Report: Shawn Michaels and AJ Styles Consulted on WWE's John Cena Classic
WrestleVotes Radio reports WWE has held creative meetings on the John Cena Classic and consulted Shawn Michaels and AJ Styles as it develops the event.
WWE has reportedly spoken with two high-profile names as it develops the John Cena Classic, according to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select.
John Cena unveiled the concept at Backlash 2026, describing a showcase that would match NXT talent against main roster Superstars with fan voting expected to influence outcomes. The company has not yet disclosed the event format, location or broadcast plans. Cena has suggested more details will come when he appears on Monday Night RAW on November 2 in Brooklyn.
Sources told Fightful Select WWE has held multiple creative meetings to make the project feel distinct from regular programming. The report says the company consulted contributors who don't normally work on specials of this type, specifically Shawn Michaels and AJ Styles.
WrestleZone's report notes Michaels is listed as Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Creative for NXT, while Styles concluded his in-ring career at Royal Rumble 2026. The story adds the event's intended streaming home may have changed: initially pitched for Club WWE, it is reportedly likely to be moved to a different platform to reach a wider audience.
These details come via WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select and have not been confirmed by WWE. WrestleZone says it will provide updates as more information becomes available and when Cena appears on RAW in early November.
