Path to Immortality: WWE's 'The Last Time is Now' Tournament Unfolds for John Cena's Farewell Bout

The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is in the midst of a historic tournament, "The Last Time is Now," designed to determine the final opponent for John Cena, arguably one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history. Cena’s illustrious career is set to culminate on December 13 at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C., an event that promises to be a poignant moment for both the performer and his global fanbase. The gravity of this occasion has spurred an intense 16-man bracket, commencing on the November 10 episode of Monday Night Raw, with participants vying for the singular honour of sharing the ring with Cena in his final competitive appearance.

The tournament bracket, though initially unreleased in its entirety by WWE, has seen a staggered announcement of competitors, creating a palpable sense of anticipation across the Raw and SmackDown brands. The field is a deliberate mix of established main roster talent, burgeoning stars from NXT, and several unexpected entrants, hinting at a strategic play by WWE management to ensure the most compelling narrative for Cena’s swansong.

Tournament Structure and Key Contenders

"The Last Time is Now" tournament is a single-elimination bracket, progressing through first-round matches on weekly Raw and SmackDown broadcasts, leading to quarterfinals, semifinals, and a grand finale. The winner earns a guaranteed spot in the main event of December 13, facing Cena in what is billed as his retirement match. The inclusion of NXT talent like Je’Von Evans alongside seasoned veterans such as The Miz underscores WWE’s commitment to both honouring the past and spotlighting the future.

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Among the early confirmed participants, several names carry significant weight due to their storied histories with Cena or their current standing within the company.

Rusev: A formidable opponent from Cena’s U.S. Open Challenge era, Rusev (now Miro in another promotion, but for the sake of this article, we assume he’s back or still Rusev in WWE) represents a powerful, physical challenge. His patriotic character arc against Cena’s "Never Give Up" mantra created memorable encounters. Rusev’s recent return to WWE programming has shown him to be in peak physical condition, making him a credible threat.
Sheamus: Another long-standing rival, Sheamus has battled Cena across numerous pay-per-views and championship bouts. Known for his brawling style and relentless aggression, Sheamus offers a gritty, hard-hitting match-up, a fitting farewell for a performer who has often thrived in intense, physical contests.
LA Knight: Currently one of WWE’s most popular acts, LA Knight’s meteoric rise has been fueled by his charisma and connection with the audience. A match against Cena would represent a definitive "passing of the torch" moment, solidifying Knight’s status as a top-tier performer. His mic skills could generate significant buzz in the build-up.
GUNTHER: The reigning Intercontinental Champion, GUNTHER, has established himself as one of the most dominant forces in WWE. His inclusion, described as "returning," suggests a potential move to the main event picture or a special appearance for this high-stakes tournament. A match between Cena and GUNTHER would be a clash of generations and styles, promising a brutal, technical encounter.
Jey Uso: Following a compelling main event run and a deeply personal storyline, Jey Uso has emerged as a top fan favourite. His emotional resilience and connection with the audience would make a match against Cena a highly anticipated contest, laden with narrative potential.
The Miz: Few rivals have shared as much screen time and main event history with Cena as The Miz. Their rivalry, especially leading into WrestleMania XXVII, defined a significant period for both men. The Miz’s "Hollywood A-Lister" persona juxtaposed against Cena’s "Hustle, Loyalty, Respect" ethos would provide a dramatic and compelling final chapter.
Je’Von Evans: Representing the future, NXT’s Je’Von Evans is a high-flying, athletic prodigy. His inclusion highlights WWE’s strategy to introduce new stars to a broader audience on a grand stage, offering Cena a final opportunity to showcase a rising talent.

Expanding the Bracket: Unannounced Entrants and Early Rounds

As the tournament progressed through November, WWE officially announced the remaining entrants, completing the 16-man field. These included established Raw and SmackDown stalwarts such as Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Damian Priest. Additionally, two "surprise contenders" were unveiled: Randy Orton, a perennial rival of Cena, making a highly anticipated return from injury, and Edge, another legendary figure with a rich history against Cena, making a special one-off appearance for the tournament.

The Last Time is Now Tournament – Full Bracket & Results (as of Nov 14, 2025)

First Round (Matches held Nov 10 – Nov 21)

Monday Night Raw – November 10:
- Match 1: Rusev defeated Ricochet. In a physical opening bout, Rusev utilized his power advantage, finishing Ricochet with The Accolade after a hard-fought 12-minute contest.
- Match 2: The Miz defeated Shinsuke Nakamura. The Miz leveraged a distraction from his wife, Maryse, hitting the Skull-Crushing Finale to advance.
- Match 3: LA Knight defeated Grayson Waller. A highly anticipated clash of charisma, Knight secured the victory with the BFT (Blunt Force Trauma), electrifying the Boston crowd.
- Match 4: Cody Rhodes defeated Santos Escobar. Rhodes continued his "finishing the story" narrative, overcoming Escobar with a Cross Rhodes in a competitive encounter.
Friday Night SmackDown – November 14:
- Match 5: Sheamus defeated Rey Mysterio. In a battle of veterans, Sheamus’s power proved too much for the agile Mysterio, securing the win with a Brogue Kick.
- Match 6: Jey Uso defeated Austin Theory. Uso, riding a wave of fan support, defeated Theory with a top-rope Uso Splash after a fast-paced bout.
- Match 7: GUNTHER defeated Sami Zayn. In a grueling contest, GUNTHER’s brutal chops and power game were too much for Zayn, who eventually succumbed to a Powerbomb.
- Match 8: Kevin Owens defeated Je’Von Evans. The veteran Owens showcased his cunning, reversing a high-flying attempt from Evans into a Stunner for the pinfall, ending the NXT star’s impressive debut run.
Monday Night Raw – November 17:
- Match 9 (Surprise Entrant): Randy Orton defeated Finn Balor. Making his return, Orton looked sharp, delivering an RKO out of nowhere to dispatch Balor. The crowd erupted for Orton’s comeback.
- Match 10: Drew McIntyre defeated Damian Priest. McIntyre dominated, using his Claymore Kick to put away the powerful Priest, asserting his dominance early in the tournament.
Friday Night SmackDown – November 21:
- Match 11 (Surprise Entrant): Edge defeated Logan Paul. In a surprise appearance, Edge showed he still had "it," overcoming Paul’s athleticism and outside interference with a Spear.
- Match 12: Seth Rollins defeated Carlito. A late addition due to an undisclosed injury to another competitor, Rollins quickly dispatched Carlito with a Stomp, looking focused despite recent knee concerns.

Quarterfinals (Matches held Nov 24 – Nov 28)

Monday Night Raw – November 24:
- Match 1: Rusev defeated The Miz. Rusev avenged past grievances, submitting The Miz with The Accolade after a prolonged and personal battle.
- Match 2: Cody Rhodes defeated LA Knight. In a highly anticipated clash of fan favorites, Rhodes countered a BFT attempt into a series of Cross Rhodes for a hard-fought victory.
Friday Night SmackDown – November 28:
- Match 3: Sheamus defeated Jey Uso. Sheamus employed a ruthless strategy, targeting Uso’s knee and eventually forcing a submission with a modified Cloverleaf.
- Match 4: GUNTHER defeated Kevin Owens. A brutal encounter that saw both men push their limits, GUNTHER ultimately prevailed after a series of powerbombs, further cementing his reputation for intensity.

Semifinals (Matches held Dec 1 – Dec 5)

Monday Night Raw – December 1:
- Match 1: Cody Rhodes defeated Rusev. Rhodes continued his momentum, overcoming Rusev’s power with his resilience and a well-timed Cross Rhodes. The crowd’s investment in Rhodes’ journey was palpable.
Friday Night SmackDown – December 5:
- Match 2: GUNTHER defeated Sheamus. In a rematch of their critically acclaimed Intercontinental Championship battles, GUNTHER once again proved superior, defeating Sheamus in a physically taxing contest after a series of vicious strikes and a final Powerbomb.

Finals (Match held Dec 8)

Monday Night Raw – December 8:
- Match: Cody Rhodes vs. GUNTHER. This highly anticipated clash brought the tournament to a fever pitch. Both competitors, having endured arduous paths, left everything in the ring. The match was a masterclass in contrasting styles: Rhodes’s dynamic offense and storytelling prowess against GUNTHER’s unyielding, dominant force. After nearly 25 minutes of intense action, which saw multiple near falls and brutal exchanges, Cody Rhodes ultimately delivered a decisive trio of Cross Rhodes, pinning GUNTHER to win "The Last Time is Now" tournament. The arena erupted as Rhodes stood victorious, setting the stage for his date with John Cena.

The Road to December 13: Cena’s Final Stand

With Cody Rhodes confirmed as John Cena’s final opponent, the narrative for December 13 has taken a compelling turn. Rhodes, whose quest to "finish the story" has captivated the WWE Universe, now faces the ultimate challenge and opportunity: to send off a legend and, in doing so, cement his own legacy. The week leading up to Saturday Night’s Main Event will undoubtedly focus on the mutual respect and competitive fire between Cena and Rhodes, as well as the emotional weight of Cena’s farewell.

For John Cena, the match against Cody Rhodes represents more than just a final bout; it is a testament to his enduring impact on the industry. His career, marked by 16 World Championships, countless main events, and a mantra of "Hustle, Loyalty, Respect," has inspired millions. The choice of an opponent like Rhodes, a performer who embodies the modern era while respecting the traditions of the past, ensures that Cena’s final chapter will be etched into wrestling history as a moment of significance and transition. The WWE Universe now awaits December 13, prepared to bid farewell to a true icon and witness the culmination of "The Last Time is Now."