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Washington, D.C. – December 9, 2025 – Austrian powerhouse Gunther has emerged victorious in the highly anticipated "The Last Time is Now" tournament, earning the prestigious opportunity to face multi-time world champion John Cena in what has been billed as the legendary superstar’s final WWE match. The monumental clash is slated for Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13 in Washington, D.C., marking the culmination of Cena’s illustrious career and a fiercely contested tournament designed to select his farewell opponent.
The "Last Time is Now" tournament, a sixteen-superstar single-elimination bracket featuring competitors from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, commenced on the November 10 episode of Monday Night Raw and concluded with an electrifying final on the December 5 edition of SmackDown. The objective was clear: to determine which active WWE competitor would be granted the unparalleled honor of standing across the ring from John Cena in his final professional wrestling outing.
The Road to the Finals: A Month of Intense Competition
WWE management opted for a tournament format to underscore the magnitude of Cena’s retirement, emphasizing that the final opponent would not be chosen arbitrarily but would instead earn the spot through merit and performance. This decision resonated with the locker room, igniting a competitive fire among the roster members eager to etch their names into wrestling history.
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The opening rounds, spanning both Raw and SmackDown, delivered a mix of expected victories and unexpected upsets. From the Raw brand, established names like Gunther, Drew McIntyre, The Miz, and Jey Uso advanced, showcasing their veteran prowess. SmackDown saw LA Knight, Solo Sikoa, Santos Escobar, and Austin Theory move forward, each driven by unique motivations. NXT’s representation, notably Bron Breakker, also made a strong showing, highlighting the depth of talent across all three brands.
One of the most talked-about aspects of the early stages was the inclusion of two surprise entrants from John Cena’s storied past. On the November 14 episode of SmackDown, Zack Ryder, a former Intercontinental Champion and long-time associate of Cena, made a poignant return for a one-off match against Solo Sikoa. Despite a valiant effort that saw him briefly rekindle memories of his "Woo Woo Woo" era, Ryder ultimately fell to the dominant force of Sikoa, bowing out in the first round to a respectful ovation from the WWE Universe.
Similarly, on the November 17 Monday Night Raw, Dolph Ziggler, another former world champion and frequent rival of Cena, returned to the squared circle. Ziggler, known for his show-stealing performances, faced off against Drew McIntyre in a hard-hitting encounter. The crowd’s warm reception for Ziggler underscored his enduring popularity, though he too was unable to overcome the formidable McIntyre, exiting the tournament with a final bow that acknowledged his enduring legacy. These nostalgic returns added an emotional layer to the tournament, connecting Cena’s past with the present generation of competitors.
Further adding to the drama, The Miz, who initially lost his opening-round match against Jey Uso on Raw, found an unexpected path back into the tournament. Following a legitimate injury sustained by Sheamus during a live event, which forced the "Celtic Warrior" to withdraw from his scheduled quarterfinal match, The Miz was granted a second chance. This twist of fate provided "The A-Lister" with renewed motivation, and he capitalized on the opportunity, defeating his quarterfinal opponent, Santos Escobar, in a contentious bout.
Quarterfinals and Semifinals: Intensifying Rivalries
The quarterfinal matches, held across late November, began to narrow the field, pitting rising stars against seasoned veterans. On Raw, Gunther continued his dominant run, defeating Drew McIntyre in a physically demanding contest that saw both men push their limits. McIntyre, known for his Claymore Kick, was ultimately neutralized by Gunther’s relentless chop attacks and submission expertise. The Miz, benefiting from his re-entry, advanced by defeating Santos Escobar, though his path was met with some controversy given his initial elimination. Jey Uso showcased his renewed singles focus, defeating Ricochet in a high-flying, fast-paced encounter.
On the SmackDown side, LA Knight maintained his momentum, overcoming a resilient Solo Sikoa in a hard-fought battle that saw Sikoa’s brute force meet Knight’s cunning and crowd-backed resilience. Austin Theory, looking to make a statement, defeated a determined Bron Breakker in a competitive clash that highlighted Breakker’s immense potential despite his defeat.
The semifinals, held in early December, set the stage for the highly anticipated final. From the Raw bracket, Gunther faced The Miz. Despite Miz’s newfound aggression and opportunistic tactics, he was ultimately no match for the clinical precision and overwhelming power of Gunther, who secured a decisive victory with a powerbomb. In the SmackDown semifinal, LA Knight continued his Cinderella run, facing off against Austin Theory. In a match filled with mind games and near-falls, Knight delivered his signature BFT (Blunt Force Trauma) to secure his spot in the tournament final, much to the delight of the "Yeah!" chanting crowd.
The Grand Finale: Gunther vs. LA Knight
The stage was set for the tournament final on the December 5 episode of SmackDown: "The Ring General" Gunther against the electrifying LA Knight. The contrast in styles and personalities was stark. Gunther, renowned for his stoic demeanor, brutal chops, and submission mastery, represented a traditional, hard-hitting European wrestling style. LA Knight, on the other hand, brought an undeniable charisma, a sharp tongue, and a dynamic, opportunistic in-ring approach that had garnered him immense popularity.
The match itself was a compelling narrative of offense and counter-offense. From the opening bell, Gunther sought to establish dominance, utilizing his signature chops to wear down Knight. He targeted Knight’s midsection and back, attempting to cut off his opponent’s explosive offense. Knight, however, refused to back down, weathering the storm and strategically looking for openings. He employed his quick reflexes and agility to dodge some of Gunther’s more devastating strikes, occasionally catching the Intercontinental Champion off guard with quick flurries and impactful slams.
The bout reached a fever pitch in its closing moments. After absorbing a flurry of offense from Knight, including a close near-fall following a BFT, Gunther dug deep. He countered a subsequent attempt by Knight, trapping him in a devastating Sleeper Hold, only for Knight to bravely fight his way to the ropes. Undeterred, Gunther maintained control, hoisting Knight onto his shoulders for a thunderous powerbomb. The impact was significant, but Knight miraculously kicked out at two, electrifying the arena. The crowd, split between support for both men, roared in anticipation.
In the decisive sequence, Gunther capitalized on Knight’s momentary disorientation. He trapped Knight in his signature ‘Symphony of Destruction’ – a series of brutal chops, followed by a final, bone-jarring powerbomb that left Knight unable to respond. The referee counted the 1-2-3, and Gunther’s hand was raised in victory.
"The Ring General always reigns supreme," Gunther stated curtly in a post-match interview, his face unyielding. "Cena’s legacy is immense, but the future belongs to me. I will end his career with the respect it deserves, but I will end it decisively."
LA Knight, though visibly disappointed, remained defiant. "Yeah! It wasn’t my night, but everyone in that locker room knows I’m the next big thing," he declared. "This just fuels the fire. You haven’t seen the last of LA Knight!"
John Cena’s Farewell: A Legacy Secured
With Gunther’s triumph, the stage is now set for what promises to be an emotional and historic encounter. John Cena, a 16-time World Champion and the undisputed face of WWE for over a decade, will step into a WWE ring for the final time. Cena’s career, spanning over two decades, has seen him transition from a polarizing figure to a universally beloved icon, inspiring millions with his "Never Give Up" mantra and unparalleled dedication to the company and its fans. His recent years have seen him transition into a successful Hollywood career, making his returns to WWE increasingly rare and impactful.
The choice of Gunther as his final opponent is symbolic. Gunther represents the new guard – a dominant, no-nonsense champion who embodies intensity and athletic prowess. The clash between Cena’s veteran savvy and power-based offense against Gunther’s methodical, hard-hitting style promises a compelling match. For Gunther, this is an opportunity to solidify his status as a main event player by defeating arguably the greatest of all time in his final match. For Cena, it’s a chance to pass the torch, ending his career against a legitimate threat who will challenge him to his absolute limits.
"This tournament truly embodied what WWE is about – earning your spot," Cena commented in a recent press statement. "I’m honored to share the ring one last time with someone who has proven themselves worthy. December 13th will be about gratitude, respect, and one final performance for the greatest fans in the world."
As the WWE Universe prepares for Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C., all eyes will be on John Cena’s final bow and Gunther’s pivotal role in the closing chapter of an unparalleled career. The "Last Time is Now" tournament has delivered on its promise, setting the stage for a momentous occasion that will undoubtedly resonate through the annals of professional wrestling history.
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