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Spoiler On John Cena’s Blockbuster Announcement At WWE Backlash 2026

By John Canton • Published May 08, 2026 16:15 EDT
John Cena Run WWE
John Cena Run - Image via WWE.com

John Cena is headed to Backlash to make a big announcement.

The future WWE Hall of Famer John Cena called it a career in December 2025 after starting on the WWE main roster in 2002.

Even though John Cena told his fans to “never give up” for over two decades, the 17-time World Champion gave up when he tapped out to Gunther’s Sleeper hold in Cena’s final match.

Since then, Cena has focused on his acting career, but he’s still part of WWE, having signed a contract to remain with the company as an ambassador.

After John Cena appeared on both nights of the biggest show of the year, WrestleMania 42, he’s also going to be part of the Backlash PLE in Tampa on May 9th. Cena has lived in Tampa during his entire WWE run.

In a video posted on social media, John Cena spoke about his upcoming Backlash appearance.

“WWE Universe, hey, John Cena here, standing in Thunder Alley outside of Benchmark International Arena in Tampa Bay. In just a few days, I have a major announcement inside this building that is going to shock the very foundation of WWE. From its fans, to its Superstars, from Champions, down to its rookies.

I am so grateful Tampa is allowing me the place to make this announcement. Thank you, WWE, see you live on ESPN in the [United] States and Netflix around the world. But don’t miss Backlash, I am so excited, and I will see you there.”

According to Wrestlevotes Radio on Fightful Select, Cena’s involvement at Backlash is expected to be related to the launch of Club WWE. Cena has appeared in videos and voiceovers promoting Club WWE, which is a new fan club of sorts for WWE fans. Cena’s involvement in Club WWE is considered a huge boost for the company.

As for a possible future WrestleMania announcement, a WWE source claimed Cena’s announcement would “probably not” be about that.

John Cena Loved Moment With Danhausen At WrestleMania 42

At WrestleMania 42 Sunday, the WrestleMania host John Cena had a moment in the ring with Danhausen and some “little people” who humiliated The Miz and Kit Wilson.

On social media, Danhausen wrote about the special moment at his first WrestleMania.

55,000 humans cheered for Danhausen and chanted You. Are. Cursed! as Danhausen stood in a @WWE ring with his great new best friend @JohnCena at WRESTLEMANIA.

Never Give Uphausen.

Thank you John.

Cena responded to Danhausen by calling it one of his favorite WrestleMania moments ever, and that’s saying a lot considering all of the great moments that Cena has had.

At WWE Backlash, Danhausen and a mystery partner are facing The Miz and Kit Wilson. Could Cena be the mystery partner? It’s possible, but it is believed that Cena is really retired as a wrestler.

The lineup for WWE Backlash on May 9th is below.

  • WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
  • Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
  • Asuka vs. Iyo Sky
  • United States Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn
  • The Miz & Kit Wilson vs. Danhausen & ????
  • John Cena appears

You can watch WWE Backlash, streaming live Saturday, May 9, at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on ESPN Plus in the United States and Netflix internationally.