Professional wrestling legend Lance Storm criticized the John Cena Classic, arguing that determining the winner by a fan vote undermines the fundamental principles of the industry.
WWE announced the upcoming event, which immediately drew scrutiny from fans regarding its format and the months of sparse information following its initial announcement. Storm addressed these concerns during an appearance on “Wrestling Observer Live,” where Bryan Alvarez highlighted how easily wrestlers could sabotage one another in a fan-voted tournament.
“It goes against the fundamentals of this industry,” Storm agreed, as reported by Wrestling Inc.
Lance Storm on The John Cena Classic: "It undermines the fundamental principle of pro wrestling." "You're further undermining fan's investment in wins and losses, you're further trivializing what winning a belt means, it undermines everything this industry is about. It… pic.twitter.com/GD2eKAxGkD”
“It is completely ridiculous, because as you say, the whole point is, we’re suppose to make each other look good but if there’s actually something to be achieved by it…” Storm said on “Wrestling Observer Live,” noting that in the territory days, main-event wrestlers earned more money, leading to instances of sabotage.
Storm pointed to WCW Starrcade 1997 as a historical precedent for such backstage friction, stating that Hulk Hogan completely sabotaged Sting’s return to protect his own spot. He argued that WWE and Cena risk recreating that exact dynamic with the Classic.
“You’re further trivializing what winning a belt means, because it’s just, ‘You’ve got four minutes to vote on WWE.com, we’ll give this guy a belt!'” Storm told “Wrestling Observer Live,” as transcribed by Wrestling Inc.
| Event Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Event Name | John Cena Classic |
| Venue | ESPN Wide World of Sports, Walt Disney World |
| Date | December 14 |
| Winner Determination | Fan Vote via Club WWE |
Storm emphasized that the format diminishes fan investment in standard wins and losses.
“It undermines everything this industry is about,” Storm told “Wrestling Observer Live,” according to Wrestling Inc. “It undermines fan reaction. It undermines fan investment. It undermines the value of being a champion. It undermines the fundamental principle of pro wrestling.”
John Cena revealed that the John Cena Classic will be held from the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Walt Disney World on December 14, with the winner determined by fan vote via Club WWE.
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