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Washington, D.C. – December 9, 2025 – The wrestling world stands on the precipice of a significant moment as John Cena, one of WWE’s most decorated and influential superstars, prepares for his final professional wrestling match on Saturday, December 13. The opponent for this historic encounter, which will headline WWE’s "Saturday Night’s Main Event" in the nation’s capital, has been definitively determined: Gunther, "The Ring General," emerged victorious from the highly anticipated "The Last Time is Now" tournament, solidifying his place opposite Cena in what promises to be a generational clash.
The decision for Cena to conclude his illustrious in-ring career was met with widespread fan and industry speculation regarding his final adversary. To ensure a competitor worthy of the occasion, WWE established the 16-man "The Last Time is Now" tournament, a rigorous single-elimination bracket featuring top talent from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. The competition, which commenced on the November 10 episode of Monday Night Raw, captivated audiences for nearly a month, culminating in Gunther’s triumph on the December 5 episode of SmackDown. His victory over fan-favorite LA Knight in a hard-fought final bout now positions him for a career-defining moment against the 16-time World Champion.
John Cena’s legacy in World Wrestling Entertainment is unparalleled. Debuting on the main roster in 2002, Cena quickly ascended to become the undisputed face of the company for over a decade. His record-tying 16 World Championship reigns, including five United States Championship victories and four Tag Team Championship runs, underscore his dominance. Beyond the championships, Cena’s commitment to the WWE brand, his iconic "Never Give Up" mantra, and his unprecedented work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting over 650 wishes, have cemented his status as a global icon. In recent years, Cena has transitioned to a highly successful acting career in Hollywood, limiting his WWE appearances to special attractions. This farewell match marks the definitive end of his full-time or even part-time in-ring commitments, drawing a line under a career that has spanned more than two decades and inspired millions. His last significant WWE appearance prior to this farewell tour saw him engage in a competitive, though ultimately losing, effort at WrestleMania, indicating that while his appearances have been sporadic, his in-ring capabilities remain potent.
The "The Last Time is Now" tournament was designed to create a fitting narrative for Cena’s departure, pitting established veterans against rising stars. The tournament bracket featured a diverse array of talent, each vying for the unique opportunity to share the ring with Cena in his final outing. The opening rounds, spread across Raw and SmackDown episodes throughout November, provided immediate drama and unexpected turns.
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One of the most notable occurrences in the first round was the surprise return of two former WWE mainstays with historical connections to Cena. On the November 17 episode of SmackDown, Zack Ryder (now known as Matt Cardona outside WWE) made a one-off return to a massive ovation. Ryder, who famously had a storyline association with Cena during his peak "Woo Woo Woo" popularity, faced Grayson Waller in a competitive, nostalgia-fueled contest. While Ryder ultimately fell short, his return underscored the magnitude of the tournament. Similarly, on the November 10 episode of Raw, Dolph Ziggler, another veteran who shared countless battles and segments with Cena over the years, returned for a single match against Finn Bálor. Ziggler, known for his athletic prowess and showmanship, received a warm reception from the live audience, though he too was unable to advance past the first round. These surprise entrants added an emotional layer to the tournament, bridging Cena’s past with the present.
Further complicating the bracket was the unforeseen re-entry of The Miz. After losing his initial first-round match against Jey Uso on Raw, The Miz’s tournament journey appeared over. However, an unfortunate injury sustained by Sheamus, who was slated for a quarterfinal bout, opened a slot. The Miz, ever the opportunist, successfully petitioned for re-entry, citing his veteran status and recent form. He then capitalized on this second chance, defeating Ricochet in an impromptu quarterfinal match that further fueled his controversial path through the bracket. This unexpected twist kept fans on the edge of their seats, highlighting the unpredictable nature of WWE competition.
As the tournament progressed into the quarterfinals and semifinals, the field narrowed, and the intensity escalated. Gunther, representing the SmackDown brand, showcased his dominant "Ring General" persona throughout his path to the finals. His quarterfinal victory over Solo Sikoa was a brutal affair, emphasizing Gunther’s power and precision. In the semifinals, Gunther faced Cody Rhodes in a highly anticipated clash that many considered a potential main event in itself. The match, which took place on the December 2 episode of Raw, was a technical masterclass, with both men trading devastating blows. Gunther ultimately secured the victory following a powerbomb, further cementing his reputation as an unstoppable force.
On the other side of the bracket, LA Knight’s journey was characterized by his undeniable charisma and hard-hitting style, resonating strongly with the WWE Universe. Knight, also from SmackDown, dispatched Santos Escobar in the quarterfinals with his signature BFT (Blunt Force Trauma). His semifinal opponent was Seth Rollins, the current World Heavyweight Champion, in a non-title encounter that headlined the December 4 episode of SmackDown. Knight, fueled by the crowd’s energy and his recent surge in popularity, delivered a compelling performance, managing to overcome Rollins after a hard-fought battle, setting up a blockbuster final against Gunther.
The tournament finals, broadcast live on the December 5 episode of SmackDown, pitted Gunther against LA Knight. The match was a stark contrast in styles: Gunther’s methodical, hard-hitting European strong style against Knight’s more agile, crowd-pleasing brawler approach. The contest delivered on its high expectations, with both competitors exchanging near falls and showcasing their extensive arsenals. Knight’s attempts to utilize his speed and agility were often stifled by Gunther’s brute force and unforgiving chops. In the closing moments, after a grueling 20-minute encounter, Gunther managed to counter a BFT attempt into a devastating powerbomb, followed by a lariat, securing the pinfall victory and the right to face John Cena. The arena erupted in a mix of cheers and gasps, acknowledging Gunther’s formidable achievement while also recognizing Knight’s valiant effort.
Gunther, who has held the Intercontinental Championship for a record-breaking tenure in 2023-2024, has established himself as one of WWE’s most formidable and respected competitors. His "Ring General" moniker is well-earned, reflecting his no-nonsense approach and his ability to dismantle opponents with clinical precision. His hard-hitting style, rooted in European wrestling traditions, provides a compelling contrast to Cena’s more power-based and resilient offense. Facing Cena in his final match is not only a monumental opportunity for Gunther but also a symbolic passing of the torch, as a dominant figure of the new generation prepares to challenge an icon of the past. Gunther’s recent victories over high-profile opponents further underscore his readiness for this main event spotlight.
The stage is now set for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13 in Washington, D.C. John Cena’s final match against Gunther represents a confluence of eras, a test of wills between an enduring legend and a contemporary powerhouse. The anticipation for this encounter is palpable, as fans prepare to witness the final chapter of one of professional wrestling’s most storied careers, ensuring a memorable and historic conclusion to Cena’s time in the squared circle.
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