The countdown to John Cena’s final WWE match has entered an electrifying stage. The 17-time world champion announced that his ultimate opponent will not be hand-picked; instead, a 16-man tournament titled The Last Time Is Now Tournament will determine who stands across the ring from him on December 13, 2025. What makes it even more compelling? The door is open for names not currently signed to WWE to become part of this historic bracket.
The Tournament Blueprint: A Farewell With a Twist
WWE has framed this tournament as not just a farewell, but a celebration, one that reframes Cena’s retirement as an event of unpredictability and spectacle. Participants from Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and possibly even free agents or independent stars could be included.
Two matches have already been announced for the opening round (scheduled for November 10 on Raw in Boston, Cena’s hometown): Damian Priest vs. Rusev and Sheamus vs. Shinsuke Nakamura.
With only four first-round participants revealed so far, the bracket is still mostly blank, fueling wild speculation. Many fans are guessing that WWE will use the surprise slots to bring in nostalgic names or indie talents hungry for one final spotlight.
Why Opening the Field to Non-WWE Stars Matters
1. Legacy Amplification
By letting outside wrestlers compete, WWE is acknowledging that Cena’s career resonates far beyond the company walls. He’s a generational icon, and the inbound name doesn’t just fight Cena; they step into a legacy moment.
2. Storyline Freshness
WWE’s narratives thrive on shock moments. An outsider suddenly being eligible to face Cena adds freshness, unpredictability, and buzz. It ensures the closing chapter doesn’t feel like more of the same.
3. Branding Opportunity
Hype sells. This tournament isn’t just about the matches; it’s about making Cena’s last run feel special, elevated, and talked about. Bringing in surprise entrants amplifies that.
Potential Wildcards and Fan Favorites
While nothing is official, several names are receiving buzz as possible entrants:
- Joe Hendry: An indie favourite who has stated that facing Cena is a personal dream.
- Matt Cardona (former Zack Ryder): Has a history with Cena and the kind of underdog story the tournament could lean into.
- Other names floated include luchadors, free-agent stars, and rising talent, each adding distinct flavor to the bracket.
My Take: A Tournament That’s More Than Just a Match
What stands out to me is how WWE is leveraging this tournament as a moment of closure and transition. For Cena, the goal isn’t just to walk out of the ring; it’s to leave behind a sense of finality, spectacle, and legacy.
Opening the field to unexpected competitors forces every match to feel weighty. It’s not just another bout; it feels like one last chance. For the competitors, the prize is massive: not just a match with Cena, but an indelible place in wrestling history.
For the fans, this transforms the wrestling calendar into must-watch TV. Every Thursday night, every reveal, every surprise becomes a moment of speculation and excitement. The build feels organic and high-stakes.
Of course, the danger lies in execution. If the surprise entrants are underwhelming or the booking doesn’t follow through, it could feel like a gimmick. But if WWE plays this right with strong storytelling, meaningful spots, and strategic reveals, then this tournament could go down as one of the most memorable farewell arcs in pro wrestling history.
