8 WWE Vs. NXT Matches For John Cena Classic

WWE

At the WWE Backlash 2026 premium live event, John Cena announced the John Cena Classic tournament and championship.

“The Never Seen 17” stated that the event will feature WWE main roster and NXT talent clashing against one another to earn the vote of the fans and be crowned the first ever John Cena Classic Champion.

This should present the opportunity for some intriguing WWE vs. NXT matches that will certainly garner the attention of the fans in a major way.

Here are eight potential WWE vs. NXT matches for the John Cena Classic.

Oba Femi vs. Keanu Carver

At the start of 2026, Oba Femi got called up to the WWE main roster and took the entire company by storm.

With NXT losing “The Ruler,” it has left a void for another big man to take his spot as the newest monster on the brand.

Keanu Carver has come into NXT and truly showcased himself as a physical and intimidating presence on Tuesday nights.

Pitting these two powerhouses against each other, Femi and Carver could have a straight up hoss fight with explosions throughout.

Jade Cargill vs. Kali Armstrong

One of the newest stars who has recently made their debut on the WWE NXT brand is Kali Armstrong.

After impressing during her run on WWE Evolve, Armstrong has come into NXT with a ton of expectations and looks destined to be a top star on the brand.

Meanwhile, Jade Cargill is an absolute superstar who recently lost the WWE Women’s Championship to Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 42.

Cargill clashing with Armstrong would be a test for both women and prove who is the better woman between them.

Je’Von Evans vs. EK Prosper

Another new star who has stood out from the pack on the WWE NXT brand as of late is EK Prosper.

Meanwhile, Je’Von Evans has become a premier star on WWE Raw since getting called up to the main roster at the start of 2026.

Whether it be his matches on Raw or his awe-inspiring performance in the Ladder Match at WWE WrestleMania 42, Evans feels like someone who could be a headliner in the company for years to come.

Evans squaring off with Prosper would be an entertaining match that could potentially steal the show in the John Cena Classic.

Alexa Bliss vs. Tatum Paxley

Tatum Paxley has become one of the most popular female stars on the WWE NXT brand.

Paxley is the current NXT Women’s North American Champion and a former NXT Women’s Champion.

For years, Alexa Bliss has been one of the most prominent female stars on the WWE main roster and is a multi-time Women’s World Champion.

With their dark personas, Bliss and Paxley could make for a very interesting battle that would determine who can get more twisted.

Ilja Dragunov vs. Mason Rook

Following WWE WrestleMania 42, there has been new talent arriving on NXT, including Will Kroos.

Regarded as one of the big men to come out of the UK independent scene, Kroos, now known as Mason Rook, was a huge surprise signing that has turned a lot of heads on NXT.

Looking at the WWE main roster, someone who followed a similar path to WWE that Rook did is Ilja Dragunov.

“The Mad Dragon” facing Rook would make for a hard-hitting, physically intense showdown during the John Cena Classic.

Sol Ruca vs. Kendal Grey

Sol Ruca has long been one of the best that WWE NXT has had to offer, but she has finally been called up to the main roster.

On the May 4 edition of Monday Night Raw, Ruca officially signed with the red brand and kickstarted a rivalry with Becky Lynch.

With Ruca now gone from NXT, Kendal Grey has been one of the stars who has stepped up to the plate to take her place as a top star in the women’s division.

While these two ladies have faced in several different tag team and multi-woman action, Ruca and Grey have never faced each other in a singles match, making this a highly anticipated match that could be the best of the John Cena Classic.

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Naraku

While there have been several new names on the WWE NXT brand as of late, no one has garnered the attention quite like former NJPW star EVIL.

Now going by the name of Naraku, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion has clearly stolen the headlines due to the credentials from his time with New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Looking at the WWE main roster, Shinsuke Nakamura is someone who is clearly familiar with Naraku and saw him develop during his formative years in pro wrestling.

Naraku facing off with Nakamura could make for a compelling battle between two former IWGP Heavyweight Champions that would bring plenty of eyes to the John Cena Classic.

Rhea Ripley vs. Zaria

Following in the footsteps of Rhea Ripley, Zaria has become the latest Australian talent to take NXT by storm.

With nearly two years on the brand, Zaria has been a significantly featured star, whether it be in a tag team with Sol Ruca or the rivalry with her former best friend.

Meanwhile, there is no question that Rhea Ripley is one of the biggest and most popular female stars in WWE today.

“Mami” facing off with Zaria could make for a main event level battle between the two Aussies that would be such a physical matchup worthy of the John Cena Classic.

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• nxt
• wwe
• John Cena
• John Cena Classic

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