Boston’s TD Garden was electric on Monday night as WWE Raw delivered a historic episode filled with emotion, high-stakes action, and the beginning of a new chapter in WWE history. The night was headlined by John Cena’s final appearance in his hometown, the kickoff of the “Last Time Is Now” tournament, and several pivotal matches that set the tone for the road to Survivor Series and beyond.
Cena’s Emotional Homecoming
John Cena returned to his roots in Boston, Massachusetts, for what is expected to be his final Raw appearance before retirement. The crowd erupted as the “Cena” chant echoed throughout the arena, a fitting tribute to the 16-time world champion. Cena opened the show with a heartfelt speech, reflecting on his journey from West Newbury to becoming one of the most iconic figures in sports entertainment.
“Boston, you’ve always been my home,” Cena said, visibly moved. “I’ve stood in this ring for over two decades, and tonight, I stand here not just as a wrestler, but as a man who’s lived a dream. I’m not here to say goodbye, but to say thank you.”
According to a WWE insider, Cena’s final match is set for Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, with the winner of the “Last Time Is Now” tournament earning the right to face him. “John wants to go out on his own terms, and he wants to make it special for the fans,” the source revealed. “He’s been working closely with Triple H and the creative team to make sure this final chapter is memorable.”
The “Last Time Is Now” Tournament Begins
The night also marked the start of the “Last Time Is Now” tournament, a 16-man single-elimination bracket designed to crown the man who will face Cena in his final match. Two first-round matches took place on Raw, with Damian Priest battling Rusev and Shinsuke Nakamura facing Sheamus.
Damian Priest vs. Rusev
Damian Priest and Rusev delivered a hard-hitting contest that showcased both men’s resilience and experience. Priest, known for his power and agility, managed to outlast Rusev with a devastating South of Heaven DDT. The victory sets Priest up for a potential deep run in the tournament.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sheamus
The match between Shinsuke Nakamura and Sheamus was a clash of styles and legacies. Both men have faced Cena multiple times throughout their careers, adding extra stakes to the bout. Nakamura emerged victorious after hitting the Kinshasa, sending Sheamus packing and advancing to the next round.
Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Roxanne Perez
WWE Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer defended her title against Roxanne Perez in a match that lived up to the hype. Vaquer, accompanied by WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella, showcased her dominance with a mix of technical prowess and high-impact offense. Perez, the underdog, fought valiantly but ultimately fell to Vaquer’s finisher, the Vaquer Driver.
“Stephanie is on another level right now,” said a source close to the women’s division. “She’s been working hard to prove she belongs at the top, and tonight was another statement win.”
Women’s Tag Team Championship: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. The Kabuki Warriors
The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) put their WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles on the line against Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. The match was a showcase of teamwork and strategy, with both teams trading near-falls and high-risk moves. In the end, The Kabuki Warriors retained their titles after a well-executed double-team maneuver.
CM Punk’s Fiery Segment
CM Punk made a surprise appearance, cutting a scathing promo that targeted several top stars, including Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. Punk’s return to Raw was met with mixed reactions, but his words left no doubt about his intentions heading into Survivor Series.
“Survivor Series is about survival,” Punk said. “And I plan to survive, thrive, and leave my mark on this company once again.”
Other Highlights
- Tag Team Turmoil: The Usos faced The Judgment Day in a hard-fought tag team match, with The Usos emerging victorious after a dramatic finish.
- Backstage Drama: Tensions flared between Drew McIntyre and Nick Aldis, leading to a heated argument that spilled into the ring. The two were separated by officials, but the feud is far from over.
- Fan Interaction: Cena spent time after his segment interacting with fans, signing autographs, and taking photos, further cementing his legacy as one of the most beloved figures in WWE history.
Looking Ahead
With the “Last Time Is Now” tournament now underway, the road to Cena’s final match is set to be one of the most anticipated storylines in WWE history. The tournament will continue on future episodes of Raw and SmackDown, with each match bringing the field closer to the ultimate showdown.
As for Cena, his final chapter promises to be a fitting tribute to a career that has defined an era. “John’s legacy is secure,” said the WWE insider. “But he’s not done yet. He wants to go out with a bang, and the fans are going to get one last unforgettable moment.”
Boston will remember this night as the beginning of the end for one of the greatest, and the start of a new era in WWE.