• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture

John Cena to Host the 2016 ESPY Awards

John Cena on stage at the WWE Hall of Fame, April 2, 2016, in Dallas.
Brandon Wade/AP Photo
ByGood Morning America
May 19, 2016, 3:50 PM

— -- Fresh off his hilarious turn in last year's hit "Trainwreck," John Cena is poised to host the 2016 ESPY Awards.

Unlike his "Can't see me" finishing move in the ring, fans will get their fill of Cena on July 13, as the wrestling icon steps to the stage to introduce the biggest and brightest in the sports world.

Cena made the official reveal on Facebook.

Related Articles

Related: John Cena to Have Shoulder Surgery Ahead of WrestleMania 32

Related Articles

Watch: Caitlyn Jenner Preach Acceptance in Emotional ESPYs Award Speech

"It is truly an honor to be named host of the 2016 ESPYS," Cena added in an official release from ESPN. "Not only will the biggest names in sports and entertainment come together to recognize some of the most spectacular athletic performances of the year, but we'll also raise funds for The V Foundation to further much-needed cancer research."

Cena had been dropping hints all week about the coveted gig.

John Cena holds opponent Rusev at Wrestlemania XXXI, March 29, 2015, in Santa Clara, Calif.
Don Feria/AP Photo

Today right before the news, he posted a picture on an ESPY Award.

A day ago, Cena teased that something was up when he posted a picture of the legendary "V" symbol for the Jimmy V Foundation, in honor of the late, great Jim Valvano. The show raises more than $1 million annually for cancer research.

Valvano's iconic speech at the 1993 awards show is forever cemented in sports history.

In an interview with ESPN, Cena added that he doesn't plan to just pick on athletes during his monologue.

"That’s not the way I do business," he said. "I appreciate these athletes and I know they are heroes to many people including myself and it’s not like I’m going to go in there trying to be too cool for school and try to be way smarter than the room. I’m going in there as appreciative of the athletes as everyone watching the show. I’m sure you’ll see good times and humor done as good as it can be but most of it will be bouncing off of me.”

The show's executive producer Maura Mandt summed it up when she said, "John is not only a superstar athlete and entertainer, but also a motivational force who inspires fans across the globe."

The ESPYS are set to air at 8 p.m. ET, July 13, on ABC.

Up Next in Culture—

Taylor Swift no longer facing subpoena in Justin Baldoni's legal feud with Blake Lively

May 23, 2025

Megan Fox says pregnancy was 'unplanned but a happy surprise'

May 22, 2025

Kieran Culkin joins 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' cast

May 22, 2025

Kim Kardashian graduates from law study program after 6 years

May 22, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News