WWE’s John Cena To Host 2016 ESPYS

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WWE Superstar/actor John Cena has pinned down the role of host for the 2016 ESPYS, ESPN said Thursday.

Cena, one of the most popular WWE Superstars and current host and executive producer of Fox’s competition series American Grit, will host the annual ESPYs awards show, which commemorates the top achievements in sports over the past year.

Related: John Cena talks up WWE series 'Raw' an 'SmackDown'

The ESPYs, which will air live on ABC July 13, raises more than $1 million annually for The V Foundation to promote cancer research.

“John is not only a superstar athlete and entertainer, but also a motivational force who inspires fans across the globe,” said ESPYS executive producer Maura Mandt in a statement. “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."

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.