Get ready, wrestling fans, because the end of an era is upon us! John Cena, a name synonymous with WWE, is preparing to step into the ring for his final match. But before he rides off into the sunset, he's giving one lucky superstar the ultimate honor: to be his last opponent. And the path to this historic match is paved with sweat, determination, and the 'The Last Time is Now Tournament.'
This tournament is not just another competition; it's a battle for legacy. Superstars from across the WWE universe are vying for the chance to retire Cena, a true icon. The final match will take place at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event on December 13th in Washington, DC.
The tournament kicked off on the November 10th episode of Monday Night Raw, and the action will continue across both Raw and SmackDown, leading up to the final Saturday Night's Main Event of 2025. This means we're in for weeks of high-stakes matches and unexpected twists!
So, who's in the running? The competition includes a diverse mix of talent. From established stars on Raw and SmackDown to rising NXT talents like Je'Von Evans, and even classic rivals like The Miz. WWE has also hinted at surprise entrants from outside the company, which adds an extra layer of excitement.
Here's a quick rundown of the early results:
- Rusev defeated Damian Priest (Raw, Nov. 10)
- Sheamus triumphed over Shinsuke Nakamura (Raw, Nov. 10)
- Jey Uso bested The Miz (SmackDown, Nov. 14)
- LA Knight spoiled Zack Ryder's WWE return (SmackDown, Nov. 14)
But here's where it gets controversial... The field is packed with talent, including GUNTHER and Penta. And the mystery surrounding Solo Sikoa's opponent on the November 17th episode of Raw has everyone buzzing. With 16 entrants initially announced, the competition is fierce, and the brackets are filling up fast.
Here's the current tournament schedule:
First Round
- Rusev def. Damian Priest (Raw, Nov. 10)
- Sheamus def. Shinsuke Nakamura (Raw, Nov. 10)
- Jey Uso def. The Miz (SmackDown, Nov. 14)
- LA Knight def. Zack Ryder (SmackDown, Nov. 14)
- GUNTHER vs. Je'Von Evans (Raw, Nov. 17)
- Solo Sikoa vs. TBA (Raw, Nov. 17)
- Bronson Reed vs. Carmelo Hayes (SmackDown, Nov. 21)
- Penta vs. Finn Balor (SmackDown, Nov. 21)
Quarterfinals
- TBA vs. TBA (Raw, Nov. 24)
- TBA vs. TBA (Raw, Nov. 24)
- TBA vs. TBA (SmackDown, Nov. 28)
- TBA vs. TBA (SmackDown, Nov. 28)
Semifinals
- TBA vs. TBA (Raw, Dec. 1)
- TBA vs. TBA (SmackDown, Dec. 5)
Finals
- TBA vs. TBA (Raw, Dec. 8)
And this is the part most people miss... The stakes are higher than ever. The winner of this tournament will not only get the honor of facing Cena in his final match but will also cement their place in WWE history.
What are your thoughts? Who do you think will win the tournament and face John Cena? Do you agree with the current matchups, or would you have preferred to see different competitors in the ring? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below! Let's get the conversation started!
