15-time World Champion John Cena can now add awards-show host to his ever-expanding list of multi-hyphenates: The Cenation leader has been officially tapped as the host of the 2016 ESPYS, which will be broadcast live on ABC tonight, at 8 p.m. ET from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, and will be presented by Capital One.
Cena — who hosts the reality TV competition series “American Grit” on FOX — will be joined by top athletes and celebrities to commemorate the past year in sports by recognizing major achievements, reliving unforgettable moments, and saluting the leading performers and performances. The ESPYS raise more than $1 million annually for The V Foundation, the charity founded by ESPN and the late basketball coach Jim Valvano to promote cancer research. In 2016, WWE partnered with The V Foundation to expand Connor’s Cure, a fund dedicated to pediatric cancer research.
"It is truly an honor to be named host of the 2016 ESPYS," said Cena. "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."
Since being sidelined with an injury in late 2015, Cena has kept busy by co-hosting “TODAY,” appearing on “Good Morning America,” “Ellen,” “The Tonight Show,” “Conan” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” and appearing in the Tina Fey/Amy Poehler hit comedy “Sisters.” He has also continued to dedicate his time to numerous charitable causes including Susan G. Komen and Make-A-Wish, where he is the most requested wish-granter of all time and the only celebrity to grant 500 wishes. Cena is also a longtime supporter of the U.S. military, recently recognized by USO-Metro as the recipient of their 2016 Legacy of Achievement Award.
“John is not only a superstar athlete and entertainer, but also a motivational force who inspires fans across the globe,” executive producer Maura Mandt said. “John approaches all of his endeavors with energy, enthusiasm and passion so we expect him to bring a new level of excitement to the night’s celebration."
The celebration of the best moments from the year in sports kicks off with The ESPYS Countdown Show Presented by Capital One, airing from 5-6 p.m. ET, “SportsCenter at The ESPYS” from 6-7 p.m. ET, then another hour of The ESPYS Countdown Presented by Capital One from 7-8 p.m. ET on ESPN prior to the start of the awards. Tickets are available for public purchase at AXS.com. For additional ESPYS news and information, follow the official Twitter handle @ESPYS.