WWE® Superstar John Cena® To Appear Thursday, August 9, At 2012 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con

Online, June 16, 2012 (Newswire.com) - WWE® Superstar John Cena® will appear as a special guest on Thursday, August 9, Opening Day at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, it was announced today by Wizard World. Cena will be on hand at the event from 4-8 p.m., and will meet fans, sign autographs and pose for professional photo ops.

Cena's appearance kicks off an expanded, full four-day Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, August 9-12, in what is shaping up as the biggest Wizard World show ever and the Midwest's No. 1 Pop Culture Convention.

One of the most popular WWE Superstars since his debut in 2002, Cena combines his athleticism, charisma, strong work ethic and genuine personality to make him one of the brightest stars in WWE and its hit cable program, Monday Night RAW on the USA Network.

"I am looking forward to meeting the enthusiastic fans at my first Wizard World event," said Cena. "I have heard a lot about the charged-up atmosphere, and I can't wait to experience it for myself."

A powerful marketing force with outsized personality and charm, Cena has had numerous Hollywood roles, including The Marine, 12 Rounds, Legendary, The Reunion and Nickelodeon's teen comedy trilogy Fred: The Movie.

"We are excited to welcome WWE Superstar John Cena to the Wizard World family to help us kick off our longest-running and largest show, Wizard World Chicago Comic Con," said John Macaluso, CEO, Wizard World. "His addition continues our commitment to providing fans with an outstanding experience."

The announcement follows the hugely successful Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con event which featured WWE® Superstar CM Punk®, all five "Star Trek" captains and one of Hollywood's fastest-risers, Chris Hemsworth (Thor, The Avengers), earlier this month.

For more on the 2012 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-ch.html.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

***** SAVE THE 2012 DATES *****
August 9-12, 2012 - Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 29-30, 2012 - Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
October 26-28, 2012 - Wizard World Austin Comic Con
November 30 - December 2, 2012 - Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
TBD, 2013 - Wizard World Toronto Comic Con
May 30 - June 2, 2013 - Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con