John Cena has confirmed that the inaugural John Cena Classic will take place in December 2026.
WWE announced plans for the event earlier this year, and John Cena previously said it would take place in the latter stages of 2026. The retired WWE star has now provided a more specific timeframe and explained how fans will help determine the winner. Appearing on NBC’s TODAY, Cena said the event will celebrate the memories, nostalgia and values associated with his WWE career.
“Now this year in December, I’m really excited about announcing the John Cena Classic. We’re gonna do an event based off all the memory, all the nostalgia, and the IP and the core values of the character, which is me. Hustle, loyalty, respect, perseverance, virtue, overcoming the odds, and giving the vote to the people. “Our audience is gonna decide our champion that night, so it’s a really unique live event. I don’t even know if it’s gonna work. I’m still taking bold chances in the WWE space, and I’m proud to be helping the John Cena Classic.”
John Cena Classic Reportedly Targeted For December 12
John Cena did not reveal an exact date or location for the Cena Classic, while WWE has yet to officially announce either detail. False Finish first reported on August 21 that WWE was targeting December 12 for the event.
Dave Meltzer later reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that December 12 remained the target date, though the location and other details were still undecided. That date would create an unusual scheduling situation for WWE.
Wrestlepalooza: Perth has already been announced for December 12 at RAC Arena in Western Australia. The event is part of a three-show weekend in Perth, with SmackDown at the same venue on December 11, followed by Raw on December 14.
WWE has not explained how the Cena Classic would fit alongside Wrestlepalooza if both events ultimately take place on December 12. Cena officially retired from in-ring competition in December 2025 but has remained involved with WWE, and the Cena Classic will continue that association.
