WWE is currently looking at December 12 as the date for the inaugural John Cena Classic (Image via: WWE)
Reports suggest that the company is targeting December 12, 2026, for this highly anticipated special event. WWE is currently looking at December 12 as the date for the inaugural John Cena Classic, according to reports from False Finish. The WWE legend competed for the last time on December 13, 2025, when he faced Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event. In July, Cena confirmed that the project was still moving forward and said he was excited about what WWE was preparing for fans toward the end of 2026.
The John Cena Classic could therefore arrive just one day short of the anniversary of his in-ring retirement. However, the location has yet to be determined, meaning the date remains a reported target rather than an officially confirmed event date. WWE speculations are hinting that the company has locked in the date for the John Cena Classic, and the event is likely to happen soon this year, as declared by the company. Coincidentally, the potential date would place the event almost one year after John Cena’s final professional wrestling match. The event will feature both main roster and NXT talent, built around a new championship in which fans play a direct role in selecting the winner, and the format will be an “All-Star Game. The match results will not necessarily decide the John Cena Classic winner, as any participant can receive fan votes and still be a part of the game plan. Cena also wants the inaugural champion to keep the title permanently, with no obligation to defend it going forward. The event has been in development for several months.