John Cena Addresses WWE’s ‘The Last Time Is Now’ Tournament
By Craig Ballantyne on 3 November 2025
John Cena wants to give someone an opportunity as his final match approaches.
On December 13th, John Cena will step in the ring for the last time as an active wrestler. Ever since the 17-time World Champion announced his impending retirement at Money in the Bank back in 2024, speculation has been rife on who will face him in his last match.
Since then, Cena has already revisited his past with matches against the likes of AJ Styles, Brock Lesnar, and Randy Orton. He has also wrestled some of WWE’s younger stars, taking on Cody Rhodes and Logan Paul.
With his last match fast approaching, Cena has now announced that his last opponent will be decided by a tournament, fittingly called “The Last Time Is Now Tournament.” In the video announcement, the star stated that he wants to face whoever is willing to step up and seize the opportunity, just as he did when he answered Kurt Angle’s open challenge in his first official WWE match back in 2002.
The 16-man tournament is set to begin on the November 3rd edition of Raw in Cena’s hometown of Boston, MA with the field set to feature stars from Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and “some faces who don’t even work here.”
Commenting on the tournament on social media, Cena said he wants to use it to “repay the favor” after making the most of all the opportunities he’s been given in his career.
“For over two decades, I have tried to make the most of every opportunity I’ve been presented. On December 13th, I’d like to repay the favor.
The Last Time is Now Tournament begins next Monday in Boston!”
For over two decades, I have tried to make the most of every opportunity I’ve been presented. On December 13th, I’d like to repay the favor.
The Last Time is Now Tournament begins next Monday in Boston! https://t.co/hQTHS8Hhgu
— John Cena (@JohnCena) November 2, 2025
Who Will John Cena’s Last Opponent Be?
In recent weeks, it has been widely rumoured that John Cena’s last opponent will be none other than The Ring General, Gunther. In an added wrinkle, it has now been reported that the match will be for the Intercontinental Championship, with Cena being set to win the gold that has eluded him at Survivor Series: WarGames on November 29th.
Do you think Gunther will be John Cena’s last opponent? Is there someone else who would be more fitting for the bout? Let us know your thoughts below!