John Cena’s retirement announcement sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, and with it came the announcement of “The Last Time Is Now Tournament” a 16-man competition designed to determine who will face The Cenation Leader in his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C.[1] As speculation runs rampant about potential participants, one name that has circulated among fans involves Adam Copeland, the legendary former Edge. However, sources indicate that those hoping to see this dream matchup may need to temper their expectations.
The Tournament Structure and Current Participants
WWE has constructed an ambitious tournament bracket featuring competitors from Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and potentially other wrestlers not currently under WWE contract.[4] The initial rounds have already begun, with matches taking place across multiple television broadcasts. Rusev and Sheamus have already advanced in the tournament after victories on Monday Night Raw.[6][8] Additional confirmed participants include Damian Priest, Shinsuke Nakamura, Je’Von Evans, and a returning Gunther, who is set to face the NXT star on the November 17th episode of Raw.[3][6]
Solo Sikoa also received a spot in the tournament, though his first-round opponent remains a mystery, scheduled to be revealed live.[6] On the SmackDown side, LA Knight will face an undisclosed opponent, while Jey Uso is set to battle The Miz as part of the competition.[6]
The Copeland Speculation
The notion of Adam Copeland facing Cena in his retirement match carries significant historical weight. Their history spans nearly two decades, with multiple high-profile encounters throughout their WWE careers. For many fans, a final confrontation between these two icons would represent a fitting conclusion to Cena’s legendary career. Copeland’s recent returns to in-ring competition and his status as one of wrestling’s most respected veterans made him a logical candidate in the minds of enthusiasts theorizing about potential opponents.
However, the reality of the situation appears far different from what fans may have hoped.
Sources Close to WWE Dismiss Copeland Return
According to sources close to WWE’s creative planning, Adam Copeland is not expected to be part of “The Last Time Is Now Tournament.” While the company has maintained an element of surprise with mystery opponents scattered throughout the bracket, insiders suggest that Copeland’s involvement in Cena’s retirement storyline remains unlikely at this stage of planning.
“There’s been a lot of talk online about Copeland, but that’s not in the cards for this tournament,” one WWE insider revealed, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The creative team has other directions they’re taking with the bracket, and while Copeland is always someone they’d consider for major moments, this particular storyline isn’t structured around him.”
Strategic Tournament Design
The tournament’s design suggests WWE is focused on creating fresh matchups and opportunities for roster members to shine against The Cenation Leader. The inclusion of NXT talent, along with the possibility of non-WWE participants, indicates that WWE wants to build new narratives rather than rely solely on established veteran storylines.[5] This approach provides emerging talents with career-defining opportunities while still maintaining the prestige of facing Cena in his final match.
Gunther: The Assumed Frontrunner
While Copeland speculation has persisted among fans, most wrestling insiders point to Gunther as the likely frontrunner for facing Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The Ring General’s absence from competition since losing the World Title to CM Punk at SummerSlam in August added fuel to theories about his return being connected to Cena’s retirement.[3] His confirmation as a tournament participant, facing Je’Von Evans, has only solidified these beliefs among observers familiar with WWE’s booking patterns.
Additional Mystery Opponents and Intrigue
WWE has deliberately kept several first-round opponents mysterious, with matches scheduled across multiple episodes of Raw and SmackDown. The November 21 episode of SmackDown at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, will feature additional tournament action, with results potentially revealing more about WWE’s long-term creative direction for this storyline.[4] This staggered approach maintains fan interest and prevents the tournament from becoming oversaturated on television.
Interestingly, the possibility of non-WWE talent participating in the tournament has also generated discussion. Former TNA World Champion Joe Hendry has publicly expressed interest in competing, and Cena’s original announcement specifically mentioned that participants might include stars “who don’t even work here.”[5] This opens the door for surprise entries that could reshape expectations about the tournament’s outcome.
What’s Next for the Tournament
The remaining first-round matches will continue to unfold through mid-to-late November, with the tournament structure presumably culminating in semifinals and finals leading up to the final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13.[4] Each episode will bring new developments, fresh matchups, and potentially additional surprises that WWE is holding in reserve.
For fans hoping to see Adam Copeland involved in Cena’s retirement narrative, the current trajectory suggests this may not materialize. However, wrestling has proven time and again that plans can shift, and WWE remains known for pivoting storylines based on fan reaction and unforeseen circumstances. That said, all available evidence points to WWE moving forward with its current bracket construction without Copeland as a central figure.
The Significance of Cena’s Final Match
Regardless of who ultimately emerges victorious from the tournament, Cena’s final match represents one of the most significant moments in modern wrestling history. The Cenation Leader’s 17-year tenure in WWE and his status as one of the company’s greatest ambassadors ensures that whoever faces him at Saturday Night’s Main Event will be participating in a historic encounter that will be remembered for decades to come.
The “Last Time Is Now Tournament” serves as a vehicle for creating new memories, establishing fresh main event talent, and providing multiple wrestlers with opportunities to stake their claim for immortality alongside one of wrestling’s biggest names. While the Adam Copeland chapter may not be part of this particular story, the tournament itself promises compelling competition and unexpected twists as WWE builds toward Cena’s farewell performance.