ABC starts promotion for John Cena hosting ESPYs

During post-race coverage of the 100th “Indy 500” race Sunday afternoon, ABC ran a spot promoting John Cena hosting the 2016 ESPYs awards show this summer.

The spot closed with a graphic of Cena accompanied by audio: “WWE Superstar John Cena hosts the ESPYs, live Wednesday, July 13, only on ABC.”

Cena has branded himself as a WWE Superstar, actor, entertainer, and TV host since branching out in 2015 and 2016. The ABC spot went for “WWE Superstar,” helping WWE be linked to mainstream sports and entertainment.

Cena hosting the ESPYs is an extension of WWE’s budding relationship with ESPN as both sides link up trying to expand their audiences crossing over sports and “sports entertainment.”