Add as a preferred source on Google John Cena will appear at another major WWE event even after making it clear his in-ring career is over.
The Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, host of Backlash on Saturday, May 9, is now officially advertising Cena’s return to the premium live event.
Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that Cena’s appearance is part of his current WWE deal, which calls for a set number of dates. Backlash was already penciled in as one of them.
Cena’s role remains unclear. He recently posted that he will try to do something epic in Tampa, referencing a promise he made to the Club WWE, but he did not say whether it will happen in the ring, in a special segment, or as part of a company announcement.
John Cena’s current WWE contract calls for a number of appearances, Backlash will be one of them:
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) May 4, 2026
“The situation there is that he’s on Backlash. I’m not sure what the role will be because he said he’s never gonna wrestle again. They signed him to a contract which called for a… pic.twitter.com/zpXQjdTTQj
Cena worked WrestleMania 42 as Special Guest Host, appearing on both nights in Las Vegas. His quick return stands out because it comes just weeks after an appearance that was billed as special.
Cena is not expected to wrestle at Backlash, as WWE still treats his in-ring retirement as final. Even so, his presence reinforces the idea that WWE plans to use him as a recurring attraction at major events, even in a non-wrestling role.