John Cena To Host 2016 ESPYs
Cena will be the first wrestler to host the annual awards show.
ESPN announced on Thursday that John Cena, 15-time world champion and the most recognizable full-time wrestler in the world, will host the network's 24th annual ESPY Awards show on July 13.
Since 1993, the ESPYs have been held to honor the year's most accomplished sportspeople, as well as the most exciting games and moments of the year. Awards are given to individuals and teams, as well as in specific sports and in overall athletics.
The awards show, which has been held in Los Angeles since 2002, is considered a major gala and red carpet event in both the sports and entertainment realms. Celebrities as well as athletes are guests, and in 2015, the show was moved from ESPN to ABC.
Cena joins many A-listers and luminaries in taking the role of the ESPYs' host. Past celebrities to helm the ceremony include athletes LeBron James and Lance Armstrong, musicians Drake and Justin Timberlake, and actors Samuel L. Jackson (who's hosted the show a record four times) and Jamie Foxx.
Athletes honored at last year's ESPY Awards included Stephen Curry (Best Male Athlete), Ronda Rousey (Best Female Athlete), and Caitlyn Jenner (Arthur Ashe Courage Award).
The ESPYs will air on ABC on July 13, 8:00 PM ET.