New WWE Signings To Debut In John Cena Classic

At WWE Backlash 2026, John Cena made an appearance to announce a new event and championship named the John Cena Classic.

Revealing that WWE and NXT stars will compete against one another, Cena also stated that the winner of the inaugural championship will be voted on by the fans.

While there is plenty of talent already on the roster that can step inside the squared circle for this event, there could be some new signings debuting for the John Cena Classic.

Here are seven new WWE signings to potentially debut in the John Cena Classic.

7. Leon Slater

Over the past year, Leon Slater has become one of the biggest stars in TNA Wrestling thanks to his exciting in-ring style.

This has led to Slater getting quite a few appearances on WWE NXT as part of the working relationship with TNA.

Thanks to his spectacular in-ring exploits, Slater got the opportunity to make his main roster debut alongside Je’Von Evans against AJ Styles and Dragon Lee on the December 13 edition of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.

After making his arrival on the main roster during the same show as John Cena’s final match, ‘The Youngest In Charge’ could make his return for the John Cena Classic and potentially become a standout who could be voted the first ever champion.

6. Xia Brookside

Another TNA Wrestling star who could get the opportunity to sign with WWE in the near future is Xia Brookside.

The second generation star recently underwent a heel turn when she betrayed her friend Lei Ying Lee.

Brookside’s TNA contract will reportedly expire at the end of 2026 and could see her become a free agent.

Considering her father Robbie Brookside is one of the head trainers at the WWE Performance Center, it would make sense if Xia makes the move back to the company and could become a debuting star in the John Cena Classic.

5. Mike Santana

During the partnership with WWE NXT and TNA Wrestling, Mike Santana has become one of the major stars who has crossed over between the two promotions.

Santana has made an impression with the audience thanks to his compelling character and his versatile in-ring style.

The current TNA World Champion has proven himself to be a star wherever he goes and seems likely to be a highly sought after free agent when he becomes available later this year.

With his experience from TNA Wrestling and All Elite Wrestling, Santana feels like someone who can become an instant hit in WWE and sign with the company ahead of the John Cena Classic.

4. Anna Jay

On the May 2 edition of AEW Collision, Willow Nightingale defeated Anna Jay to retain the TBS Championship.

After the match, Jay showed her respect for Nightingale, but it seemed like a farewell of sorts.

Anna Jay leaving All Elite Wrestling has been long discussed with confirmation of her contract expiring soon.

Considering her past in AEW, it should be expected that WWE will want to bring Anna into the company where she could be a surprise addition at the John Cena Classic.

3. Big Bill

On May 13, it was reported that Big Bill’s AEW contract is set to expire sometime in the near future.

After spending over the past three years with All Elite Wrestling, Bill feels like someone who adds a great deal to whatever promotion he heads to next.

The former AEW World Tag Team Champion has showcased himself to be a dominant big man who overwhelms anyone he’s been in the ring with due to his size and power.

Bill re-signing with WWE could see him being featured as a surprise on the John Cena Classic event and making an immediate impact in the company again.

2. Hiromu Takahashi

In February 2026, New Japan Pro Wrestling announced that Hiromu Takahashi was leaving the company after a 15-year run.

Takahashi has garnered the reputation as one of the greatest junior heavyweight wrestlers in the promotion’s history.

With five reigns as the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and a record four wins in the Best of Super Juniors tournament, Takahashi feels like he is ready to find success wherever he heads next.

While it is expected that he will sign and begin his run in NXT, Hiromu could shock the world by debuting as part of the John Cena Classic and look to make an unforgettable first impression with the WWE fanbase.

1. Britt Baker

Another AEW star who is expected to become a free agent sometime during 2026 is Dr Britt Baker DMD.

The former AEW Women’s World Champion has been away from the promotion for over a year now with her last appearance taking place in November 2024.

After such a lengthy absence from the company, it feels inevitable that Baker will leave All Elite Wrestling and make her way to another promotion sooner rather than later.

With her credentials and accomplishments in AEW, Baker could get a grand introduction to WWE by taking part in the John Cena Classic whenever the event takes place.

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