Jason Burgos
On Saturday night, WWE will be back on the ESPN app with the 2026 edition of Backlash. The event in Tampa, FL, will be headlined by a World Heavyweight championship match between cousins Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu. And the card will also include the reveal of Danhausen’s mystery partner for his tag match against Kit Wilson and The Miz.
However, there is another major reveal planned for the event. And that is WWE icon John Cena’s announcement that will allegedly “shock the foundation of WWE,” according to the future Hall of Famer. Rumors suggest it will be related to the launch of Club WWE. However, that could end up getting a bunch of boos from fans in Tampa.
With that in mind, we offer up five fun guesses for what John Cena’s Backlash announcement could be.
John Cena announces location for WrestleMania 44
WrestleMania 43 is set to take place in Saudi Arabia next year. However, there has been a lot of new speculation on where 44 will take place. Recent reports have suggested that Nashville and Ireland are among the places in the running for the event. Considering all the recent news, Cena announcing the location for WrestleMania 44 at Backlash is a possibility.
John Cena reveals the date for the 2026 WWE Draft
For years, the annual WWE Draft became a major week on the company calendar. However, the event was completely skipped last year, and instead, WWE went with the transfer portal. With complaints that the product has gotten a bit stale lately, both RAW and SmackDown really need the roster overhaul the draft can bring. Fans would welcome the announcement of the 2026 WWE Draft at Backlash.
John Cena announces WWE purchased the rights to Lucha Underground
There has been a lot of speculation among fans over the last couple of years about the return of Lucha Underground. The brand that ran for four years from 2014 to 2018 still has a legion of supporters. Especially since it played a major role in the careers of several current and former WWE stars.
It would be a ton of fun if Cena announced that WWE purchased the rights to the brand to get the video library and plans to bring the company back with bi-weekly events.
John Cena reveals plans for a Performance Center in Mexico
The WWE Performance Center has been one of the greatest successes in the company’s history. Instead of just relying on talent from the indies or other companies, they have created a wrestling factory that has developed future stars.
After purchasing AAA last year, there were rumors that the company might open a new Performance Center in Mexico. It’s possible that this could be Cena’s announcement at Backlash.
John Cena reveals WWE has purchased TNA Wrestling
If Cena’s announcement is to truly shake up WWE, it needs to be monumental. New details on Club WWE wouldn’t do that. However, the reveal that they purchased TNA would. There has been speculation for some time that the company would purchase its long-time competitor. Maybe a working relationship over the last two years was to set the stage for an eventual purchase.
While it wouldn’t be good for wrestlers and staff, TNA’s video library and brand would be a very valuable asset for WWE.
