John Cena Announces Major News About ‘John Cena Classic’ Championship: ‘I Have My Heart and Soul in This Event’
The 17-time champ finally reveals details about WWE’s new competition, including its new Disney World connection!
Key Takeaways
- John Cena revealed the date and Walt Disney World location of his new WWE competition.
- Cody Rhodes is the first Superstar invited to compete in the John Cena Classic.
- WWE fans can look forward to two live episodes of Monday Night RAW on December 14.
Wrestling fans have something big to look forward to next month! John Cena made a special appearance on Monday Night RAW live on Netflix last night, and Woman’s World was there to get all the exciting details. Trading his designer suits for his familiar T-shirt and baseball cap, the 17-time WWE champion returned to the ring in Brooklyn, New York, to share some major news about the highly anticipated John Cena Classic.
He revealed when and where the competition will take place (hint: It’s the most magical place on Earth!), unveiled a brand-new championship and announced the first Superstar invited to compete.
Here’s everything we learned!
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What did John Cena announce on ‘Monday Night RAW’?
Cena received a hero’s ovation as he stepped into the ring, and he wasted no time getting to the big news.
“If you have a big announcement, you bring yourself to New York City,” he told the crowd before sharing three major details about the John Cena Classic, which he first introduced at WWE Backlash in May.
First, the inaugural competition will take place on Monday, December 14, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Next, Cena unveiled the brand-new John Cena Classic Championship. The design is a nostalgic nod to his wrestling legacy, taking inspiration from his famous spinner WWE Championship belt.
For Cena, however, the event represents much more than a new title. “I have my heart and soul in this event. My name is on this event. It encapsulates everything I stand for. Perseverance, hustle, loyalty and respect,” he told the crowd.
Who is competing for the ‘John Cena Classic’ championship?
Then came the announcement fans were waiting for: Cody Rhodes is the first Superstar invited to participate!
Rhodes joined Cena in the ring, where the two shared a special moment. Cena reflected on his initial doubts about whether Rhodes could handle the responsibility of being WWE’s top guy, admitting that the champion had more than proved himself.
“You are carrying it better than Cena could,” he told Rhodes before making his invitation official.
But there’s more talent to come. Cena plans to visit NXT, Monday Night RAW, Friday Night SmackDown and Survivor Series as he scouts performers for the competition.
What is the ‘John Cena Classic’?
The John Cena Classic is a special WWE competition that will bring together established Superstars from the main roster and rising talent from NXT. When Cena first introduced the concept at WWE Backlash on May 9, he explained that he wanted to create an opportunity for up-and-coming performers to share the spotlight with some of the company’s biggest names.
Think of it as WWE’s version of an All-Star Game! In a previous interview with Sports Illustrated, Cena used that description to explain his vision for the event: a showcase of talent rather than a traditional championship tournament.
There’s also an interactive element that gives fans a chance to get in on the action. Members of WWE’s Club WWE subscription service will have the opportunity to vote on certain tournament participants, with fan input also playing a role in determining the ultimate champion.
That means a Superstar’s popularity and connection with the WWE Universe could be just as important as what happens inside the ring.
When will the ‘John Cena Classic’ take place?
Mark your calendars! The inaugural John Cena Classic is scheduled for Monday, December 14, 2026, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. And there’s an added treat for fans: December 14 will feature two episodes of Monday Night RAW! One will air from Perth, Australia, while a second special edition will take place later that night in Florida as part of the John Cena Classic—both airing live on Netflix.
One thing is certain: Although Cena has stepped away from in-ring competition, he’s finding a new way to make his mark on WWE. And this time, he’s giving the next generation of Superstars a chance to shine—with the WWE Universe helping decide who makes history!
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