John Cena Launches Annual NXT vs. Main Roster Event

John Cena has created a new annual event called the John Cena Classic. The inaugural edition is scheduled for Monday, December 14 and will feature talent from both NXT and the main roster.

Cena believes that no amount of time spent in NXT fully prepares wrestlers for the main roster. He aims to give NXT performers an opportunity to showcase their abilities against established main roster stars.

The event is designed to allow emerging talent to gain exposure. Cena drew from his own experience of receiving a chance to perform on a major stage early in his career.

Cody Rhodes and Zilla Fatu have been announced as the first participants in the John Cena Classic. The show will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

The event will air live on Netflix as a special episode of Raw. WWE will present two episodes of Raw on the same day, with the other originating from Perth, Australia earlier due to time zone differences.

Fans will vote for the John Cena Classic Champion through Club WWE. Wrestlers remain eligible for the fan vote regardless of brand affiliation.