WWE's 'The Last Time is Now' Tournament Concludes; Gunther to Challenge John Cena in Final Career Bout

Washington D.C. — Gunther, the formidable "Ring General," has earned the distinguished opportunity to face John Cena in what is officially slated as Cena’s final professional wrestling match for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The highly anticipated contest will take place at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, marking the culmination of Cena’s storied career and the dramatic conclusion of ‘The Last Time is Now’ Tournament.

The tournament, a 16-superstar bracket spanning across WWE’s flagship brands, Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown, and NXT, commenced on the November 10 episode of Raw. Its objective was clear: to identify a deserving opponent for Cena’s farewell match, an opponent who could uphold the gravitas of such a monumental occasion. After weeks of intense competition, the tournament concluded on the December 5 episode of SmackDown, with Gunther emerging victorious over fan-favorite LA Knight in a hard-fought final.

John Cena, a 16-time world champion and one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history, announced earlier this year that 2025 would mark his final full-time year with WWE, culminating in this singular farewell match. His career, defined by his "Never Give Up" ethos and his unparalleled connection with audiences worldwide, has seen him transcend the wrestling industry into mainstream entertainment. The ‘Last Time is Now’ moniker for the tournament itself is a poignant nod to Cena’s famous catchphrase, emphasizing the finality of this chapter. The selection of Saturday Night’s Main Event, a revived classic WWE programming slot, adds an additional layer of prestige to the retirement bout, ensuring maximum visibility for the historic event.

The tournament’s journey was characterized by unexpected twists, compelling narratives, and stellar in-ring performances from a diverse roster of talent. Sixteen competitors, eight from Raw, six from SmackDown, and two from NXT, were selected based on recent performance, championship pedigree, and fan engagement.

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First Round Action: Surprises and Strong Starts

The inaugural round, spread across the November 10 Raw and November 14 SmackDown episodes, immediately set a competitive tone. On Raw, Gunther wasted no time asserting his dominance, swiftly dispatching Ricochet in a match that highlighted the Austrian’s clinical precision and power. Cody Rhodes, a perennial main event contender, also advanced with a decisive victory over Bronson Reed, signaling his intent to reach the final. One of the most talked-about moments from the Raw side of the bracket was the return of Dolph Ziggler. Receiving a thunderous ovation from the live audience, Ziggler delivered a vintage performance against Chad Gable, ultimately securing a win that momentarily transported fans back to a celebrated era. However, his journey was cut short in the subsequent round.

The SmackDown portion of the first round also delivered significant moments. LA Knight, whose popularity has surged exponentially in recent years, navigated past Solo Sikoa in a hard-hitting contest, showcasing his resilience and crowd-commanding presence. The other major surprise on SmackDown was the one-off return of Zack Ryder (Matt Cardona), a long-time associate and former rival of Cena. Ryder, despite a spirited effort and a nostalgic reaction from the crowd, fell to the rising star Grayson Waller, demonstrating the current roster’s competitive edge.

A particularly dramatic development involved The Miz and Jey Uso. Miz, a multi-time champion known for his cunning, lost his opening-round match to Uso. However, fate intervened when Sheamus, another participant with a strong claim to the final spot, sustained an unforeseen injury during a training session. WWE officials, citing the need to maintain the bracket’s integrity and provide a viable alternative, reinstated The Miz into the tournament, sparking debate among fans and analysts about the fairness of the decision. Miz’s return meant he would face Jey Uso again in the next round, setting up a compelling rematch.

Quarterfinals: Establishing Contenders

The quarterfinals, unfolding on the November 17 Raw and November 21 SmackDown, began to narrow the field of serious contenders. Gunther continued his dominant run on Raw, systematically dismantling Drew McIntyre in a physically demanding encounter. McIntyre, a former WWE Champion, pushed Gunther to his limits, but the "Ring General"’s signature chops and submissions proved too much. Cody Rhodes advanced past Dolph Ziggler, ending Ziggler’s nostalgic return and solidifying Rhodes’ status as a frontrunner.

On SmackDown, LA Knight delivered another impressive performance, overcoming a determined Santos Escobar. The Miz, benefiting from his second chance, surprisingly defeated Jey Uso in their rematch, employing a more aggressive strategy than their initial encounter. This victory further fueled his narrative as a resourceful, if opportunistic, competitor. The Miz’s path to the semi-finals, however, would be cut short by Gunther.

Semifinals: The Final Four Battle for Glory

The semifinal matches, broadcast on the November 24 Raw and November 28 SmackDown, were high-stakes affairs. On Raw, the highly anticipated clash between Gunther and Cody Rhodes lived up to its billing. In a brutal, technical masterpiece, both men exchanged powerful blows and intricate submissions. Gunther’s relentless offense and ability to withstand Rhodes’ signature Cross Rhodes ultimately secured him the victory via submission, a testament to his unbreakable will. This win sent Gunther to the tournament final, cementing his status as the odds-on favorite.

The SmackDown semifinal pitted LA Knight against The Miz. While perhaps not as physically intense as the Raw semifinal, this match was a masterclass in psychological warfare and strategic wrestling. Knight, energized by the crowd’s fervent support, systematically broke down Miz’s game plan, countering his trickery with raw power and charisma. Knight delivered his patented BFT (Blunt Force Trauma) to secure the pinfall victory, earning his spot in the tournament final and setting up a showdown between two of WWE’s most compelling figures.

The Grand Final: Gunther vs. LA Knight

The ‘Last Time is Now’ Tournament final took place on the December 5 episode of SmackDown, pitting the stoic, dominant force of Gunther against the charismatic, surging LA Knight. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with fans divided between Gunther’s undeniable in-ring prowess and Knight’s infectious connection with the audience.

The match itself was a clash of styles and philosophies. Gunther employed his signature methodical, hard-hitting offense, utilizing a barrage of chops, powerbombs, and submissions to wear down Knight. He targeted Knight’s midsection and legs, attempting to limit his mobility and explosive offense. Knight, however, demonstrated remarkable resilience, absorbing Gunther’s punishment and continuously attempting to rally the crowd. He utilized his quickness and striking ability to create openings, hitting Gunther with neckbreakers and his signature elbow drop.

The turning point came after a grueling 20-minute exchange. Knight managed to land a series of offensive maneuvers, culminating in a BFT attempt. However, Gunther, demonstrating his uncanny ability to counter, reversed the move into a devastating powerbomb, followed by a locked-in Boston Crab submission. Despite a valiant struggle, Knight had no choice but to tap out, handing Gunther the victory and the right to face John Cena.

Gunther: The Architect of Dominance

Gunther’s victory in ‘The Last Time is Now’ Tournament is a significant milestone in his already impressive career. The former Intercontinental Champion, renowned for his record-breaking title reign and his leadership of Imperium, has consistently proven himself to be one of WWE’s most dominant and technically proficient competitors. His physical style, rooted in European wrestling traditions, has earned him both critical acclaim and the respect of his peers. Facing John Cena in his final match is not only a monumental opportunity but also a profound validation of Gunther’s position as a top-tier performer in the modern era of WWE. This victory positions him as a potential cornerstone for the company’s future, a legitimate main event threat who has now conquered a field of elite competitors.

LA Knight: A Resounding Performance

While LA Knight did not secure the tournament victory, his performance throughout the competition, culminating in a strong showing in the final, cemented his status as a legitimate main event contender. Knight’s connection with the WWE Universe is undeniable, and his journey to the final round demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and deliver captivating matches. His rise has been organic and sustained, propelled by his unique charisma and effective in-ring work. Reaching the final of such a high-profile tournament, especially against an opponent of Gunther’s caliber, indicates a continued upward trajectory for Knight, promising future championship opportunities.

Anticipation for Cena’s Farewell

With Gunther now officially confirmed as John Cena’s final opponent, anticipation for the December 13 Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington D.C. has reached fever pitch. The matchup presents a fascinating dynamic: the established, decorated legend making his final bow against a dominant, ascendant force in WWE. Cena’s career has been defined by his ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, while Gunther’s has been defined by his unwavering resolve and crushing offense.

The encounter is expected to be a poignant blend of respect, legacy, and raw competition. Cena’s final appearance will undoubtedly draw a massive global audience, eager to witness the end of an era. The choice of Gunther, a performer who embodies a different, more grounded wrestling style compared to many of Cena’s past rivals, ensures that the match will be a stark, physical test, providing a fitting final challenge for a legend of Cena’s stature. The outcome of the match, while significant, will ultimately be secondary to the historical moment it represents: the official farewell of one of professional wrestling’s most enduring icons. The stage is set for a memorable conclusion to an extraordinary career.

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