As WWE’s highly anticipated “Last Time is Now” tournament officially kicked off on Monday Night Raw, SmackDown’s Damian Priest has made his intentions crystal clear. The Judgment Day member took to social media to emphasize just how monumental winning the tournament and facing John Cena in his final match would be for his career trajectory.
The Stakes Have Never Been Higher
The tournament to determine John Cena’s final opponent represents one of the most coveted opportunities in professional wrestling today. With Cena’s retirement match scheduled for December 13, 2025, at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C., the wrestlers competing across Raw and SmackDown are pulling out all the stops to earn the honor of facing The Greatest of All Time one last time.[1][4]
Priest’s metaphor comparing the tournament to WrestleMania speaks volumes about how the entire locker room views this opportunity. In the wrestling world, WrestleMania represents the pinnacle of professional wrestling—the grandest stage where legacies are built and cemented. By framing the Last Time is Now tournament in those terms, Priest is signaling that this isn’t just another tournament; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to etch his name into wrestling history.
Priest’s Tournament Journey Begins
The SmackDown warrior kicked off his campaign in the first round by facing Raw’s Rusev, a first-time matchup between two heavyweight competitors.[3] Both men have crossed paths with Cena throughout their respective careers and understand the gravity of what winning this tournament means. For Priest, particularly, a victory over Cena would represent a significant milestone in his evolution as a main event performer.
According to sources close to WWE’s creative team, the company has deliberately kept the full tournament bracket under wraps to maintain audience intrigue and allow for organic storytelling throughout the rounds.[8] This strategy has worked exceptionally well, as fans and wrestlers alike are speculating about potential matchups and dream scenarios that could unfold before the final is decided.
Why This Moment Matters for Damian Priest
Priest has established himself as one of WWE’s most compelling performers, particularly during his tenure with The Judgment Day. However, a definitive victory over John Cena in his retirement match would represent a watershed moment in his career. It would position him as a main event player capable of defeating one of wrestling’s greatest competitors on the sport’s biggest stages.
The Judgment Day member’s emphasis on this being a “career-defining moment” reflects an understanding that certain opportunities only come around once. Wrestling is built on timing, positioning, and seizing the moment when it presents itself. For Priest, the Last Time is Now tournament represents exactly that type of opportunity—a chance to be permanently associated with one of the most significant matches in WWE history.
The Tournament Structure and Competition
The tournament format ensures that multiple matches will take place across Raw and SmackDown, with the winner ultimately advancing to face Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis has already announced several matchups, including The Miz versus Jey Uso, while LA Knight’s opponent was deliberately left as a surprise.[1]
This multi-match structure allows WWE to utilize numerous wrestlers across both brands, giving the entire roster a potential pathway to Cena’s final match. The secrecy surrounding LA Knight’s opponent, in particular, demonstrates WWE’s commitment to maintaining unpredictability and excitement as the tournament progresses through November and into early December.
Raw’s Boston Beginning
The tournament’s inaugural matches took place during Monday Night Raw in John Cena’s hometown of Boston, Massachusetts—a poignant location that underscored the historical significance of the event.[3] Boston holds special meaning for Cena, having been the site of numerous memorable moments throughout his career. Starting the tournament in Bean Town added an emotional layer to the proceedings, reminding fans and competitors alike of Cena’s impact on the industry and his deep connection to the city.
What Victory Would Mean
For any wrestler fortunate enough to win the Last Time is Now tournament, the implications extend far beyond a single match. Defeating John Cena in his final appearance would instantly elevate whoever accomplishes it into an elite category of performers. It would serve as a signature moment that defines the winner’s career, regardless of what happens afterward.
Priest’s framing of the tournament as “our WrestleMania” also speaks to how the entire locker room has rallied around this concept. Every competitor still in contention understands that winning isn’t just about personal glory—it’s about being forever linked to one of wrestling’s greatest moments. The psychology of that knowledge drives competitors to perform at their absolute best.
The Road Ahead
As the tournament progresses through its various rounds, expect multiple storylines to intersect and develop. SmackDown’s tournament action on November 14 at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York, will further flesh out the bracket and provide additional contenders their opportunity to make a statement.[1]
With the final match set for December 13 in Washington, D.C., WWE has given itself nearly a full month to build compelling narratives, unexpected alliances, and dramatic eliminations. Each round will carry exponential weight as wrestlers understand they’re one loss away from seeing their dreams of facing Cena slip away forever.
Final Thoughts
Damian Priest’s declaration that winning the Last Time is Now tournament represents a career-defining moment perfectly encapsulates what this entire event means to WWE’s talent roster. In an industry where opportunities of this magnitude rarely present themselves, every competitor still standing views their path through the bracket as potentially the most important journey of their professional lives. Whether Priest ultimately reaches the final remains to be seen, but his intensity and focus heading into the tournament suggest he’ll be a formidable force in the weeks ahead.