As noted before, John Cena recently teased on social media that he will be having a role at WWE’s Backlash 2026 event on May 9th in Tampa, Florida. Cena also teased that he was going to do “something epic” at the event.
Host venue Benchmark International Area is currently advertising on their official website that Cena will be making an appearance at WWE’s upcoming event.
Event Information
WWE RETURNS TAMPA WITH THE FIRST PREMIUM LIVE EVENT AFTER WRESTLEMANIA 42!
JOHN CENA RETURNS TO TAMPA AT BACKLASH!
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
ROMAN REIGNS vs. JACOB FATUSETH ROLLINS vs. BRON BREAKKER
IYO SKY vs. ASUKA
PLUS MORE MATCHES TO BE ANNOUNCED!
WWE has yet to make an official announcement regarding Cena’s involvement for their upcoming Backlash 2026 event.
This would be Cena’s first appearance in WWE since this past April’s WrestleMania 42 Night 1 and Night 2 events in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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