More details are beginning to emerge regarding WWE’s planned John Cena Classic, including a potential date for the event.
According to one source, WWE is currently looking at Saturday, December 12 as the date for the John Cena Classic. A location has yet to be determined, and the date has not been officially announced by WWE.
The timing would put the event almost exactly one year after John Cena’s final match. Cena officially retired from in-ring competition on December 13, 2025, following his loss to GUNTHER at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Cena first announced plans for the John Cena Classic during his appearance at Backlash this past May. At the time, the concept was still being developed, with WWE targeting late 2026 for the event.
Cena has described the John Cena Classic as WWE’s version of an “All-Star Game,” bringing together talent from both the main roster and NXT. The event will also feature a fan vote to determine the inaugural John Cena Classic Champion.
The championship is expected to be largely ceremonial rather than a traditional title that will be defended going forward. The voting also won’t necessarily be tied to match results, meaning a wrestler could lose their match on the show and still be voted the John Cena Classic Champion.
Exactly how WWE plans to conduct the fan voting remains unclear. Cena previously stressed that ensuring the voting process is legitimate, and preventing fans from hijacking the results, is particularly important to him.
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(H/T: False Finish HQ)