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John Cena’s “Last Time Is Now” Tournament Kicks Off With Two Huge Matches

By Ahmed Hamdy • Published Nov 03, 2025 23:27 EST
John Cena WWE

The first four WWE stars to compete in John Cena’s “Last Time is Now” tournament have been announced.

The Leader of the Cenation is set to retire from in-ring competition next month at Saturday Night’s Main Event. As his retirement date approached, many have speculated about who his final opponent will be.

A few days ago, The Never Seen 17 announced in a video package at Saturday Night’s Main Event that a 16-man tournament will be held on RAW and SmackDown to determine his final opponent. The tournament will include superstars from both brands and NXT. Cena even teased that it might have non-WWE wrestlers, as well.

John Cena’s Tournament Starts Next Monday On WWE RAW

Tonight on RAW, General Manager Adam Pearce drew the first four names to participate in John Cena’s “Last Time is Now” tournament. The WWE authority figure announced that Rusev will square off with Damian Priest, while Shinsuke Nakamura will take on Sheamus in the first round.

Rusev feuded with Cena in 2015 over the United States Championship. After losing to the Bulgarian star at Fastlane, the Leader of the Cenation ended the 39-year-old title reign and undefeated streak at WrestleMania 31. Their feud later continued with Cena winning an I Quit match at Payback that same year.

While The Never Seen 17 barely crossed paths with Nakamura and Priest, he had a heated rivalry with Sheamus in 2009, which saw The Celtic Warrior defeat Cena in a Tables match at TLC to capture his first-ever WWE Championship.

Also read:WWE Makes Huge John Cena Announcement On RAW

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