John Cena Promises ‘Something Epic’ at WWE Backlash 2026

Former WWE Champion John Cena seems to have something special in store for fans at the upcoming Backlash Premium Live Event. The 21st annual Backlash is scheduled to take place at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, on May 9.

Cena, who turns 49 today, took to social media to confirm that he’d be present at WWE Backlash to handle “different business.” He was responding to a post that erroneously listed his age as 45.

The 17-time World Champion noted that he promised Club WWE something special and that he plans to do “something epic” in Tampa on May 9. John Cena wrote, “Man, if only it were 2023 again!! I might have different business at @WWE #Backlash. Alas, the years pass. I am still gonna try to do something epic in Tampa for 5/9. I promised Club WWE something special… stay tuned.” Check out his post below:

Man if only it were 2023 again!! I might have different business at @WWE #Backlash Alas, the years pass. I am still gonna try to do something epic in Tampa for 5/9. I promised Club WWE something special… stay tuned. https://t.co/I1Y9YiG06k

— John Cena (@JohnCena) April 23, 2026

Cena hosted WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas last weekend. He opened the show on both nights and also came out before the main events to announce the attendance numbers and share segments with Bianca Belair (on Saturday), Danhausen (and his Minihausens), The Miz, and Kit Wilson (on Sunday).

As for Backlash, WWE has yet to announce a match for the PLE. However, the company did tease LA Knight vs. Gunther and Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu for the World Heavyweight Championship this past Monday night on RAW after WrestleMania 42.