John Cena reveals his “major” announcement at WWE Backlash 2026

During the 2026 WWE Backlash PLE, John Cena made a “major” announcement to the live crowd.

There were “one more match” chants. Cena brought up how his last night as a wrestler helped build the future and mentioned stars like Oba Femi.

Cena then revealed the first-ever “John Cena Classic” — the best of today vs. the best of tomorrow. Cena confirmed that there will be a new event and a new championship. The fans will also determine the winner through a voting process.

Here is what Cena stated…

“I am so honored tonight to announce to you the John Cena Classic.

An entire evening of the best of today competing with the best of tomorrow. An entire event where WWE Superstars and NXT Superstars get an opportunity to give you all they have in hopes to be crowned a champion. That’s right, we are making history here tonight because we have a brand new event and the debut of a brand new championship in the WWE.

And not just any championship. This is an event and this is a championship I am personally putting my name on.

So I am going to strive for a certain level of excellence, and I’m also going to do everything I can to make it special.

I have said time and time again, the biggest superstar in the WWE is the WWE Universe.

So on top of a new event, on top of a new championship, for the first time in history, your voice will be heard louder than ever before because you, the audience, The fan will vote to crown the champion of the John Cena Classic, and every participant qualifies, which also means for the first time in history, a superstar might not win their match, but their hustle could earn your respect win your heart, win your vote, and you can still crown them the John Cena Classic Champion.”