WWE and The Walt Disney Company are expanding their collaboration with a two-day takeover of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort this December, combining live wrestling, fan experiences and an “Avengers: Doomsday” tie-in.
The schedule begins Dec. 14 with the John Cena Classic, followed on Dec. 15 by the premium live event “Worlds Collide.” The second night will carry an “Avengers: Doomsday” theme ahead of the film’s Dec. 18 release.
The partnership builds on WWE’s existing relationship with ESPN while extending the event across streaming, merchandise and on-site activities. WWE and Fanatics will bring WWE World to the complex on both days, and co-branded “Avengers: Doomsday” products will be sold through several retail channels.
John Cena Classic Brings a Live Fan Vote
The John Cena Classic will feature performers from across WWE, with Cody Rhodes already confirmed to participate. The event will stream live on Netflix as a special edition of “Monday Night Raw.”
Club WWE members will also have a direct role in determining the night’s outcome. Members of WWE’s fan membership program will be able to vote in real time for their favorite superstar of the evening. The performer who wins the vote will receive the John Cena Classic Championship.
That interactive element gives the first night its own identity within the wider takeover. Rather than limiting the event to the action taking place in the ring, WWE is placing its membership audience at the center of the championship selection.
“Worlds Collide” Gets an “Avengers” Theme
The Dec. 15 “Worlds Collide” event will bring together WWE stars and talent from the lucha libre promotion AAA. WWE acquired AAA in 2025.
Its “Avengers: Doomsday” presentation connects the premium live event to the film arriving three days later. The collaboration will not stop with event branding: WWE is also producing and selling “Avengers: Doomsday” co-branded merchandise, including title belts.
Those products will be available at WWE World, through WWEShop.com and at select Disney retail stores. The retail rollout gives the crossover a presence beyond the two shows at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Fanatics Joins the Two-Day Experience
WWE and Fanatics will operate WWE World during both days of the takeover. Fans attending will have access to exclusive merchandise as well as photo and autograph opportunities with WWE Superstars.
The combination of live events and additional fan activities makes the December program a broader experience rather than two standalone wrestling cards. The schedule connects the John Cena Classic’s Netflix broadcast and real-time voting with the following night’s WWE and AAA showcase, while the “Avengers: Doomsday” merchandise extends the collaboration into both physical and online retail.
ShowBiz Take
This is more than a themed night attached to a movie release. WWE and Disney are building the collaboration across several parts of the fan experience: a two-day destination event, a Netflix special, an interactive Club WWE vote, WWE and AAA talent, autograph and photo opportunities, and a coordinated merchandise program.
The timing also places “Worlds Collide” immediately ahead of the Dec. 18 release of “Avengers: Doomsday.” By pairing the film theme with WWE’s premium live event and bringing the activation to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, the companies are using their existing ESPN connection as the foundation for a wider entertainment and retail crossover.
What Happens Next?
Two-day combo tickets are scheduled to go on sale through Ticketmaster on Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. ET. A general presale for combo tickets will open one day earlier, on Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. ET.
More information about the events and their accompanying fan experiences is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. For now, Cody Rhodes is the confirmed John Cena Classic participant, while the complete lineups for both nights and further details about the “Avengers: Doomsday” presentation have yet to be revealed.