Everything to Know About the John Cena Classic and New WWE Championship
John Cena returned to WWE Backlash on Saturday night in Tampa, delivering the "history-making" announcement he promised would shake WWE. While speculation centered around Club WWE, Cena went in a very different direction.
Reflecting on his retirement tour and WWE's next generation of stars-including Oba Femi and Sol Ruca-Cena unveiled a brand-new WWE event: The John Cena Classic.
The tournament will introduce a new championship bearing Cena's name, marking one of the most unique concepts WWE has launched in years. Unlike traditional WWE tournaments, the inaugural champion will not be decided by in-ring competition alone. Instead, WWE fans will vote to determine the first-ever titleholder.
Cena did not announce a date for the John Cena Classic or reveal the official name of the championship. WWE and NXT superstars will be eligible. It's likely that AAA and TNA stars will be involved too.
WWE is expected to release additional details in the coming weeks. Athlon Sports will continue providing updates as they become available.
.@JohnCena just announced the John Cena Classic!
— WWE (@WWE) May 10, 2026
Stream WWE Backlash LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @espn App with ESPN Unlimited!
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What Else Happened at WWE Backlash?
Before Cena's announcement, Bron Breakker defeated Seth Rollins in an "Arrival Match," with interference from Logan Paul and Austin Theory.
.@WWERollins STAYS READY!
— WWE (@WWE) May 9, 2026
The FIRST HOUR of WWE Backlash is LIVE RIGHT NOW on ESPN2!
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Trick Williams retained the United States Championship against Sami Zayn, in a match that saw Lil Yachty getting physically involved.
.@lilyachty DOWN!
— WWE (@WWE) May 9, 2026
Continue watching #WWEBacklash LIVE on the @espn App with ESPN Unlimited!
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Danhausen's mystery partner was his miniature clone. They defeated The Miz and Kit Wilson with assistance from other Minihausens.
MORE MINIHAUSENS!
— WWE (@WWE) May 9, 2026
Stream #WWEBacklash LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @espn App with ESPN Unlimited!
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In a technical showcase, IYO SKY defeated her mentor Asuka.
.@Iyo_SkyWWE BLOCKED THE MIST!
— WWE (@WWE) May 9, 2026
Stream WWE Backlash LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @espn App with ESPN Unlimited!
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At the time of this article, the main event between Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu is underway.
Related: What Happened to Cody Rhodes' Eye at WrestleMania 42?
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This story was originally published May 9, 2026 at 5:26 PM.