John Cena has confirmed that WWE’s first John Cena Classic will take place in December 2026, with fans set to choose the event’s champion.

Speaking on the Today show, Cena revealed the month for the inaugural event after previously saying in August that plans had been finalised. An exact date and venue remain unannounced.

The concept will celebrate the values behind Cena’s WWE character while giving the audience a direct say in who receives the night’s top honour.

“This year in December, I’m really excited about announcing the John Cena Classic. So we’re going to do an event based off of all the memory, all of the nostalgia, and the IP and the core values of the character, which is me, hustle, loyalty, respect, perseverance, virtue, overcoming the odds,” Cena said.

“And giving the vote to the people, our audience is going to decide our champion on that night. So it’s a really unique live event. I don’t even know if it’s going to work, but I’m still taking bold chances in the WWE space. And I’m proud to be helping the John Cena Classic.”

Cena has previously described his vision as something similar to an All-Star Game for WWE. Wrestlers from both NXT and the main roster will compete, with fans voting to crown the John Cena Classic Champion.

Winning a match will not be a requirement to claim that honour. Wrestlers will remain eligible for the fan vote even if they lose, and the title is expected to be ceremonial rather than a championship defended regularly.

The event will also coincide with the first anniversary of Cena’s retirement from in-ring competition. He remains under contract with WWE as an ambassador.

A report in August suggested December 12 was being considered. WWE has since announced Wrestlepalooza in Perth, Australia, for that date, leaving uncertainty over whether the Classic could still take place that day.

The following Saturday, December 19, would put the event opposite AEW Worlds End. However, that remains a possible scheduling scenario rather than a confirmed date.

Cena appeared on Today to promote “Matchbox: The Movie,” which arrives on Apple TV on October 9.