Fans love to chant John Cena’s “You Can’t See Me” catchphrase. They will definitely see him in person when the 16-time WWE champion, actor, and best-selling author appears at FAN EXPO New Orleans. The event runs Friday through Sunday, January 9 to 11, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. His appearance strengthens an already packed celebrity lineup that includes major names from The Lord of the Rings and across pop culture.
A Career That Spans Wrestling and Film
Cena stands as one of WWE’s most iconic figures. He made headlines last year with a rare heel turn, his first time playing a villain in the ongoing storyline. He then announced his retirement from wrestling, effective next month. His Hollywood career continues to rise with roles in F9, The Suicide Squad, and the breakout series Peacemaker, in which he stars as the title character.
A Stacked Celebrity Lineup
Cena joins a wide roster of guests scheduled for FAN EXPO New Orleans, including:
• The Lord of the Rings stars Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, and Elijah Wood
• Helen Hunt (Twister, Mad About You)
• James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel)
• Jennifer Beals (Flashdance)
• Jaime Pressly and Ethan Suplee (My Name Is Earl)
• Dean Norris (Breaking Bad)
• Mike Colter (Luke Cage, Men in Black³)
• Josh Holloway (Lost, Yellowstone)
• Judith Hoag (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Armageddon)
• Robbie Rist (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Brady Bunch)
• Ernie Reyes Jr. (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull)
• Brian Tochi (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Revenge of the Nerds)
• Kenn Scott (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, director of Adventures of Johnny Tao)
• François Chau (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Lost)
• Thomas Lennon (Reno 911!, American Dad)
• Cedric Yarbrough (Reno 911!, The Goldbergs)
• Shannon Chan-Kent (Death Note, Sonic the Hedgehog)
• Brad Swaile (Death Note, Mobile Suit Gundam)
• Alessandro Juliani (Death Note, Battlestar Galactica)
• Brian Drummond (Death Note, Sonic the Hedgehog)
• Hazbin Hotel voice actors Krystina Alabado, Christian Borle, Lilli Cooper, and Joel Perez
Three Days of Full Pop Culture Programming
FAN EXPO New Orleans offers a mix of film, television, music, comics, gaming, anime, cosplay, and creator-focused programming. Fans can explore exhibitors, panels, meet-and-greets, and themed events across all three days.
More guest announcements from film, television, streaming, art, literature, gaming, anime, and cosplay will roll out in the coming weeks as the event approaches.
