John Cena isn’t just putting his name on the John Cena Classic and letting WWE handle the rest. The 17-time World Champion is personally involved in deciding who gets a spot on the show, and WWE is considering some changes to the match format to get even more Superstars involved.
During the November 12 edition of WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, Joey Votes revealed that Cena has been working directly with WWE on the talent selections for the December 14 event at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
WrestleVotes also explained that WWE has discussed adding multi-person matches instead of sticking entirely to traditional singles competition. Cena previously confirmed that the event wouldn’t follow a standard elimination bracket.
“And speaking with sources regarding the John Cena Classic, an idea that was floated internally would see the tournament, which Cena himself has said will not be bracket style, potentially feature some multi person matches in an effort to get more talent involved on the show.”
The bigger detail is just how much say Cena has in putting the show together. WWE isn’t simply handing him a finished lineup. The company has been presenting talent ideas directly to Cena and getting his input throughout the process.
“Additionally, we’ve learned that Cena himself has had direct input on the participants with the company presenting him ideas throughout the process.”
Cena has already been busy handing out invitations. As Ringside News previously covered, Noam Dar and Romeo Moreno were personally invited by Cena during the November 10 episode of NXT. NXT Women’s Champion Kelani Jordan also received an invitation, joining a lineup that already includes Cody Rhodes and Zilla Fatu.
WrestleVotes also revealed that WWE is working through some scheduling headaches. With talent and production employees needed for events in Australia and Orlando, the company is arranging separate travel schedules to make sure everyone gets where they need to be.
“We’ve also learned that as things currently stand, there will be separate travel arrangements for certain talent heading to Australia as the company plans to have a number of talent and production staff Members attend Wrestle Palooza before returning to the states to work the John Cena Classic event at Disney World.”
The John Cena Classic will air live on Netflix as a special edition of Monday Night RAW on December 14. The event will feature main roster Superstars facing NXT talent, with Club WWE members voting to determine the men’s and women’s winners.
WWE still has more details to announce, including the complete lineup and match card. However, one thing is becoming clear: Cena isn’t treating this like some ceremonial appearance. He’s helping decide who gets the spotlight, and those selections could give several younger Superstars a major opportunity.
What do you think about John Cena personally helping WWE select talent for the John Cena Classic? Which Superstars deserve an invitation, and would you like to see triple threat or fatal four-way matches added to the show? Let us know your thoughts and leave your feedback in the comments below.
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