As John Cena’s WWE career winds down, the company is pulling out all the stops to make his retirement tour an unforgettable event. One of the most intriguing elements introduced is the 16-man “Last Time Is Now” tournament, designed to determine Cena’s final WWE opponent. WWE is going beyond conventional boundaries by subtly teasing the possible inclusion of AEW stars—names that fans are eager to see but WWE is unlikely to officially sign.
The Setup: A Tournament to Define John Cena’s Final Match
John Cena announced during the October 2025 episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event that his last WWE match will take place on December 13, 2025, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. In the weeks leading to that date, WWE rolled out a 16-man tournament featuring talents from RAW, SmackDown, and NXT, aiming to crown the challenger who will step into the ring for Cena’s swan song.
The tournament’s opening round is already stirring excitement. Confirmed matches include Rusev vs. Damian Priest and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sheamus, both pitting former rivals and heavy-hitters against each other. Upcoming SmackDown qualifying matches will be announced by General Manager Nick Aldis, with the blue brand’s representatives yet to be fully revealed[1][3][4].
Hinting at the Impossible: AEW Wrestlers in the Mix?
What has elevated the intrigue around the “Last Time Is Now” tournament is Cena’s own suggestion that some competitors might come from outside the WWE umbrella. This created a buzz among fans and insiders, speculating that WWE could bring in surprise participants unaffiliated with the company—an unusual move that hasn’t been done in a long time.
During discussions on Wrestling Observer Radio, insiders speculated that WWE was toying with fans’ expectations by teasing AEW stars like Adam Copeland (Edge) and Chris Jericho. While both names generate massive fan interest, it is widely accepted that contractual realities make their actual WWE appearances improbable in the tournament[2].
Instead, sources suggest WWE may flirt with the idea of including Matt Cardona, a former WWE talent currently unaffiliated with AEW or WWE, as a potential outside participant. His inclusion would fit the narrative of a surprise entrant without breaching inter-promotional contracts[2].
Behind the Curtain: WWE’s Strategic Teasing
According to a WWE insider familiar with the planning, “The whole AEW tease is exactly that—a tease. WWE recognizes that the idea of bringing in AEW stars is a powerful fan magnet, but real negotiations would be complex. This is about creating speculation and driving viewership in John Cena’s final months,” the source explained.
This strategy underscores WWE’s intent to keep fans guessing and engaged across multiple platforms as Cena’s retirement match draws closer. By hinting at impossible matchups or big-name outside stars, WWE acquires buzz while still maintaining control over its roster narrative.
The Wrestlers Involved and Legacy Stakes
The participants already announced reflect a healthy mix of WWE mainstays and rising stars, many of whom have personal or professional history with Cena:
| Wrestler | Brand/Status | Notable Context |
|---|---|---|
| Rusev | RAW | Longtime Cena rival, adding history to the story |
| Damian Priest | RAW | Emerging star ready to make a statement |
| Shinsuke Nakamura | SmackDown | Another storied Cena adversary |
| Sheamus | SmackDown | Experienced powerhouse, past Cena opponent |
The tournament winner will carry immense prestige, not only as Cena’s final adversary but potentially as a torchbearer for the next generation in WWE. This has fans speculating on whether WWE’s plans favor a rising star or a veteran to highlight Cena’s legacy[1][3][4].
Fan and Industry Reaction
Reactions among fans and wrestlers have been mixed. Some applaud WWE’s ambition to create buzz by “breaking the mold” with outside names, while others see the AEW teasing as gimmickry.
Wrestling veteran Bully Ray noted in an interview, “It’s cool to build hype, but the tournament’s real value is in honoring Cena’s career and elevating someone within WWE. Outside stars are great for surprise but don’t always add to the story the company wants to tell.”[7]
What’s Next for the Tournament?
The tournament officially kicks off on the November 10 episode of WWE Raw from Boston—Cena’s hometown—providing a special stage to begin the journey towards his farewell match. With first-round matches announced and more to be revealed, viewers can expect a mix of intense competition and storytelling leading to December 13.
WWE will also leverage major events such as Survivor Series on November 29, where Cena will likely have one of his last pay-per-view appearances before the tournament concludes.
Over the next five weeks, WWE will keep fans guessing about who might enter from SmackDown and NXT, while continuing to drop subtle AEW hints to fuel online and social media speculation.
Final Thoughts: Cena’s “Last Time Is Now” Tour as a Legacy Moment
John Cena’s retirement tour is designed not only to celebrate one of wrestling’s most iconic figures but also to create lasting memories that expand beyond WWE’s typical presentation. By including multi-brand talent and suggestive outsider teases, WWE hopes to honor Cena’s impact while crafting a compelling narrative for the next generation.
As a WWE source close to the production team summarized, “This tournament is much more than a contest—it’s WWE’s way of giving Cena his proper sendoff, mixing nostalgia with new possibilities, all while keeping the audience guessing right up to the final bell.”
Fans and analysts alike are waiting eagerly to see who steps up to face the 17-time world champion in what promises to be a historic farewell in wrestling history[2][4].
