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John Cena announced the John Cena Classic at WWE Backlash.
AWWE Hall of Famer isn’t too thrilled about the introduction of the John Cena Classic, a tournament to be held later this year.
Jeff Jarrett had a few questions and critiques about the concept, especially the voting process. The current Director of Business Development of All Elite Wrestling made it known during an episode of his My World podcast.
“From the storytelling component of this, you can become champion and you don’t have to win your matches,” Jarrett said, via Slam Wrestling. “The whole world knows we’re scripted entertainment, but we at least want to get lost in the story, someone trying to win the title. It takes that component out, the suspension of disbelief.”
The legend added, “If we don’t need to get immersed in the story, why do we care when a hip toss happens or a false finish happens or there’s a spectacular move off the top rope?”
Jarrett isn’t the only one being skeptical about the John Cena Classic. Plenty of fans were a bit confused by the format, especially around the voting process and the possibility of a loser winning a championship.
GettyJohn Cena makes his entrance before the match against Cody Rhodes during the WWE 2025 SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium on August 03, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
At last Saturday’s WWE Backlash, John Cena introduced the John Cena Classic tournament. It will feature some of the current stars taking on the future of the company.
The tournament was inspired by Cena’s final night as an active in-ring performer, last December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Instead of having matches that recognized his career, current stars took on NXT talents to showcase the next generation to the world.
That’s the goal of the John Cena Classic, but there was a twist at the end. The GOAT added that there will be a new championship for it, but wins and losses don’t matter because the champion will be decided by the fans via voting on social media.
GettyJohn Cena hosts WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, the final details and schedule of the John Cena Classic are still up in the air. People involved in the project are still finalizing the format, date and venue for the tournament.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Cena also clarified that the tournament is still a work in progress.
“The John Cena Classic may not be perfect by any means yet it’s authentically me (I am not perfect either) and reflects my values and beliefs. I’m aware that there is the risk it might be a total failure and I’m not afraid of that and believe it’s still worth stepping ‘in the arena,” Cena tweeted.
When asked to give advice, especially with WWE, I often reply ‘be authentic’ ‘do not fear failure’ ‘know your why.’ The John Cena Classic may not be perfect by any means yet it’s authentically me (I am not perfect either) and reflects my values and beliefs. I’m aware that
Cena has been retired since December 13, but his presence in WWE remains strong. He’s currently signed as an ambassador for the company, but he has also hosted WrestleMania 42 and was at Backlash.
Juan Paolo David Juan Paolo David is a sports journalist covering basketball for Heavy. He has a decade of experience writing about the NBA and WWE. He's currently based in the Philippines. More about Juan Paolo David
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