WWE Sets John Cena Classic at Disney World for December

WWE will bring the John Cena Classic to Walt Disney World in Florida on December 14, when wrestlers compete for a newly introduced championship during a special two-part edition of Monday Night Raw. John Cena announced the event details in Brooklyn, New York, and confirmed Cody Rhodes as its first invited competitor.

The competition will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, while other members of the WWE roster are scheduled to appear in Perth, Australia. The championship will be the central prize of the event, although WWE has not yet disclosed its full competition format.

Cena said the project reflects his personal values and represents an important part of his legacy within professional wrestling.

"I have my heart and soul in this event. If you look at this award, there’s me. My name is on this event.

This event encapsulates everything I stand for – perseverance, hustle, loyalty, respect." Cena said.

Rhodes became the first wrestler officially invited to participate. His selection carries additional significance because he and Cena spent much of 2025 competing against each other for WWE's top championship.

Cena defeated Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41, securing his record-setting 17th world championship. Rhodes subsequently reclaimed the title at SummerSlam later that year.

During the announcement, Cena acknowledged Rhodes' ability to handle the responsibilities associated with being the company's leading competitor. He also expressed support for his former rival.

"This event is everything you are. Everything you stand for. I love you, bud.

And I’m so glad to officially invite you to the John Cena Classic." Cena said.

Cena also addressed his earlier doubts about Rhodes' ability to manage the pressure of being "QB1," acknowledging that Rhodes was handling the responsibility better than he could.

Additional invitations are expected during upcoming WWE appearances. Cena is scheduled to appear on Monday Night Raw, NXT, Friday Night SmackDown and Survivor Series: WarGames to reveal more participants.

Although the precise competition rules remain undisclosed, Cena confirmed that members of Club WWE will have an influence on the event. WWE previously indicated that wrestlers from its leading brands would compete for the championship, with fans participating in the selection of the winner.

The original announcement came in May during Backlash. At that time, Cena also explained that competitors who lose their individual matches could still have an opportunity to win the overall competition.

In a May interview with Sports Illustrated, Cena described the concept as "WWE’s All-Star Game." Further information about the event is expected to emerge over the coming weeks.