AEW has not had internal discussions about bringing in John Cena since his retirement from in-ring competition, according to Fightful Select.
The report states that an AEW run was never viewed as a realistic possibility, and that there is a contractual obstacle in the way. Cena remains under a multi-year WWE deal in an ambassadorial role, and the understanding within WWE when the subject came up was that the contract would not permit him to wrestle elsewhere.
Cena has said repeatedly since retiring that he does not plan to wrestle again, and has described the money it would take to bring him back as a losing proposition for any promoter.
The John Cena Classic tournament remains in development, with December currently targeted. That date is not locked in.