Was John Cena’s WWE Backlash Return A Last-Minute Decision?
John Cena will be at Backlash in Tampa in an unknown role.
The legendary 17-time WWE World Champion John Cena retired as a wrestler in December 2025 after losing his final match to Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
That Cena-Gunther match was the end of a year-long celebration of Cena as part of his retirement tour after a 20+ year run in WWE.
At WrestleMania 42, John Cena appeared on both nights of the biggest show of the year as the host, but he did not get physical, as he wore a suit rather than the jorts he used to wrestle in.
Next up for John Cena’s WWE affiliation is an appearance at the Backlash PLE on May 9th in Tampa. Cena confirmed it on social media recently.
It’s official! I’m headed to #WWEBacklash ! After months of planning and effort, I am SO excited to break some history-making news! I can’t promise it’ll be perfect but I can promise it will change the WWE experience for Superstars and fans! C U Live Saturday in Tampa or at home on the @espn app!
What isn’t known is Cena’s role. It could be related to the “Club WWE” program that WWE is launching with Cena doing voiceovers, talking about it.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained it as part of Cena’s deal with WWE following his retirement.
“Okay, so the John Cena thing… so the situation there is that he’s on Backlash. I’m not sure what the role will be because he said he’s never going to wrestle again.
They signed him to a contract which called for a number of appearances. So this is one of those appearances. It was not like, you know… like his deal called for these things.” (H/T Ringsidenews)
Cena has lived in the Tampa area for decades now, so an appearance at Backlash in Tampa is likely easy in terms of logistics, unless Cena is filming a movie or TV show elsewhere.
John Cena’s Announcement Will Shock WWE
In a video teaser for his announcement, John Cena took to social media to boldly claim that his news will shock WWE and its fans.
“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, champions down to its rookies. I’m so grateful Tampa is allowing me the place to make this announcement.”
Only a couple of days until #WWEBacklash!!! pic.twitter.com/FN7GhbcrSU
— John Cena (@JohnCena) May 7, 2026
WWE Backlash takes place on Saturday, May 9th in Tampa. Here’s the lineup so far.
* 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.