Gunther Triumphs in 'The Last Time is Now' Tournament, Set to Face John Cena in Historic Farewell Bout

The culmination of an intense month-long competition, "The Last Time is Now" Tournament, concluded on December 5, 2025, with Gunther emerging victorious, earning the distinguished opportunity to face John Cena in his final WWE match. Cena’s career-defining farewell bout is scheduled for Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13 in Washington, D.C., marking a significant moment in professional wrestling history as one of its most iconic figures prepares to step away from active competition.

John Cena, a sixteen-time world champion and a cornerstone of WWE for over two decades, announced his impending retirement match, setting in motion the unique tournament designed to determine his final opponent. The "Last Time is Now" bracket featured sixteen top-tier superstars drawn from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, all vying for the singular honor of challenging a legendary figure in his last professional wrestling encounter. The tournament commenced on the November 10 episode of Monday Night Raw and unfolded over several weeks, culminating in the high-stakes finals on SmackDown.

The eventual victor, Gunther, known universally as "The Ring General," has established himself as one of WWE’s most dominant and technically proficient competitors. His reign as Intercontinental Champion, which surpassed historical records, cemented his status as a formidable force, characterized by a hard-hitting, no-nonsense in-ring style. Gunther’s path to the finals was marked by a series of decisive victories against a field of diverse and highly skilled opponents, showcasing his unparalleled European strong style and strategic prowess. His triumph sets the stage for a compelling clash of generations and philosophies against Cena, whose career was built on the ethos of "Hustle, Loyalty, Respect" and an indomitable spirit.

The final confrontation saw Gunther pitted against the charismatic and increasingly popular LA Knight. Knight, whose recent surge in fan engagement and main event caliber performances has made him a standout, had also navigated a challenging bracket to reach the tournament’s climax. The match between Gunther and LA Knight was a hard-fought battle, reflecting the high stakes and the immense prestige associated with facing Cena in his final outing. Gunther ultimately prevailed, securing his place in what promises to be a memorable chapter in WWE lore.

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The "Last Time is Now" Tournament was not without its dramatic narratives and unexpected turns, adding layers of intrigue to the already significant stakes. Two surprise entrants from Cena’s storied past made brief but impactful returns, resonating deeply with long-time fans. Zack Ryder, a former tag team partner and long-time friend of Cena, made a one-off appearance on SmackDown. Ryder, whose career trajectory saw him rise to cult hero status with grassroots fan support, received a significant ovation, a testament to his enduring connection with the WWE Universe and his history with Cena. Similarly, Dolph Ziggler, a veteran known for his athletic prowess and ability to steal the show, also returned for a single match on Raw, receiving a warm and appreciative reception from the crowd. These appearances served as poignant reminders of Cena’s extensive career and the many individuals he has shared the ring with.

Further adding to the tournament’s unpredictable nature, The Miz, a former WWE Champion and a long-standing rival of Cena, found an unexpected route back into the competition. After losing his opening-round match against Jey Uso, The Miz capitalized on an unforeseen circumstance when Sheamus was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to an undisclosed injury. Demonstrating his characteristic opportunism and resourcefulness, The Miz leveraged this opening to re-enter the bracket, further highlighting the competitive and sometimes chaotic landscape of the tournament. While The Miz’s second chance did not lead to a final victory, his presence underscored the depth of the field and the unique twists that defined the competition.

The tournament’s structure, a 16-man single-elimination bracket, ensured that every match carried significant weight. Superstars from all three WWE brands – Raw, SmackDown, and NXT – participated, offering a diverse array of wrestling styles and career trajectories. While the full detailed bracket with every match outcome has been meticulously tracked by the WWE Universe, the journey of both Gunther and LA Knight to the finals involved overcoming formidable opposition. Their respective paths highlighted not only their individual skills but also the competitive depth within WWE’s roster, with established main eventers and rising stars all eager to etch their names into history by being the one to face Cena.

John Cena’s decision to conclude his in-ring career at "Saturday Night’s Main Event" in Washington, D.C., carries significant symbolic weight. "Saturday Night’s Main Event" itself is a revived series, harkening back to a classic era of professional wrestling, providing a fittingly grand stage for a legendary farewell. Cena’s career has been defined by his unparalleled connection with the audience, his consistent main event status, and his ability to transcend the wrestling world into mainstream entertainment. His departure marks the end of an era, leaving an indelible legacy of dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the WWE brand.

The anticipation surrounding Cena’s final match against Gunther is immense. It represents a passing of the torch, a clash between the quintessential WWE superhero and a dominant, unyielding force who embodies a more grounded, intensely physical style of wrestling. For Gunther, this match offers an unprecedented platform to further solidify his status as a top-tier performer and a legitimate main event attraction, having earned the right to face a legend in his final performance. For Cena, it is an opportunity to deliver one last memorable performance, encapsulating the spirit of his "Never Give Up" mantra, before transitioning fully into the next phase of his illustrious career. The December 13 event is expected to be an emotional and historic night, not just for the participants, but for the millions of fans who have followed John Cena’s remarkable journey.

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