John Cena announces Zilla Fatu as the second participant in the John Cena Classic

November 4, 2026 Jason Ounpraseuth NEWS
Photo Courtesy: WWE

Zilla Fatu will join the John Cena Classic on December 14.

John Cena arrived at NXT for the first time since 2023. After telling the crowd how much he loved them, he announced that Zilla will be part of the John Cena Classic. He joins Cody Rhodes as the first two participants of the John Cena Classic.

Cena told Zilla he felt like an honorary Samoan because of his relationships and interactions with Rikishi, The Rock, Roman Reigns, The Usos, Solo Sikoa and Zilla’s father, Umaga. Cena added that he loved Zilla’s dad and was grateful for everything his family has done for him.

Zilla was emotional and said he was blessed to get an opportunity from Cena. He said that on Monday Night Raw on Dec. 14, he’ll have the whole world saying one word: “Hello.” Cena and Zilla hugged each other in the ring to close out the segment.

Cena also had a backstage interaction with Kam Hendrix, who tried to make his case for the John Cena Classic. Cena told Hendrix that if you’re good, you tell people, but it’s others who tell you if you’re great. He then told Hendrix to focus on his opponent next week, EK Prosper.

Cena will make additional appearances on SmackDown on November 13 in Fort Lauderdale, Raw on November 16 in Raleigh and the Survivor Series on November 28 in Houston.

About Jason Ounpraseuth 258 Articles
Jason Ounpraseuth is a journalist from Massachusetts. He writes and reports about New England and Boston sports and professional wrestling.
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