With John Cena’s illustrious WWE career approaching its climactic finale, the spotlight now shines brightly on the ongoing Last Time Is Now Tournament designed to determine his final opponent. WWE has just announced the last first-round matches, signaling the end of the tournament’s opening phase on SmackDown, adding fresh excitement for fans anticipating Cena’s historic sendoff.
The Stakes: Who Will Face John Cena Last?
This tournament serves a singular, high-stakes purpose: to crown the last challenger to face John Cena in what is billed as his final WWE match. The event carries immense emotional weight and narrative significance, marking the conclusion of an era for one of WWE’s most iconic figures.
With the initial rounds well underway, WWE has now revealed the concluding first-round bouts slated for the upcoming SmackDown episodes, rounding out the 16-man bracket.
Final First-Round Matches Announced
The two remaining first-round contests announced pit Bronson Reed against Carmelo Hayes and Penta El Zero Miedo against Finn Balor. These intense matchups promise to be show-stealers:
Bronson Reed vs. Carmelo Hayes: Reed, known for his overwhelming power and recent hot streak, faces off with Hayes, a crafty and agile competitor with a growing fanbase.
Penta El Zero Miedo vs. Finn Balor: This clash features two internationally renowned styles—Penta’s high-risk lucha libre approach against Balor’s slick, hard-hitting offense and strategic mastery.
These matches, coupled with already completed rounds, will finalize the contenders moving forward in the quest to face Cena one last time[5][6].
Recent Tournament Highlights
Earlier in the tournament, several notable stars faced elimination, such as Zack Ryder, The Miz, Damian Priest, and Shinsuke Nakamura, underscoring the intense competition in the bracket[6]. One of the latest and most emotionally charged matches saw Jey Uso edge out The Miz on SmackDown, advancing his quest for a shot at Cena[4].
Adding further drama, the fan-favorite LA Knight recently defeated Zack Ryder in a hard-fought bout, pushing Knight closer to the coveted final opportunity against Cena[2].
Backstage Insight: The Pressure Is On
According to a WWE insider, the atmosphere backstage during the tournament has been electric, with talent feeling the gravity of the opportunity and the sentimental magnitude of facing John Cena in his final career moments.
“Everyone understands what this match represents—not just a title shot or bragging rights, but being part of Cena’s final chapter in WWE history. The energy is palpable, and everyone is bringing their A-game to have that honor,” revealed the source.
This quote highlights the tournament’s significance to the Superstars involved, marking it as more than a standard competition but a symbolic passing of the torch.
Setting the Stage for Cena’s Final Match
John Cena himself remains intimately involved, not just as a participant in the eventual final but as a mentor figure implicitly raising the stakes for competitors currently battling to face him.
The tournament’s structure and the careful buildup through weekly Raw and SmackDown shows have maximized suspense, delivering memorable matches and storyline depth. WWE fans have responded positively, with viewership bumps correlating to tournament episodes.
What’s Next: Preparing for the Quarterfinals
After the final first-round matches complete, the tournament will progress into the quarterfinal phase, where the winning Superstars will face elevated challenges as they edge closer to the historic matchup with Cena.
WWE has teased no shortage of surprises and potential twists to keep the momentum alive, including unexpected alliances and betrayals. Given the stature of the prize—a place in history—each match’s intensity is expected to intensify.
Final Thoughts
The Last Time Is Now Tournament encapsulates WWE’s knack for blending athletic competition with deeply personal storytelling. As the first round reaches its conclusion with the new final matches announced, fans worldwide are poised on the edge of their seats. The journey to John Cena’s last match is shaping up to be a historic saga, balancing nostalgia with new talent pushing the company’s future.
For fans eager to witness renewal and legacy intertwine, the coming weeks promise edge-of-the-seat moments filled with fierce competition and WWE storytelling at its best.