Backstage Update on WWE’s Start Date Plans for John Cena Classic
As noted before, this past Saturday’s WWE Backlash 2026 event in Tampa, Florida featured John Cena unveiling a new event called The John Cena Classic and a new fan voted championship called the Cena Classic Championship. Cena had stated in a recent interview with Adam’s Apple that his John Cena Classic tournament concept is still a “work in progress.”
PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that WWE officials held a town hall meeting earlier today with their staff at their headquarters building.
Johnson reported that one of the topics discussed at this town hall meeting was WWE is currently planning for the inaugural John Cena Classic to take place during the latter part of 2026. One source spoken to stated that the tournament is currently planned to take place by the end of the year.
Backstage Update on Decision To Hold More Main Roster House Show Events
As noted before, WWE recently announced several new dates for their upcoming 2026 Summer Tour live events schedule. The reason for WWE’s decision to hold more house show events this year is believed to be due to WWE officials wanting their younger main roster talent to get more in-ring experience away from just televised shows.
PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that WWE President Nick Khan and WWE CCO Paul “Triple H” Levesque revealed in a recent staff town hall meeting that they had discovered that house show events are not only important for talent to get much needed reps in the ring but can also be used to experiment and try out different things in the ring in front of different crowds.
Johnson reported that Khan and Levesque also had stated that these upcoming house shows would feature a balance of younger talents getting more experience in front of fans along with established main roster stars. Khan and Levesque also stated that they wanted to find the right balance so that there was not a risk for talents to potentially injure themselves on these shows.
A&E WWE Programming Ratings – May 17, 2026
This past Sunday’s Biography: WWE Legends episode drew 273,000 viewers on A&E.
This episode also drew a 0.05 rating in the 18-49 demographic.
This was up compared to the prior week show’s 209,000 viewers and a 0.04 rating.
This episode focused on WWE Hall of Famers Legion of Doom (Animal & Hawk).
Source: Programming Insider