WWE is reportedly considering multi-person matches for the upcoming John Cena Classic as the company explores ways to involve more talent in the special event.

The John Cena Classic is scheduled for December 14, 2026, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. The event will feature WWE main roster and NXT talent competing in exhibition matches.

John Cena previously clarified that the show would not follow a traditional tournament format. Instead, competitors will face off in individual matchups, with fans voting to determine the men’s and women’s John Cena Classic champions.

Cody Rhodes, Zilla Fatu, Noam Dar, Romeo Moreno, and Kelani Jordan have been announced as participants so far. WWE is expected to reveal additional names as the event approaches.

According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, WWE has internally discussed the possibility of incorporating multi-person matches into the John Cena Classic.

The proposed idea would allow WWE to feature more talent on the show. This could potentially expand the number of competitors involved beyond the originally envisioned exhibition match format.

The report did not specify whether WWE was considering triple threat matches, fatal four-way bouts, or another multi-person match arrangement. It also remains unclear whether the internal pitch has progressed beyond the discussion stage.

The December 14 event will also mark one year and one day since Cena’s retirement match. This was against Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 2025.