The WWE Universe was rocked on the eve of SmackDown as news broke that Sheamus—one of the marquee contenders in the “Last Time Is Now” tournament—has been forced out due to a shoulder injury. This sudden change has upended tournament plans and sparked immediate speculation backstage and among fans about who will step in and how the brackets will shift, especially as the road to John Cena’s final match intensifies[1][3][5][7].
Sheamus’ Injury Throws Tournament Into Chaos
WWE’s official social media announcement confirmed that Sheamus is “not medically cleared to continue competition in The Last Time Is Now Tournament.” The timing couldn’t be worse for the Irish powerhouse, who had already advanced to the second round after a hard-fought victory over Shinsuke Nakamura on the November 10 episode of Raw[1][2][5]. This win had positioned Sheamus as a sentimental favorite, especially given his storied history with Cena—including his shocking WWE Title win over Cena back in 2009[3][9].
Backstage, the mood was described as “tense but focused,” according to a WWE insider present during the SmackDown pre-show briefing. “Sheamus was gutted. He saw this as a legacy-defining moment, and you could feel the energy shift when the news came through. But the show goes on—this is WWE, after all.”
Who Steps In? Replacement to Face LA Knight
With Sheamus out, WWE officials moved quickly to reshuffle the tournament brackets. According to multiple backstage sources, the replacement will face LA Knight in the second round—a matchup that promises to deliver fireworks, given Knight’s recent rise and crowd support[1]. WWE teased further information to be revealed during SmackDown, heightening anticipation as fans and talent alike await confirmation of the mysterious substitute.
This decision was not made lightly. Tournament organizers reportedly weighed several factors, including maintaining competitive integrity and ensuring the substitute fits the high-stakes narrative as the tournament builds toward John Cena’s farewell[1]. While names like Gunther and Damian Priest have circulated in rumors, WWE is keeping the identity of Sheamus’ replacement under wraps until the official live announcement.
The Stakes: A Chance to Make History Against John Cena
The “Last Time Is Now” tournament is a 16-man event designed to crown Cena’s final opponent—a career-defining honor for whoever emerges victorious[2][4]. Every superstar in the bracket understands the gravity: to share the ring with Cena in his last match, scheduled for December 13 at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C., is to etch their name into WWE lore.
For Sheamus, the opportunity was more than just another booking—it was personal. As he said in a recent interview, “I’ve taken two WWE Titles off John, and what better way than to send him off with the banger of all bangers. The GOAT of all GOATs goes out with the greatest match he’s ever had”[4][6][9].
LA Knight: Ready for Any Challenge
LA Knight, who now finds himself facing a new opponent, has become one of WWE’s fastest-rising stars. His blend of charisma and in-ring ability has made him a crowd favorite, and he’s seized every spotlight moment in 2025. Knight was originally preparing for Sheamus’ physical, aggressive style but is reportedly unfazed by the last-minute change. “It doesn’t matter who steps in. I’m here to win—period,” Knight was overheard saying backstage.
Backstage Reaction: Superstars and Staff Respond
The atmosphere backstage at SmackDown was described as “electric but anxious.” According to a source close to Cody Rhodes, “Everyone was locked in on the tournament. When Sheamus got the news, it was a gut punch. He’s a locker room leader, and everyone wanted to see him go deep in the bracket. But in WWE, you always have to be ready for curveballs.”
Several superstars, including those who could potentially be slotted in as Sheamus’ replacement, were seen meeting with producers and creative staff, working through possible match layouts and storyline implications. WWE’s creative team faces a balancing act: honoring Sheamus’ impact while ensuring the replacement fits the tournament’s prestige.
Tournament Outlook: Who Could Replace Sheamus?
While WWE is saving the official reveal for SmackDown, speculation is running rampant. Names tossed around backstage include:
- Gunther: The reigning Intercontinental Champion, viewed by many as a possible favorite to ultimately face Cena[3].
- Damian Priest: Fresh off a high-profile rivalry and bringing a unique dynamic to the tournament[6].
- Drew McIntyre: Another top star who could bring a main-event feel to the matchup.
Regardless of who steps in, the replacement faces a daunting task: first, defeating LA Knight, and then surviving a stacked bracket en route to a possible showdown with Cena.
The Road to Cena’s Last Match: Legacy on the Line
The “Last Time Is Now” tournament isn’t just about crowning Cena’s final opponent; it’s about legacy. Every superstar involved recognizes that this moment is bigger than themselves. As Sheamus reflected before his injury, “I shocked the world in 2009. Doing it again, in Cena’s last dance, would mean everything. But whoever gets that shot needs to bring the fight of their life”[4][6][9].
Cena’s final WWE match is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events in wrestling history. The tournament’s unpredictable nature—now amplified by Sheamus’ exit and the forthcoming replacement—underscores the drama and stakes that define WWE at its best.
What’s Next: SmackDown Holds the Answers
WWE is set to announce Sheamus’ replacement and provide further details during SmackDown tonight in Denver, CO[1][5][7]. Fans are encouraged to tune in as the tournament continues to evolve, with the road to Cena’s farewell match taking on new twists.
As one high-ranking WWE producer told us, “This is why we love this business. You never know what’s going to happen, but you do know it’ll be unforgettable.”
Stay tuned for further updates as the “Last Time Is Now” tournament unfolds and the WWE Universe finds out who will seize the opportunity of a lifetime—standing across the ring from John Cena, one last time.