At WWE Backlash in Tampa, retired 17-time champion Cena said the event will add a new title and let fans help choose the eventual champion.
The tournament is designed to showcase emerging talent, with crowd input counting even if a participant does not win their match.
Backlash also featured Roman Reigns retaining the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Jacob Fatu, while Trick Williams, Bron Breakker and Iyo Sky won their matches.
Will Jacob Fatu's 'star-making loss' to Roman Reigns lead him to conquer the Bloodline or tear it apart?
Can a fan-voted tournament truly create WWE's next megastar, or is John Cena's Classic destined for controversy?