WWE has announced that John Cena will make a special appearance on next week’s episode of NXT, joining Cody Rhodes for a major edition of the developmental programme.
The announcement comes shortly after WWE confirmed that the 17-time world champion would return to Monday Night Raw next week, marking his first appearance on the programme since his retirement in December 2025.
John Cena’s upcoming NXT appearance will take place on Wednesday, November 4, as WWE moves the show from its usual Tuesday night slot to cover the US elections. The scheduling change means NXT will air directly opposite AEW Dynamite’s special Blood & Guts episode.
CENAA!! 🫡@JohnCena will be LIVE at #WWENXT during NEXT WEDNESDAY'S show! pic.twitter.com/likttW50n1
— WWE (@WWE) October 28, 2026
John Cena Set For Special WWE NXT Appearance
Although WWE has confirmed John Cena’s appearance, the company has not revealed what role he will play during the broadcast. However, his return comes as preparations ramp up for the inaugural John Cena Classic, a tournament announced earlier this year.
Cena previously revealed that the competition was planned for December and recently suggested that WWE had finalised the tournament details. His appearances on Raw and NXT could therefore provide an opportunity to share further information about the event.
One possibility is that Cena will reveal additional details on Raw before appearing on NXT to introduce participants from WWE’s developmental roster. However, this remains speculation, with WWE yet to confirm whether either appearance will be connected to the tournament.
Cena announced the John Cena Classic during an appearance at WWE Backlash in May, after hosting WrestleMania 42 in April. Despite retiring from in-ring competition at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 2025, Cena has continued to make occasional appearances for WWE.
Cena will not be the only major WWE star appearing on next week’s NXT. Cody Rhodes has also been advertised for the November 4 broadcast.
Rhodes is scheduled to present the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic trophy to the tournament’s winning team, fulfilling a promise he previously made. The tournament honours his father, WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, whose influence remains closely associated with NXT and the development of future wrestling stars.
Rhodes’ appearance will provide a significant moment for the tournament winners, who will receive their trophy from the former AEW executive and current WWE champion. With both Cena and Rhodes confirmed, next week’s NXT will feature two of WWE’s biggest names as the programme prepares to go head-to-head with AEW’s Blood & Guts special.
Cena will first appear on Monday’s Raw before heading to NXT two nights later.
