WWE legend John Cena stated, I love Cody so much. I needed a first invitee who is a cornerstone, franchise player, and a global name,
when explaining the selection of Cody Rhodes for the upcoming tournament.
Rhodes and Zilla Fatu stand as the initial participants selected for the inaugural WWE John Cena Classic, which is scheduled for December 14, 2026, wrestlingattitude.com reported. The event, announced on WWE RAW, features main roster stars squaring off against NXT talent with live interactive fan voting hosted on Netflix.
Building the December 14 Roster
- Upcoming roster announcements for the December 14 broadcast from the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will take shape as WWE announces further talent.
Selecting Rhodes as the Cornerstone
During an interview with SI’s The Takedown, Cena highlighted Rhodes’ commitment to the business and his multi-faceted abilities as the primary motivation for choosing him as the initial main-roster competitor.
Cena noted that Rhodes is someone who will sit at a corporate round table all day, and then go talk to our historians in the warehouse, and then go do media only to have an hour cage match where he gets his eye busted open at the end of the night,
according to wrestlingattitude.com.
Cagewatch.net previously documented encounters involving Rhodes and Cena, including tag team action.
The Anoaʻi Family Legacy and Zilla Fatu
Cena also discussed NXT entrant Zilla Fatu, framing the invitation around long-standing ties and history with the Anoaʻi family. Cena stated on wrestlingattitude.com, I’m kind of honorary, you know? Rikishi was such a mentor to me, and goodness, did I go through hell and back with Dwayne.
That respect extended to early interactions with Joe Anoaʻi in FCW and previous singles encounters involving Solo Sikoa. Cena recalled telling Anoaʻi, Hey, man, you’re saying you’re this rich baller, and you’re coming out in an ill-fitting suit. Be you, be authentic, and say what you mean,
as reported by wrestlingattitude.com.
Cena added regarding Sikoa, Give me the spike as many times as you can, then I’m not fighting back. Let’s get you a place at the table, because I see greatness in you as well.
| Participant | Brand Affiliation | Selection Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cody Rhodes | Main Roster | Cornerstone Invitee |
| Zilla Fatu | NXT | Initial Entrant |
As the December 14 broadcast from the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex approaches, WWE will continue rounding out the competition lineup by revealing additional NXT and main roster participants.
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