Gunther Claims 'The Last Time is Now' Tournament Victory, Set to Face John Cena in Iconic WWE Farewell

Washington, D.C. – December 9, 2025 – Gunther, widely recognized as "The Ring General," has emerged victorious in the fiercely contested "The Last Time is Now" Tournament, securing the esteemed opportunity to face John Cena in his final professional wrestling match for WWE. The highly anticipated retirement bout is scheduled for Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, marking a significant milestone in sports entertainment history. The tournament, spanning nearly a month of intense competition across WWE’s flagship brands, culminated in Gunther defeating fan-favorite LA Knight in the finals, solidifying his position as a dominant force within the company.

The "The Last Time is Now" Tournament commenced on the November 10 episode of Monday Night Raw, drawing a field of sixteen elite superstars from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. The competition was designed to identify a worthy opponent for John Cena’s farewell, a fitting tribute to a career that has spanned over two decades and seen Cena become one of the most decorated and globally recognized figures in professional wrestling. The tournament’s progression was meticulously followed by millions of fans worldwide, concluding with the championship match on the December 5 episode of SmackDown.

Tournament Structure and Early Rounds

The initial bracket of sixteen competitors underscored the diverse talent pool within WWE, featuring established main eventers, rising stars, and a few unexpected entries that added significant intrigue. Participants were drawn from all three major brands, emphasizing the cross-brand appeal of Cena’s final chapter. The first round, spread across various episodes of Raw and SmackDown in mid-November, saw several compelling matchups.

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On the November 10 edition of Raw, the tournament kicked off with immediate drama. Gunther initiated his dominant run by dispatching Ricochet in a hard-hitting contest that showcased "The Ring General’s" signature power and technical precision. Meanwhile, Dolph Ziggler, a surprise entrant and former world champion, received a palpable ovation from the audience as he returned for a special one-off match. Ziggler put up a valiant effort against Chad Gable, demonstrating flashes of his classic athleticism, but ultimately succumbed to Gable’s amateur wrestling prowess, bowing out of the tournament in the first round.

SmackDown’s contributions to the first round also delivered notable moments. LA Knight began his path to the finals with a decisive victory over Elias, capitalizing on his charismatic presence and impactful offense. The blue brand also saw the return of Zack Ryder, another surprise entrant from Cena’s past, who competed in a nostalgic one-off encounter. Ryder, known for his "Woo Woo Woo" catchphrase and internet sensation status during the early 2010s, faced off against Grayson Waller. Despite a spirited performance that evoked strong fan reactions, Ryder was ultimately defeated by Waller, who leveraged his opportunistic tactics. Jey Uso secured his passage to the quarterfinals by overcoming The Miz in a high-octane encounter, leaving Miz initially eliminated.

However, the tournament was not without its unexpected twists. Following his first-round loss, The Miz was granted a second chance under unforeseen circumstances. Sheamus, another veteran and former world champion who had advanced past his initial opponent, was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a legitimate injury sustained during a subsequent training session. This opened a slot, and The Miz, leveraging his on-screen persona and political maneuvering, successfully lobbied for re-entry into the competition, replacing the injured Sheamus. This controversial development added another layer of unpredictability to the proceedings, further highlighting the high stakes involved in earning the final match against John Cena.

Quarterfinals: The Field Narrows

The quarterfinals, primarily contested during the final week of November, saw the remaining eight competitors intensify their campaigns. Gunther continued his impressive streak on Raw, overpowering Bronson Reed in a physically demanding encounter. His methodical dismantling of Reed further cemented his status as a formidable contender. Elsewhere on Raw, Drew McIntyre defeated Damian Priest, employing his raw power and Claymore Kick to advance, showcasing his recent resurgence in form.

On SmackDown, LA Knight maintained his momentum, overcoming the returning Miz in a match that saw "The A-Lister" attempting to prove his worth after his re-entry. Knight’s undeniable connection with the audience fueled his performance, allowing him to secure a hard-fought victory. In another key SmackDown quarterfinal, Jey Uso defeated Solo Sikoa in a highly anticipated sibling rivalry match. The emotional and physical toll of this family clash was evident, with Jey emerging as the victor, securing his spot in the semifinals.

Semifinals: Defining Moments

The semifinals, broadcast during the first week of December, brought the tournament’s tension to a peak. On the December 2 episode of Raw, Gunther faced Drew McIntyre in a colossal showdown between two former world champions renowned for their physicality. The match was a brutal affair, characterized by stiff chops, power moves, and near-falls. In a testament to his resilience and unwavering focus, Gunther managed to counter McIntyre’s Claymore Kick and secure a submission victory, advancing to the tournament finals. This win was particularly significant, as it demonstrated Gunther’s ability to overcome top-tier competition with both his striking and technical acumen.

The SmackDown semifinal, held on the December 5 episode, pitted LA Knight against Jey Uso. This contest was a study in contrasts: Knight’s brash confidence and crowd interaction against Uso’s emotional intensity and high-flying offense. The match saw numerous momentum shifts, with both competitors delivering signature maneuvers. In the closing moments, LA Knight capitalized on a slight misstep from Uso, delivering his BFT (Blunt Force Trauma) finisher to clinch the victory, earning him the other coveted spot in the tournament final. The crowd reaction to Knight’s win was deafening, underscoring his immense popularity and the anticipation for his final showdown.

The Grand Finale: Gunther vs. LA Knight

The highly anticipated final match of "The Last Time is Now" Tournament took place on the December 5 episode of SmackDown, pitting the stoic, dominant force of Gunther against the electrifying, fan-supported LA Knight. The contrast in styles and personalities set the stage for a memorable encounter.

From the outset, Gunther dictated the pace, utilizing his signature chops and submission holds to wear down Knight. He targeted Knight’s midsection and limbs, aiming to neutralize his explosive offense. LA Knight, however, demonstrated his resilience, absorbing Gunther’s onslaught and attempting to rally the crowd with his characteristic taunts. He managed to create several openings, showcasing his agility and impactful strikes, including a close near-fall after a BFT.

The match escalated into a back-and-forth struggle, with both competitors showcasing their determination. Gunther’s ring generalship was on full display as he methodically countered Knight’s comebacks, eventually catching him with a devastating powerbomb. Following this, Gunther locked in a modified sleeper hold, forcing LA Knight to tap out after a grueling contest. The victory solidified Gunther’s status as the tournament winner and the designated opponent for John Cena’s final WWE match. The arena was filled with a mix of respect for Gunther’s dominance and appreciation for LA Knight’s inspiring run.

The Significance of Cena’s Farewell and Gunther’s Opportunity

John Cena’s retirement match on December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C., marks the end of an unparalleled full-time in-ring career. Cena, a 16-time World Champion, has transcended the world of professional wrestling, becoming a global entertainment icon. His dedication to WWE, coupled with his "Never Give Up" ethos, has inspired millions worldwide. While Cena has made sporadic appearances in recent years due to his burgeoning Hollywood career, this match is presented as his definitive in-ring farewell, making the identity of his final opponent a subject of intense speculation and prestige.

For Gunther, this opportunity represents a crowning achievement in his career. The Austrian powerhouse has enjoyed a meteoric rise since his main roster debut, most notably establishing a record-breaking 666-day reign as the Intercontinental Champion, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dominant champions in WWE history. His hard-hitting style, technical proficiency, and unyielding demeanor have earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following. Facing Cena in his final match not only provides Gunther with an unprecedented platform but also serves as a symbolic passing of the torch, allowing "The Ring General" to further cement his legacy by standing across the ring from one of the industry’s all-time greats.

"The tournament showcased the depth of talent within WWE, and Gunther’s victory is a testament to his undeniable skill and dominance," stated a WWE spokesperson. "John Cena’s final match is a momentous occasion, and we believe Gunther is a more than fitting opponent to send off one of the greatest of all time."

The clash between Cena’s enduring legacy and Gunther’s current reign of terror promises a compelling narrative. Cena’s experience and ability to perform on the grandest stages will be tested against Gunther’s unyielding offensive and strategic brilliance. The upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13 is poised to be an emotional and physically demanding spectacle, providing a fitting conclusion to John Cena’s illustrious in-ring career while simultaneously elevating Gunther to an even higher echelon within WWE. All eyes will be on Washington, D.C., as one era concludes and another dominant chapter continues to unfold.

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