Disney and WWE Expand Alliance with December Events at Wide World of Sports

Key points

• Disney and WWE are broadening their existing relationship, which currently centers on ESPN’s U.S. rights to WWE premium live events, to include live experiences and retail.
• The John Cena Classic will be held on December 14 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, featuring competitors from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT for a special championship belt determined by Club WWE member voting.
• The John Cena Classic will stream on Netflix, while the following night’s event, Worlds Collide, will feature an Avengers: Doomsday theme with participants from WWE, NXT, and AAA.
• Two-day combo tickets will be sold for both events, accompanied by a WWE World immersive fan event in partnership with Fanatics.
• Co-branded Avengers: Doomsday and WWE merchandise will be available at WWE World, Disney retail stores, and the WWE shop, utilizing Disney’s retail infrastructure.

Background

John Cena announced the John Cena Classic on Monday Night Raw in Brooklyn on November 2, 2026, revealing a new championship belt and inviting Cody Rhodes as the first participant. Prior to the announcement, speculation arose regarding the venue after Cena posted an image of the New York City skyline, though the event was confirmed for Orlando. The announcement followed a Raw episode that also featured a main event clash between Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn, as well as an Intercontinental Championship match between Ethan Page and Chad Gable.

Why it matters

This expansion signifies a strategic shift for Disney and WWE, moving from a broadcast-centric partnership to a holistic integration of live entertainment, retail, and immersive experiences. By utilizing the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which has previously hosted major events like the 2020 NBA bubble season and the Special Olympics USA, the companies are leveraging Disney’s proven ability to manage large-scale sporting and entertainment spectacles. This alignment also serves to boost anticipation for the upcoming Marvel Studios film, Avengers: Doomsday, by embedding the movie into high-profile wrestling events.

What to watch

The John Cena Classic is scheduled for December 14, 2026, with the Avengers: Doomsday-themed Worlds Collide event following on December 15. Sales for two-day combo tickets and co-branded merchandise are expected to ramp up as the events approach, with the WWE World immersive fan event serving as a key engagement point for attendees.