As WWE’s much-anticipated “The Last Time Is Now” tournament unfolds, the road to John Cena’s historic retirement match has taken an unexpected twist. The company has officially revealed that The Miz will step in as the replacement for Sheamus, who was forced to withdraw from competition due to injury. This development not only shakes up the bracket but adds a compelling new dynamic to the quest for the chance to bid farewell to Cena in the ring.
Sheamus Sidelined: Injury Alters Tournament Landscape
The initial lineup for “The Last Time Is Now” tournament featured several of Cena’s iconic rivals, with Sheamus among the favorites. The Celtic Warrior dominated his opening round, defeating Shinsuke Nakamura in a hard-hitting encounter and advancing to the quarterfinals[5]. However, in a surprising announcement, WWE confirmed that Sheamus suffered a shoulder injury, making him unable to continue his pursuit of a final showdown with Cena[3][5].
Backstage sources indicate Sheamus was “devastated” by the news, with one WWE insider sharing, “Sheamus had his heart set on being Cena’s last opponent. It’s a tough pill for him to swallow, but he knows the show must go on.”
The Miz Steps Up: A-Lister Returns to the Spotlight
With Sheamus out, speculation swirled about who would take his place in the high-stakes tournament. WWE management, led by GMs Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce, ultimately selected The Miz—one of Cena’s most storied adversaries and a proven main-event talent—to fill the vacancy[7].
The Miz, often dubbed “The A-Lister,” brings a unique blend of arrogance, experience, and resilience to the bracket. Having battled Cena in legendary matches, including their headlining bout at WrestleMania XXVII, his entry ensures that the tournament remains unpredictable and star-studded[5][9].
Tournament Bracket Update: Miz vs. Jey Uso Headlines Next Round
With The Miz now officially in the mix, the tournament bracket has been updated. The next round will see The Miz face off against Jey Uso—a clash that promises both high drama and athleticism[1][4]. The winner will move one step closer to the ultimate prize: a one-on-one match with John Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13.
Current confirmed quarterfinalists include:
- LA Knight
- Jey Uso
- Rusev
- The Miz (replacing Sheamus)
- Solo Sikoa
- GUNTHER[3][5]
The remaining first-round matches feature rising stars and former champions, ensuring that the tournament remains fiercely competitive until the final bell[1].
Backstage Reaction: WWE Superstars Weigh In
The locker room has been buzzing since the announcement of The Miz’s entry. According to a WWE insider, “Miz is always ready for the spotlight, and he sees this as the perfect way to remind everyone why he’s a future Hall of Famer. He’s already talking about how he’ll send Cena into retirement with an ending no one will forget.”
Jey Uso, who now faces The Miz in the next round, commented backstage, “Miz is flashy, he’s loud, but when it comes down to it, I’m hungry for this moment. No one’s going to outwork me for the chance to face Cena in his last match.”
The Stakes: Who Will Face John Cena in His Farewell?
“The Last Time Is Now” tournament has become one of the most talked-about storylines of 2025. Sixteen superstars from across WWE’s roster are competing for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to be John Cena’s final opponent[9]. The drama intensified with surprise returns—Zack Ryder and Dolph Ziggler each made one-night comebacks—and now with The Miz’s unexpected inclusion, the tournament’s outcome is truly up in the air[5].
The winner will face Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event, set for December 13 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.—a night expected to be one of the most emotional events in WWE history[6].
Why The Miz Is the Perfect Wild Card
The addition of The Miz to the tournament isn’t just a replacement—it’s a narrative goldmine. Miz has a long and complicated history with Cena, from their heated feuds to their headline-grabbing WrestleMania clash. His ability to provoke the WWE Universe, coupled with his knack for big-match performances, makes him a dangerous contender.
For Miz, the stakes are personal. He’s repeatedly voiced his desire to prove he belongs at the top echelon of WWE’s all-time greats. Facing Cena in his swan song would cement Miz’s legacy—and perhaps give him the last word in their storied rivalry.
What’s Next: Key Dates and Upcoming Matches
The tournament continues across upcoming episodes of SmackDown and Raw, with first-round matches scheduled at the MVP Arena in Albany, Madison Square Garden, and Denver’s Ball Arena[1].
Key upcoming matches include:
- LA Knight vs. Mystery Opponent (SmackDown)
- Solo Sikoa vs. Mystery Opponent (Raw)
- GUNTHER vs. Je’Von Evans (Raw)
- Bronson Reed vs. Carmelo Hayes (SmackDown)
- Finn Balor vs. Penta (SmackDown)[1][4]
Quarterfinal matchups will be finalized once these bouts conclude. The anticipation is building, with fans and superstars alike eager to see who will earn the right to close the book on Cena’s legendary in-ring career.
The Road to Cena’s Retirement: Emotional Stakes and Legacy
John Cena’s retirement match is more than just another main event—it’s the culmination of a career that has defined an era. WWE has pulled out all the stops to ensure his send-off is befitting his legacy, assembling a tournament of past rivals, rising stars, and surprise returns.
As Cena himself said recently, “I want my final opponent to be someone who brings out the best in me. This is about leaving everything in the ring, one last time.”
With The Miz now in contention, the road to December 13 has become even more compelling. Whether fans love him or love to hate him, Miz’s presence guarantees fireworks—and a fitting stage for one of WWE’s most storied rivalries.
Backstage Quote:
According to sources close to The Miz, “He’s fired up. Miz has told anyone who’ll listen backstage, ‘Nobody writes a better ending than The A-Lister.’ He’s planning to make sure Cena’s last chapter is remembered forever.”
As the tournament moves forward, all eyes will be on The Miz and his pursuit of the ultimate spotlight—sharing the ring with John Cena for one final, unforgettable match.