Backstage Update on When WWE Plans to Hold John Cena Classic

An update on the potential date for the John Cena Classic. As noted, the 17-time World Champion announced the John Cena Classic at the Backlash Premium Live Event this past May. While details regarding the tournament are sparse, what we do know is that wrestlers from all three brands will compete, and the winner will be decided via fan vote.

Since the announcement, fans have been wondering when WWE intends to showcase the inaugural edition of the tournament. Sources indicate to False Finish that the company is currently planning to hold the tournament on December 12. However, the promotion has yet to zero in on the location, the report notes.

In May, PWInsider reported that WWE intends to hold the event after Survivor Series, which is set for November 28 in Houston, Texas.

John Cena was asked for an update on the event at San Diego Comic-Con last month. While he didn’t offer any concrete details about how the tournament would shape up, the retired wrestler did say that he and WWE are looking to hold the event toward the end of this year. Check his comments HERE.

Sources indicate to False Finish that WWE is currently looking at holding the John Cena Classic on December 12th. Location TBD pic.twitter.com/tMEY57A2Yb

— False Finish (@FalseFinishHQ) August 21, 2026