The last time is almost now. Heading into November, WWE icon John Cena has just four dates left on his retirement tour. His final appearance and match will come in December in the nation’s capital at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Fans have wondered all year who will be his opponent in his retirement match. Well, on Saturday, WWE revealed they will soon begin a 16-man “Last Time is Now” tournament to decide who will be the 17-time champion’s final foe. Before the company reveals who will be in the tourney, we offer up a bunch of dream options as well as some of the likely participants to take part in the event.
Sheamus
In the hype video, long-time Cena rival Sheamus was featured. It makes a bunch of sense for him to be in the tournament. He has a long history with the WWE GOAT and hasn’t faced him during his retirement tour. Furthermore, he is not locked into any major story at the moment, so being a featured part of the tourney is likely.
Carmelo Hayes
WWE management has always been high on Carmelo Hayes. After what seems like a return to being a babyface on SmackDown in recent weeks, the NXT great getting a notable push and being showcased in the “Last Time is Now” tournament is a strong possibility heading into the first round matchups.
Drew McIntyre
Following another loss to Cody Rhodes at this weekend’s Saturday Night Main Event, Drew McIntyre has no obvious path forward. Being the man to hand Cena a loss in his final bout, especially since they have never faced off before, is something that fits the ego of his character. Don’t be surprised if McIntyre has a lengthy run in the tournament.
Edge
The preferred choice among most long-time WWE fans, but the most unlikely would be John Cena having one last match with, arguably, his greatest rival, Edge (AKA Adama Copeland). However, the “Rated-R” superstar is currently an AEW contracted talent. While it would be a great surprise and good advertising for AEW, Edge returning was already unlikely, but even more so now that he would need to win multiple matchups to get to one last clash with Cena.
Joe Hendry
Former TNA Wrestling champ Joe Hendry has stated publicly that he wanted to have Cena face him for the belt. That won’t happen, but Hendry being in the tournament is a strong possibility. He is expected to sign with WWE very soon. Getting showcased in such a prestigious event would help further grow his brand with WWE fans before he officially becomes a member of the roster.
Chris Jericho
Another fun dream option would be Chris Jericho making his rumored return to WWE to take part in the “Last Time is Now” tournament. There have been rumblings for months that he is leaving AEW for one last run in the company that made him a legend. If the final opponent was going to be a secret for December, Jericho being that man would be very possible. But it is less so now in a tournament. But fans will surely be hoping it happens.
Gunther
The odds-on favorite to win the tournament, based on various rumors, is Gunther. He has been away from the company since SummerSlam. Making a grand return to run through the tournament is a fitting way to bring him back in a big way, but not involve the title. Furthermore, being the man to retire both Goldberg and Cena in the same year would be another huge addition to his already impressive resume.
Trick Williams
There is nothing else Trick Williams can do in NXT. At this point, he is just doing the honors to help other talent before he leaves. It makes a bunch of sense for him to be in this tournament and get close to facing Cena. It perfectly fits his character right now, and would quickly establish him with unfamiliar fans if he got victories over main roster talent.
Miz
One-time Cena rival The Miz is a lock to be in this tournament. He is not going to get close to the finals match, but it makes too much sense for him to be involved, considering he scored a win over the GOAT at WrestleMania 27. Chances are, he is in the tourney, and it is used to continue his feud with former friend Carmelo Hayes.
Rusev
After coming up short in his pursuit of the Intercontinental title again at SNME, Rusev pivoting to being in the tournament is another lock. Plus, the pair also have history. “The Unseen 17” was the man who ended his undefeated streak and reign as United States champion in 2015 at WrestleMania 31.
Uncle Howdy
John Cena has a notable history with deceased WWE great Bray Wyatt, and their “Firefly Funhouse” match at WrestleMania 36 is fondly remembered. His brother, and Wyatt Sicks leader, Uncle Howdy — AKA Bo Dallas — taking part in the tourney fits. Especially after Cena used their finisher the Sister Abigail last month at Crown Jewel as a nod to his one time rival.
LA Knight
One performer who could really use a deep run in the tournament and the chance to be Cena’s final opponent is LA Knight. He is stuck in a bit of limbo after some failed attempts at the World Heavyweight title. He needs some big win and a huge match to keep him hot. Getting through the tourney and a loss or win against Cena would keep the fan-favorite red hot going into the new year.
Solo Sikoa
Before he went out on his own, MFT leader Solo Sikoa scored a big win over John Cena two years ago at Crown Jewel. It is a loss Cena has yet to avenge. If the company wanted the legend to get a win on his way out, letting Sikoa win his way through the tournament to get that a huge match would be a big boost to his status. Although most fans would not be in favor of the matchup in Cena’s last bout.
Nic Nemeth
Nic Nemeth, FKA Dolph Ziggler, has not been interested in competing on NXT as part of WWE’s partnership with TNA. However, making a return to Raw or SmackDown to be in the tournament is very possible. Especially since Cena said their could be surprises with participants not currently on the roster. The two have history, and it is an opportunity that makes sense for Nemeth’s character.
Bron Breakker
Early in John Cena’s retirement tour, many thought it was likely one of his opponent’s would be Bron Breakker. However, the two have never come close to facing off in 2025. If Gunther isn’t Cena’s final foe, Breakker running through the tournament and retiring the WWE legend next month makes sense since the company feels the second-generation talent is a future ‘Mania headliner.
Dominik Mysterio
The last few months have shown how high WWE is on Dominik Mysterio, as the two-company champion has had a lengthy IC title reign with no end in sight. There have already been rumors he could face Cena during his retirement tour. It is not out of the realm of possibility he some how cheats his way to a clash with the wrestling icon in December.
