On November 10, 2025, WWE Raw returned to Boston’s TD Garden with a historic card headlined by the kickoff of the highly anticipated “Last Time Is Now” tournament and marking John Cena’s emotional final Raw appearance in his hometown. The night was charged with nostalgia and fierce competition as the tournament, designed to determine Cena’s final opponent, officially began with two first-round matches. Additionally, fans witnessed two championship bouts featuring the WWE Women’s World and Tag Team titles, underscoring the night’s high stakes.
John Cena’s Final Raw Homecoming: The Emotional Centerpiece
The atmosphere was electric as Cena made his way to the ring amid thunderous chants of “Cena! Cena!” from the Boston crowd, his hometown pumping energy into the arena. This appearance was billed as Cena’s farewell to Monday Night Raw before his scheduled final WWE match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13. His promo was heartfelt, reflecting on his legendary career and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Sources close to WWE revealed backstage that Cena’s final run is being managed with the utmost respect and careful planning to give the legendary superstar the send-off he deserves. “They’re really building the narrative around Cena’s final match to make it the biggest moment of the year,” a WWE insider shared. “This tournament is more than just competition; it’s about passing the torch.”
“The Last Time Is Now” Tournament Begins: Sheamus vs. Nakamura and Priest vs. Rusev
The tournament kicked off with two gripping first-round matches showcasing established talents and intense in-ring storytelling.
Sheamus vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: This bout sparked a resurgence of their storied rivalry filled with hard-hitting strikes and tactical exchanges. Nakamura utilized his striking prowess and unorthodox style to overcome Sheamus, advancing in the bracket.
Damian Priest vs. Rusev: In a display of power and agility, Priest edged out Rusev in a closely contested match. Priest’s momentum and recent growth in WWE made him a clear favorite moving forward.
Both matches highlighted the old guard versus the new, with three of the four participants having a deep history with John Cena, adding layers to the tournament’s emotional context.
Two Championships on the Line: Vaquer Retains, Flair & Bliss Fall
The night also featured intense title action:
WWE Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer successfully defended her title against Roxanne Perez, who came close to a breakthrough moment. Vaquer’s resilience and veteran savvy earned her a hard-fought victory, continuing her reign and cementing her as a centerpiece of the women’s division[1][2].
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: The champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss defended their titles against The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane). The defending champions demonstrated exceptional teamwork and experience, overcoming the challenge and retaining their belts in a high-energy match that thrilled the crowd.
CM Punk’s Segment Adds Tension
In addition to the tournament and title defenses, CM Punk cut a captivating backstage promo loaded with intensity and cryptic messages, hinting at future feuds that could shake the Raw landscape. His presence added an unpredictable element to the evening, building anticipation for what’s next in his storyline arc[2][7].
Backstage Insights: Tournament Stakes and Future Direction
According to a WWE insider, the Last Time Is Now Tournament represents more than a storyline; it’s a passing of the torch from Cena to the next generation of stars. The winner not only faces Cena at his final match but is positioned as a future face of WWE.
“The tournament gives younger stars a platform to showcase their skills and connection with fans in a meaningful way,” the source explained. “It’s a perfect blend of honoring Cena’s legacy while spotlighting who could carry WWE forward.”
What’s Next? The Road to Saturday Night’s Main Event and Beyond
With the tournament underway and the initial rounds providing a taste of the fierce competition ahead, the question remains: who will rise to the occasion and become Cena’s last opponent? The field is stacked, and each subsequent round promises to intensify the drama.
Fans should also keep an eye on the women’s division, where Vaquer’s reign and Flair & Bliss’s domination of the tag titles signal a dynamic and competitive landscape moving into the holiday season.
Boston delivered a memorable chapter in WWE history on November 10, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to one of the most storied careers in professional wrestling with John Cena at the center and a fresh batch of talent ready to seize their moment.