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Washington, D.C. — Gunther, the formidable "Ring General," has earned the distinguished honor of facing John Cena in what is billed as the 16-time World Champion’s final WWE match. The monumental encounter is scheduled for Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, emanating live from Washington, D.C. This highly anticipated match follows Gunther’s decisive victory in "The Last Time is Now Tournament," a grueling single-elimination competition designed to determine the ultimate opponent for Cena’s career swansong.
The tournament, a significant undertaking by WWE to commemorate the end of an era, spanned nearly a month of intense competition. Kicking off on the November 10 episode of Monday Night Raw and culminating on the December 5 broadcast of Friday Night SmackDown, the bracket featured 16 of WWE’s premier male superstars drawn from the Raw, SmackDown, and NXT rosters. The competition was not merely about securing a main event slot; it was framed as an opportunity to cement one’s legacy by being the last to stand across the ring from one of professional wrestling’s most iconic figures.
John Cena’s illustrious career, marked by an unparalleled 16 World Championship reigns—a record he shares with Ric Flair—has transcended the sports entertainment industry. Known for his "Never Give Up" mantra and his dedication to the WWE Universe, Cena has been a cornerstone of the company for over two decades. His transition to a successful Hollywood career has seen him become a part-time attraction in recent years, making his impending retirement a poignant moment for fans worldwide. The decision to have his final opponent determined through a rigorous tournament underscored the significance of this farewell, ensuring that only the most deserving would earn the right to share the ring with him one last time.
Tournament Dynamics and Notable Encounters
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The "The Last Time is Now Tournament" unfolded with a mix of expected victories, surprising twists, and emotionally charged returns, captivating the WWE audience throughout its duration.
First Round (November 10 – November 24, across Monday Night Raw & Friday Night SmackDown):
The tournament commenced with a flurry of action, immediately setting a high standard for competition.
- Cody Rhodes vs. Dolph Ziggler (RAW, November 10): The opening match saw "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes face a surprising returning veteran, Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler, a former World Heavyweight Champion and long-time WWE staple, received a rapturous standing ovation from the crowd, a testament to his career contributions. Despite a spirited effort, Rhodes ultimately prevailed, securing his spot in the quarterfinals. Ziggler’s one-off appearance was a nostalgic highlight, evoking memories of his past encounters with Cena.
- Drew McIntyre vs. Ricochet (RAW, November 10): "The Scottish Warrior" Drew McIntyre, a former WWE Champion known for his brute force, overpowered the high-flying Ricochet in a clash of styles. McIntyre’s dominance was evident, signaling his intent to go deep into the tournament.
- Jey Uso vs. The Miz (RAW, November 17): In a highly anticipated contest, Jey Uso, riding a wave of renewed popularity, defeated the cunning "A-Lister" The Miz. This initial loss appeared to eliminate Miz from contention, but as events later unfolded, his tournament journey was far from over.
- Damian Priest vs. Chad Gable (RAW, November 17): The powerful Damian Priest overcame the technical prowess of Chad Gable, continuing his ascent within the Raw brand.
- Gunther vs. Zack Ryder (SmackDown, November 14): "The Ring General" Gunther, current Intercontinental Champion and one of WWE’s most dominant forces, made a resounding statement by quickly dispatching another returning fan-favorite, Zack Ryder. Ryder’s nostalgic appearance, similar to Ziggler’s, provided a sentimental moment for long-time Cena fans.
- Sheamus vs. Butch (SmackDown, November 14): The hard-hitting Sheamus defeated his Brawling Brutes stablemate Butch in a physical encounter, showcasing his veteran experience.
- LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar (SmackDown, November 21): LA Knight, whose meteoric rise in fan engagement has been undeniable, continued his momentum by defeating the talented Santos Escobar. Knight’s charismatic performance and connection with the audience were on full display.
- Solo Sikoa vs. Bron Breakker (SmackDown, November 21): In a powerful showcase of emerging talent, Solo Sikoa of The Bloodline defeated NXT’s formidable Bron Breakker. This match highlighted the cross-brand participation and the future stars of WWE.
Quarterfinals (November 27 – December 1, across Monday Night Raw & Friday Night SmackDown):
The second round introduced a significant twist that altered the tournament landscape.
- Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre (RAW, November 27): Cody Rhodes advanced after a hard-fought battle against Drew McIntyre, further solidifying his position as a top contender.
- The Miz Reinstated (SmackDown, November 28): A controversial development saw Sheamus, who had won his first-round match, suffer an injury during a non-tournament bout, forcing his withdrawal. In a surprising decision by WWE management, The Miz, who had been eliminated by Jey Uso in the first round, was reinstated into the tournament, taking Sheamus’s place.
- The Miz vs. Jey Uso (SmackDown, November 28): In a highly contentious rematch, The Miz, capitalizing on his second chance, defeated Jey Uso. This victory fueled debate among fans and commentators, questioning the fairness of Miz’s path to the semifinals.
- Gunther vs. Damian Priest (RAW, December 1): Gunther continued his dominant run, defeating Damian Priest in a physical contest that showcased the Intercontinental Champion’s unparalleled strength and technical prowess.
- LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa (SmackDown, December 1): LA Knight further cemented his popular appeal by overcoming the relentless Solo Sikoa, maintaining his electrifying presence throughout the competition.
Semifinals (December 5, Friday Night SmackDown):
The semifinals brought two high-stakes matches that determined the finalists.
- Gunther vs. Cody Rhodes (SmackDown, December 5): In what many analysts deemed the true test of the tournament, Gunther faced Cody Rhodes. The match was a grueling, psychologically rich encounter, with Rhodes pushing Gunther to his absolute limits. However, "The Ring General" ultimately prevailed, delivering a decisive powerbomb to secure his place in the finals, a victory that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe and underscored Gunther’s position as the most dominant champion in recent memory.
- LA Knight vs. The Miz (SmackDown, December 5): LA Knight confronted the controversial Miz in the second semifinal. Despite Miz’s opportunistic tactics and his earlier reinstatement, Knight’s unwavering focus and overwhelming crowd support propelled him to victory, ending Miz’s unlikely and much-debated tournament run. Knight’s signature BFT (Blunt Force Trauma) secured his spot against Gunther.
Finals (December 5, Friday Night SmackDown):
The climactic final match of "The Last Time is Now Tournament" took place later on the same episode of Friday Night SmackDown, pitting the unstoppable force of Gunther against the undeniable popularity of LA Knight.
- Gunther vs. LA Knight (SmackDown, December 5): The atmosphere was electric as Gunther and LA Knight clashed for the right to face John Cena. Knight, energized by the "YEAH!" chants, brought his aggressive offense and charismatic showmanship, pushing Gunther harder than almost anyone in recent memory. However, Gunther’s methodical, brutal style proved too much. After a series of devastating chops and submissions, "The Ring General" executed a final Powerbomb, pinning LA Knight and emerging as the victor. The win was a testament to Gunther’s sustained dominance and his reign as Intercontinental Champion, which at this point in late 2025, has extended to an unprecedented duration, solidifying his status as a modern-day legend.
Anticipation for Cena’s Farewell
With the tournament concluded, all eyes now turn to Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13 in Washington, D.C. The stage is set for a historic confrontation between two titans of different eras. John Cena, a beacon of perseverance and a global icon, will face Gunther, a champion defined by his unwavering resolve and physical superiority.
Gunther, in a post-match interview, acknowledged the gravity of the upcoming bout. "John Cena represents an era of greatness, a standard that few have ever met," Gunther stated, his voice resonating with his characteristic intensity. "To be the man who closes that chapter, to be the one to finally show him that ‘The Last Time is Now,’ that is an honor. But make no mistake, respect will be given, but victory will be mine. I am here to solidify my legacy, and his final match will be a testament to the Ring General’s absolute reign."
The clash promises to be more than just a wrestling match; it is a symbolic passing of the torch, a generational encounter that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on WWE history. Fans are bracing for an emotional night, as they prepare to bid farewell to John Cena, while simultaneously witnessing Gunther attempt to cement his status as the sport’s most dominant force. The weight of expectation on both men is immense, ensuring that Cena’s final bow will be a memorable spectacle.
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