, from its fans to its superstars, from its champions down to its rookies.

I’m so grateful that Tampa is allowing me a place to make this announcement.

Thank you, WWE. See you live on ESPN in the States and Netflix around the world, but don’t miss Backlash. I’m so excited, and I’ll see you there.”

Cena first teased that he had “something epic” for Backlash in a post on April 23, although at the time, WWE had not confirmed Cena’s involvement at the show.

The website for Benchmark International Arena advertised Cena for the show on May 3, and Cena officially confirmed he would be at the show the following day.

WWE Backlash | This Saturday | Tampa, Florida

  • WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns defends against Jacob Fatu
  • IYO SKY vs. Asuka
  • The Miz & Kit Wilson vs. Danhausen and a tag team partner TBD
  • John Cena promises “history-making news”
  • Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker (airing on ESPN 2)
  • WWE United States Champion Trick Williams defends against Sami Zayn (airing on ESPN 2)

John Cena teases ‘history-making news’ for WWE Backlash

Posted on by Joseph Currier

John Cena plans on delivering some “history-making news” at WWE Backlash this weekend.

With his appearance at Saturday’s PLE now confirmed, Cena sent out a tweet this morning hyping that he’ll be breaking some news that will “change the WWE experience” for wrestlers and fans. The announcement will presumably be related to the company’s new Club WWE membership program that is in the process of being rolled out.

“It’s official! I’m headed to #WWEBacklash! After months of planning and effort, I am SO excited to break some history-making news!,” Cena wrote. “I can’t promise it’ll be perfect but I can promise it will change the WWE experience for Superstars and fans!

“C U Live Saturday in Tampa or at home on the @espn app!”

Leading the marketing of Club WWE’s launch is one of the first roles Cena has taken on in post-retirement life. WWE has yet to officially open sign-ups for the program, but a waitlist is currently available. Those who pay an annual membership fee for the gold tier will receive perks like access to ticket pre-sales, exclusive merchandise, and bonus content like inside scoops and behind-the-scenes footage.

The annual membership price has not been disclosed yet.

Cena also appeared at WrestleMania 42 last month when he hosted both nights of the event. Backlash is being held in Tampa, which is where Cena lives.

WWE Backlash 2026 (Saturday, May 9) —

  • World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns defends against Jacob Fatu
  • Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
  • IYO SKY vs. Asuka
  • United States Champion Trick Williams defends against Sami Zayn
  • Danhausen and a partner vs. The Miz & Kit Wilson
  • John Cena appears

Arena advertises John Cena for WWE Backlash

Posted on by Bryan Rose

John Cena may be heading to Backlash.

Benchmark International Area, which will host WWE’s PLE next Saturday, is advertising Cena for the show on May 9 in Tampa.

“JOHN CENA RETURNS TO TAMPA AT BACKLASH!,” their website states.

WWE has not confirmed Cena’s involvement. Shortly after WrestleMania 42, however, Cena hinted he may have “something epic” for next Saturday’s event.

“Man if only it were 2023 again!! I might have different business at @WWE #Backlash Alas, the years pass. I am still gonna try to do something epic in Tampa for 5/9. I promised Club WWE something special… stay tuned,” he wrote, mentioning WWE’s new fan club experience.

Backlash is set to feature Jacob Fatu challenging Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship. The two will meet face-to-face on Monday, just days prior to the PLE.

Here is the current lineup for Backlash:

WWE Backlash (May 9)

  • World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns defends against Jacob Fatu
  • United States Champion Trick Williams defends against Sami Zayn
  • IYO SKY vs. Asuka
  • Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
  • The Miz & Kit Wilson vs. Danhausen and a tag team partner TBD

John Cena reacts to Will Kroos’ WWE NXT debut

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, British wrestler Will Kroos made his shocking WWE NXT debut.

From Kroos making his shocking appearance to EVIL and Lizzy Rain making their WWE NXT debut, this Tuesday’s WWE NXT episode was filled with multiple debuts.

In a segment featuring NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo and EVIL, fans saw Kroos make his appearance and ambush D’Angelo. The 29-year-old stole the show with his moonsault on D’Angelo after the champion was suplexed by Tavion Heights.

Shortly after, Cena reacted to Kroos’ NXT debut on social media by referring to his chant in the indies. “HE’S BIG…. HE’S BAD…. HE’LL BODYSLAM YOUR DAD!!!”

Who is WWE NXT’s latest addition, Will Kroos?

Kroos, 29, has been a part of the wrestling industry since 2017, actively competing across the British independent scene. Having performed for promotions such as Progress Wrestling and Revolution Pro Wrestling, Kroos is also a former Progress Atlas Champion.

He also wrestled for several international promotions, such as Pro Wrestling NOAH, both in the UK and Japan. His last match dates back to April 12, 2026, when he battled Jay Joshua for the RevPro Undisputed British Heavyweight Title.

John Cena teases ‘something epic’ for WWE Backlash

Posted on by Ian Carey

John Cena is teasing that he will have a role at WWE Backlash.

The PLE takes place on Saturday, May 9 at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.

Cena, who turned 49 years old on Thursday, posted to social media saying he has promised Club WWE something special and is going to try to do “something epic” on the show.

Cena wrote:

“Man if only it were 2023 again!! I might have different business at @WWE #Backlash
Alas, the years pass. I am still gonna try to do something epic in Tampa for 5/9. I promised Club WWE something special… stay tuned.”

No matches have been announced so far for Backlash. However, our own Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that before the decision was made to drop the Pat McAfee storyline, McAfee and Randy Orton were scheduled to team against Jelly Roll and Cody Rhodes. With McAfee opting out of continuing with WWE, the match is no longer expected to take place.

Cena’s full post is available below. The post he is responding to incorrectly lists his age as 45.

John Cena & Danhausen WWE WrestleMania 42 segment ‘evolved into something bigger’ 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

A member of Danhausen’s WWE WrestleMania group disclosed plans on how the segment came about. He detailed The Miz approaching them backstage with ideas to hype the comedic moment. 

In an interview with Rewind Recap Relive, Richard Fitzwell of MicroMania Midget Wrestling cited the initial plans for the Danhausen segment evolved as they ran through rehearsals. He cited that The Miz came up with the idea of the little people carrying him out of the ring after Danhausen’s attack, and did a trial run in the dressing room.

“It was phenomenal. It was supposed to be something simple, just walk out with him down the ramp and it evolved into something bigger.”

“We had The Miz come to our dressing room, he asked us if we could pick him up. He started that. Backstage, we lifted him up and he said, ‘Alright, I’m gonna go to production and see if we can add it to the skit.’ Then we went to rehearsal, John Cena was sidestage, Danhausen asked John Cena to be part of the production.”

“Then they asked if we would come into the ring and then one of the gentlemen gets pushed, and then one of our other guys punched Kit in the lower area, then we pummel him. Then, again, we go to Miz and carry him out.”

“So that was all built out, evolved, like I said – it was simple and then it evolved into something big. And to have John Cena out there, plus The Miz, and Danhausen, that’s like a dream come true.”

Fitzwell appreciated Cena and Triple H commending their work after the segment. He added that Triple H looked forward to their return for another collaboration in the company. 

“And then after the fact, John Cena and Triple H came to us and said, ‘What a great job and we would love to have you back in the future.'”

Later, Cena cited the Danhausen segment as one of his favorite moments from WWE WrestleMania 42.

First trailer released for John Cena’s ‘Coyote vs. ACME’ movie

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

John Cena confirmed the official trailer and release date for Coyote vs. ACME. The film was primarily filmed in New Mexico in 2022 but was shelved by Warner Bros. in late 2023. 

Cena tweeted that the movie is slated for release on August 28, and shared the trailer.

“The biggest cartoon court case ever! Coyote vs. ACME. In theaters August 28,” posted Cena. 

The 2D animated cum live-action film is centered around Wile E. Coyote suing the Acme Corporation for the many traps that backfired in his relentless pursuit of the Road Runner. Will Forte portrays Coyote’s lawyer, Kevin Avery, while Cena is Buddy Crane, a ruthless corporate attorney representing Acme Corporation.

The Looney Tunes project was allegedly shelved due to cost-cutting decisions by David Zaslav, CEO and President of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Last weekend, Cena hosted WWE WrestleMania 42, four months after his in-ring retirement. 

Daily Update: Gabe Sapolsky, John Cena & Danhausen, Kanji

Posted on by Bryan Rose

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AEW & Other Wrestling

  • Anthony Bowens, Julia Hart, and Anna Jay took a picture with musician Usher at the red carpet premiere of ‘Michael.’
  • Sareee won a $6,347 jackpot while in the Las Vegas airport.
  • Jun Saito has pulled out of the AJPW Champion Carnival after suffering a orbital fracture of his right eye. He will forfeit the rest of his matches.
  • Kanji reflected on the one year anniversary of her match against Mercedes Mone: “To celebrate the return of @mercedesmone to @revprouk , here are some of the moments we all shared backstage after the show. There was a huge sense of community that Mercedes felt and she had to acknowledge it in a post match speech. The respect, loyalty and love we, as a roster, have for each other was so strong due to the support shown for me prior to going through the curtain. Everyone chanting and singing ‘Yes She Kanji’! It was so beautiful! And the applause when I came back after the match was deafening. Hugs, smiles and tears as everyone congratulated me on a huge milestone for British Wrestling. What a time to be alive. I’m so excited for whoever gets to experience this with her in July when she comes back, we have so many women who deserve this feeling and opportunity! And we’re so lucky Mercedes is happy and willing to come back and provide it. Thank you to the RevPro community! The fans, the crew, the wrestlers and Andy Quildan.”
  • Cole Radrick has signed a multi-year fight deal with PRODUCE.
  • Nick Gage vs. Bear Bronson is set for GCW One Night Only at the 2300 Arena on May 2.