As the WWE universe turns its attention to Boston for John Cena’s emotional farewell in his hometown, all eyes are on the kickoff of the “Last Time Is Now” tournament. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with the winner earning the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to face Cena in his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025. Among the competitors, Damian Priest stands out not just for his in-ring prowess, but for the passion and perspective he brings to the challenge.
Priest’s Perspective: “This Is Our WrestleMania”
Damian Priest, the reigning United States Champion and one of WWE’s most charismatic superstars, took to social media ahead of tonight’s Raw to share his thoughts on the tournament. “Winning the ‘Last Time Is Now’ tournament and facing John Cena in his final match would be a career-defining moment for me,” Priest wrote. “This is our WrestleMania. This is the kind of opportunity you dream about as a kid, and now it’s right in front of me.”
Priest’s words resonate with fans and peers alike. For a generation of wrestlers, Cena has been the standard-bearer, the face of WWE, and the measuring stick for success. To share the ring with him in his final match is more than just a match—it’s a legacy moment.
The Tournament Begins: Priest vs. Rusev
Tonight’s Raw, broadcast live from Boston’s TD Garden, marks the official start of the tournament. In the first round, Damian Priest will face off against Rusev, a former United States Champion and one of the most physically imposing competitors in WWE. The matchup promises fireworks, with both men known for their power, resilience, and ability to deliver in high-stakes situations.
According to a WWE insider, “The booking for this tournament is designed to give each competitor a real shot, but Priest is being positioned as a top contender. His promo tonight is expected to be one of the highlights, and the match with Rusev is seen as a true test of his readiness for the main event.”
The Road to Cena: What’s at Stake
The “Last Time Is Now” tournament is more than just a series of matches—it’s a celebration of Cena’s legacy and a chance for a new generation to step into the spotlight. The winner will not only face Cena in his final match, but will also be immortalized in WWE history as the man who shared the ring with “The Greatest of All Time” in his last bout.
For Priest, the stakes are personal. “John Cena is the reason I wanted to be a wrestler,” he said in a recent interview. “To have the chance to face him, to be the last person he steps into the ring with, is something I can’t even put into words. It’s not just about winning; it’s about honoring the legacy he’s built.”
The Boston Connection: Cena’s Farewell
Tonight’s Raw is especially significant as it marks Cena’s final appearance in Boston, the city where he made his WWE debut and where he has created some of his most memorable moments. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with fans from across the country making the pilgrimage to witness history.
“Boston is Title Town tonight,” said Megan Morant on WWE Now. “John Cena’s connection to this city is undeniable, and the emotion in the arena is going to be off the charts. The tournament is just the beginning of what promises to be a night to remember.”
Other Tournament Contenders
While Priest and Rusev kick things off, the tournament bracket features a mix of established stars and rising talent. Sheamus will face Shinsuke Nakamura in the second first-round match, while other competitors include LA Knight, CM Punk, and surprise entrants whose identities have yet to be revealed.
Sources close to the booking team revealed that WWE is keeping the full bracket secret to maintain suspense and surprise. “The goal is to make every match feel important, and to give fans something to talk about after each episode,” said the source. “There are a few wild cards in there that could shake things up.”
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Priest?
If Priest advances past Rusev, he’ll face the winner of Sheamus vs. Nakamura in the semifinals. The final match of the tournament is expected to take place on the November 24 episode of Raw, with the winner officially announced as Cena’s opponent for Saturday Night’s Main Event.
For Priest, the journey is about more than just winning. “This tournament is about proving that I belong at the top,” he said. “It’s about showing that I can step up when it matters most. And if I get the chance to face John Cena, I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”
A Legacy Moment in the Making
As the “Last Time Is Now” tournament unfolds, one thing is clear: the winner will be etched into WWE history. For Damian Priest, the opportunity is not just a match, but a chance to define his career and honor the legacy of one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
“Winning this tournament would be a career-defining moment,” Priest said. “And facing John Cena in his final match? That’s something I’ll never forget.”
With the tournament underway and the stakes higher than ever, the WWE universe is ready for a new chapter in its storied history. And for Damian Priest, the journey to face John Cena is just beginning.