WWE appears to be making progress on the John Cena Classic, the special event Cena announced back in May that still lacks an official date and venue.
According to False Finish, sources indicate the company is considering December 12 for the show. A venue has not been determined.
The report marks a step forward from previous updates. Fightful Select reported on August 9 that WWE was aiming for December, though plans remained subject to change.
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1:00 PM · Aug 21, 2026Cena officially unveiled the concept during Backlash on May 9. WWE presented the event as a show featuring both main roster and NXT talent, built around a new championship with fans playing a direct role in selecting the winner.
Cena has since described the format as a one-night WWE “All-Star Game.” Match results won’t necessarily decide the John Cena Classic winner, as any participant can receive fan votes. Cena also wants the inaugural champion to keep the title permanently, with no obligation to defend it going forward.
A December 12 date would place the event almost exactly on the first anniversary of Cena’s retirement. His final match took place on December 13, 2025, at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C., where Gunther defeated him by submission.