First WWE John Cena Classic Champion

WWE

At WWE Backlash 2026, 17-time world champion John Cena announced the first-ever John Cena Classic.

This will be an event where WWE and NXT stars will do battle, with fans voting to choose the winner and the new John Cena Classic Champion.

Looking at the main roster and WWE NXT, there are plenty of interesting stars who could walk out as the first ever champion and winner of this brand new tournament.

Here are eight potential options for the first WWE John Cena Classic Champion.

8. Danhausen

At WWE Elimination Chamber 2026, Danhausen made his debut with the company and received a mixed reaction.

Since then, the former AEW star has become one of WWE’s most popular names and one of their biggest merchandise movers.

“The Very Nice, Very Evil” star has been undefeated in the ring and continues to entertain fans in ways not many other names on the roster have been able to as of late.

Considering his connection with the audience and the endorsement he received from the name sake of this tournament, it would make sense for Danhausen to win the John Cena Classic Championship when it happens.

7. Je’Von Evans

Back at the December 13 WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, Je’Von Evans was one of the standout NXT talents who took part of the show.

Since then, Evans has officially signed with WWE Raw and has become one of the fastest rising stars on the roster today.

“The Young OG” has been unable to capture a title since signing with WWE, whether it be the NXT brand or the main roster.

With his popularity and youthful exuberance, it feels appropriate if Evans’ efforts during this tournament led to the fans rallying behind him to crown him the first ever John Cena Classic Champion.

6. Shiloh Hill

It is not a foregone conclusion that the fans will vote for a WWE main roster star to win the John Cena Classic.

Looking at the NXT roster, there are quite a few names who could make an immediate impact and impress the fanbase.

Shiloh Hill has quickly become one of the most featured stars on the NXT roster since making his debut after winning WWE LFG Season Two.

Getting key wins and being a prominent name in this new era of NXT, Hill could become a breakout star with the fans to become the John Cena Classic Champion.

5. Mason Rook

Following WWE WrestleMania 42, the company has called up talent from the NXT brand to both Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown.

This has led to several new names being brought to WWE NXT, which has included the former Will Kroos, now known as Mason Rook.

Over the past two weeks, Rook has made a statement by attacking NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo.

After receiving a stamp of approval from John Cena on social media and being an advocate for the new star behind the scenes, it could lead to Rook winning this new championship and starting his rise up the ranks.

4. Tatum Paxley

Moving to the NXT women’s division, there is no one who has created a stronger connection with the fans quite like Tatum Paxley.

Over the past year, Paxley has made herself into one of the top stars of the brand by winning the NXT Women’s Championship and the NXT Women’s North American Championship.

Considering she has been on the NXT brand for the past four years, Paxley is more or less a veteran on the current roster and deserves this opportunity.

Being introduced to the main roster audience, it seems easy to imagine Paxley could endear herself in a similar fashion that she has on NXT and become the John Cena Classic Champion.

3. Trick Williams

Since being called up to the WWE main roster, Trick Williams has quickly become one of the most beloved and popular stars around.

At WWE WrestleMania 42 Night Two, Williams defeated Sami Zayn to win the United States Championship.

Trick continuing his meteoric rise in the John Cena Classic feels like something that could further progress what the US Champion has been doing since being called up at the start of 2026.

With everything he has done so far, Trick winning the John Cena Classic Championship feels like a logical next step to continue his climb up the ladder.

2. Kendal Grey

At the end of 2025, John Cena chose the participants in the Men’s and Women’s Iron Survivor Challenges at WWE NXT Deadline.

One of the most notable stars chosen for this bout had to be Kendal Grey, who wasn’t officially part of the NXT brand at that time and went on to win the Women’s Iron Survivor.

Grey has been on a rapid rise up to the top of WWE, whether it be winning the Evolve Women’s Championship and her popularity on the NXT brand.

Considering her in-ring skills and connection with the audience, Kendal Grey feels like someone who will certainly leave an impression on the fans to become the new John Cena Classic Champion.

1. Oba Femi

When John Cena wanted NXT talent to be featured on his final show as an in-ring competitor, it was Oba Femi who caught the attention of the fans in his champion vs. champion match against Cody Rhodes at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.

“The Ruler” has since taken WWE by storm, including his win over Brock Lesnar at the WrestleMania 42 premium live event.

This has made Femi one of the most popular stars in WWE today and could lead to him winning plenty of gold over the next few years.

Starting with this tournament, Femi winning the John Cena Classic Championship would be the next step in his progression and his rise to the very top of WWE.

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