With only four months left in the year, we should soon be hearing official details from WWE regarding the inaugural John Cena Classic.
The show was announced by John Cena himself at Backlash in May, and it was evident that the concept was still in its early stages at that time.
However, with Cena this week revealing that details for the NXT vs. WWE showcase were now in place, it’s time to take a look at which stars could potentially enter.
Here are some of the potential entrants in the first-ever WWE John Cena Classic.
Mason Rook
Arriving on WWE NXT back in April, Mason Rook is someone who has immediately separated himself from the rest of the NXT men’s roster, due to his unique look, and combination of size and athleticism.
Rook’s arrival didn’t only turn fans’ heads, as it wasn’t long before John Cena himself was publicly endorsing him; a major feather in the cap for the star formerly known as Will Kroos.
Given Cena’s praise, Rook should be a nailed on entrant in the inaugural John Cena Classic, where he can prove to a wider audience just what he’s capable of.
Rook has a whole host of exciting potential opponents on the main roster, but an all European affair against the man who retired Cena: GUNTHER, may be the most tantalizing of all.
Jackson Drake
At just 23 years of age, Jackson Drake is one of WWE’s most promising young stars rising through the ranks in NXT.
Despite his age, the now brand new NXT North American Champion is eight years into his wrestling career and spent a considerable amount of time alongside Monday Night Raw’s Je’Von Evans on the independent scene.
‘The Young OG’ is destined for major WWE success, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Drake right up there alongside him once again at some point in the next few years.
Drake and Evans clashing in the John Cena Classic would be a full-circle moment for the two rising stars, while also putting a wonderful spotlight on WWE’s bright future.
Kendal Grey
Perhaps more than any other star on the NXT roster, Kendal Grey has the potential to become one of WWE’s absolute best wrestlers regardless of gender.
In just her third year as a pro wrestler, Grey reached the top of NXT as the brand’s Women’s Champion. While that reign came to an abrupt end at NXT Heatwave, it would be surprising to see her not reclaim that belt before the end of the year.
Given Grey’s high ceiling and established in-ring skills, WWE should be keen to show her off against one of the company’s biggest names.
Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch or Charlotte Flair would make for excellent opponents, where even in defeat, Grey can put on a show and win over plenty of fans for that all important voting process.
Zilla Fatu
NXT’s newest arrival Zilla Fatu has already established himself as one to watch in WWE.
His family ties almost guarantee a bright future, but he’s far from solely reliant on that. Fatu has built up a big following in just three years as an independent wrestler, and as evidenced by his loud reaction at NXT Heatwave, it’s clear the WWE fans are also keen for him to succeed.
The buzz around Fatu should make him a candidate for the John Cena Classic, and what would make it even more interesting is if he met one of his family members at the show.
Whether it be Jacob Fatu, one of The Usos or Solo Sikoa, Zilla could prove his worth to the family, and catch the eye of Reigns; long before he actually gets recruited to join The Bloodline.
Lizzy Rain
With an infectious personality, standout look and unique in-ring repertoire – Lizzy Rain appears to be a future top star in waiting in WWE.
The former Rayne Leverkusen, like Mason Rook, has not been given too much success too early on NXT; falling short in several pursuits of the NXT Women’s North American Title.
However, it’s clear that all the tools are there for the future, she just needs a big stage to show a wider audience what she’s all about.
The John Cena Classic could be exactly that, and a standout performance against a Rhea Ripley could give her a major push heading into 2027.
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