WWE Raw’s latest live event marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing “Last Time Is Now” tournament, as Rusev and Sheamus became the first competitors to advance to the quarter-finals. This tournament determines who will face WWE legend John Cena in what has been promoted as Cena’s final WWE match, a card filled with emotion and high stakes that unfolded before a passionate Boston crowd on November 10, 2025.
Rusev and Sheamus: Opening Victories in John Cena’s Farewell Tournament
In the opening night of this significant WWE competition, Rusev and Sheamus both secured hard-fought victories, setting the tone for what promises to be a dramatic road to John Cena’s last in-ring WWE appearance.
Rusev faced off against Damian Priest in a contest that highlighted Rusev’s resilience and power, ultimately earning him a spot in the next round of the tournament. With Cena’s home state crowd behind him, Rusev capitalized on key moments to secure the win and advance[2].
Meanwhile, Sheamus clashed with Shinsuke Nakamura in what many fans described as a “heated battle” showcasing both competitors’ technical prowess and intensity. Sheamus managed to outlast Nakamura, booking his quarter-final position in this highly anticipated tournament[3][7].
Tournament Format and Stakes: The Road to Cena’s Final Match
The “Last Time Is Now” tournament is designed to find Cena’s ultimate farewell opponent—a competitor worthy of facing one of WWE’s most iconic figures in what is expected to be a career-defining match. The tournament includes top WWE Superstars across Raw, SmackDown, and NXT brands, with unexpected entrants and surprise matchups adding to the suspense.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque officially introduced the tournament during the Raw broadcast, expressing reverence toward John Cena as “the Greatest of All Time” and emphasizing the significance of his final hometown appearance in Boston[5].
“It’s a tournament filled with legacy and respect, and every match tells a story of who might have the honor to face Cena one last time,” a WWE insider noted backstage. “Rusev and Sheamus’s victories were just the beginning, but they’ve already made a huge impression on the fans and locker room alike.”
Highlights from WWE Raw: Cena’s Emotional Hometown Farewell
The tournament matches were the centerpiece of the evening, but Raw also featured heartfelt moments highlighting Cena’s storied WWE career. Cena addressed the crowd in a sincere promo, reflecting on his career and expressing his desire to leave the business in a better place. This emotional scene was interrupted by “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio, injecting personal rivalry and drama into Cena’s farewell narrative[5].
Elsewhere on the show, other high-profile matches and appearances kept the WWE Universe buzzing, but the focus remained squarely on Cena and his quest to pass the torch through this tournament.
Who Could Be the Last Opponent? Fan and Insider Speculation
Speculation is rife about who might ultimately face Cena in his final WWE showdown. Early favorites include tournament participants like Sheamus and Rusev, who have strong fan support and wrestling credentials. However, several names from the SmackDown and NXT rosters are potential dark horses, including GUNTHER—who has been absent due to injury but rumored to make a surprise return for the tournament[8].
An insider familiar with WWE’s creative direction hinted that the tournament winner will be someone capable of delivering a “career-defining, memorable match” to honor Cena’s legacy. “This isn’t just a match, it’s the final chapter of an era,” the source said. “The booking will reflect that, and we’re likely to see some surprising twists along the way.”
What’s Next: Quarter-Finals and Beyond
With Rusev and Sheamus advancing, the tournament now intensifies as quarter-final matchups are set. Fans can expect more high-octane bouts leading up to Cena’s final WWE Raw appearance, where the winner will be crowned as Cena’s farewell opponent.
As the tournament progresses, WWE promises several surprise announcements and added drama. The storyline not only celebrates Cena’s career but also builds momentum for WWE’s future stars stepping into bigger spotlight moments.