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WWE SmackDown’s Massive Twist Sees Surprise Winner In John Cena’s Tournament

By Faiz Ahmed • Published Nov 21, 2025 21:14 EST
John Cena WWE Farewell

Tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown was scheduled to hold the final two first-round matches of the ‘Last Time is Now’ tournament, the first of which is now in the history books. The tournament, designed to determine John Cena’s final opponent, has already advanced six wrestlers to the next round.

However, there might be one spot open after Sheamus, who had defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to advance, suffered a shoulder injury, which has ruled him out of the tournament.

While it remains to be seen who will replace the Celtic Warrior, Bronson Reed faced Carmelo Hayes in the first of two tournament matches on the night. The other will see Finn Balor challenge Penta later in the night.

WWE Champion helps Carmelo Hayes pick up the win

The match started in favor of Hayes, which seemed to have shocked Reed for a short while. However, once the rest of The Vision came to the ringside to motivate the Australian, it was all Bronson from that point onward.

Hayes showed some resiliency and knocked Reed off his feet to gain some momentum. He put together a series of encouraging moves which included a DDT on the apron and a frog splash from the top rope, but only got a two-count.

Carmelo pushed Reed to the limit which led to Bron Breakker going for a spear Melo but The Usos chased away Breakker and Logan Paul. Reed was about to finish off the match but Cody Rhodes, returned from the brutal attack he suffered at the hands of Drew McIntyre and helped Carmelo pick up the win.

Paul Heyman distracted the referee just long enough for Rhodes to smash Reed into the ring post and performed a Cross Rhodes on the floor. Hayes snuck back inside the ring but Reed was left out long enough for the 10 count, allowing Carmelo to pick up a count-out win.

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