WWE: John Cena on His New “John Cena Classic” Event Concept, IYO SKY on Her Match with Asuka at WWE Backlash 2026 Being Final Chapter of Their Story, Bayley, AJ Styles, & More Pay Tributes to Asuka’s Wrestling Career

John Cena Comments on His New “John Cena Classic” Event Concept

As noted before, Saturday’s WWE Backlash 2026 event in Tampa, Florida featured John Cena revealing that his big “history making news” announcement was the unveiling of a new event called the John Cena Classic and a new fan voted championship called the Cena Classic Championship.

Cena reflected on Twitter earlier today about his recent John Cena Classic announcement and how it represents himself authentically.

“When asked to give advice, especially with WWE, I often reply ‘be authentic’, ‘do not fear failure’, ‘know your why.’ The John Cena Classic may not be perfect by any means yet it’s authentically me (I am not perfect either) and reflects my values and beliefs. I’m aware that there is the risk it might be a total failure and I’m not afraid of that and believe it’s still worth stepping ‘in the arena.’

My ‘why’ in WWE is to consistently be as useful as possible for as long as possible, with my in ring career at an end, my ‘why’ is to use whatever energy or relevance I have left in hopes to create a launchpad of opportunity for all talent to show their skills while simultaneously creating a unique experience for our dedicated fan base. At the very least..we all learn something. At the very best..we all create something. I’m ready for wherever the road takes us. Thank you WWE for this opportunity. More details to come as we figure all this out!

Sincerely,

John Cena”

When asked to give advice, especially with WWE, I often reply
‘be authentic’
‘do not fear failure’
‘know your why.’
The John Cena Classic may not be perfect by any means yet it’s authentically me (I am not perfect either) and reflects my values and beliefs.
I’m aware that…

— John Cena (@JohnCena) May 10, 2026

---

IYO SKY Comments on Her Match with Asuka at WWE Backlash 2026 Being Final Chapter of Their Story

As noted before, Saturday’s WWE Backlash 2026 event in Tampa, Florida featured IYO SKY and a very emotional Asuka embracing in the ring and showing respect to each other following their match.

SKY reflected earlier today on Twitter about how her match with Asuka at Backlash was the final chapter of their story and her praise of Asuka.

“Our story comes to its final chapter with today’s match. The moment the match ended, my heart was filled with all sorts of emotions.

Meeting ASUKA-san, Spending the same time together, Being able to learn so much up close— These are irreplaceable treasures to me.

Thank you so much ASUKA-San

We love you ASUKA-San❣️”

私たちの物語は、今日の試合で最終章。
試合が終わった瞬間、いろんな感情で胸がいっぱいになりました。

ASUKAさんと出会えたこと、
同じ時間を過ごせたこと、
近くでたくさんのことを学べたこと
私にとってかけがえのない宝物です。

Thank you so much ASUKA-San

We love you ASUKA-San❣️… pic.twitter.com/VMBGxH6m4N

— IYO SKY (@Iyo_SkyWWE) May 10, 2026

---

Bayley, AJ Styles, & More Pay Tributes to Asuka’s Wrestling Career

WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles, Bayley, Charlotte Flair, Shinsuke Nakamura, and others in WWE and the wrestling world recently paid tribute to Asuka’s wrestling career following her match against IYO SKY at WWE’s Backlash 2026 event.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AJ Styles (@ajstylesp1)

pic.twitter.com/xh5rh42AXg

— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) May 9, 2026

pic.twitter.com/LVetkFcMov

— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) May 10, 2026

pic.twitter.com/9KPyFXyvyE

— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) May 10, 2026

Iyo Sky vs Asuka 👏🏽
Phenomenal!
Best of the best!

You did it @Iyo_SkyWWE 🥹🖤✨
Proud of you!

— RheaRipley_WWE (@RheaRipley_WWE) May 10, 2026

Iyo and Asuka had such an incredible match tonight. You can feel their passion and how both are true leaders in the ring wanting to GIVE the most to eachother. https://t.co/bVgctatBiH

— Nattie (@NatbyNature) May 10, 2026

Blessed to have been Asuka’s first match in @WWE ! Honored… Legend! ➡️ Sexy muscle friend pic.twitter.com/jt7PwnvkzA

— Ash By Elegance (@Ashamae_Sebera) May 10, 2026

Asuka is currently believed to be “semi-retired” from her WWE and wrestling career following WWE’s Backlash 2026 event.