New York: The road to John Cena’s final WWE match continues to take shape as more Raw superstars are confirmed or rumored to join the ‘Last Time Is Now’ tournament, a high-stakes event set to decide who faces Cena in his farewell bout.
With LA Knight, Jey Uso, and The Miz already announced, WWE official Nick Aldis teased a mystery entrant while several more names have emerged from the Raw roster. The tournament officially kicks off on November 10, in Cena’s hometown of Boston.
Sheamus Enters the Tournament — A Battle of Grand Slam Aspirants
Veteran powerhouse Sheamus is officially confirmed to represent Raw in the tournament. Both he and Cena share a striking similarity — each has won every major WWE title except the Intercontinental Championship, the missing piece in their Grand Slam resumes.
In the first-round match, Sheamus will face SmackDown’s Shinsuke Nakamura in what promises to be a hard-hitting encounter.
Rusev Returns and Seeks Redemption
Former rival Rusev, who made a surprise return to WWE in April 2025, is also confirmed to compete. Despite his heel roots, fans have warmly embraced his comeback.
Rusev will battle Damian Priest in the opening round — a clash of two powerhouses with something to prove. Many believe Rusev could go deep into the tournament to reignite his storied rivalry with Cena.
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods Eye a Dream Match
Kofi Kingston has entered the tournament seeking a first-ever singles match with John Cena — a contest that has never taken place despite years of shared ring time.
His New Day partner Xavier Woods, who faced Cena once on Raw in 2015, might also be added to the bracket, setting up intriguing possibilities for a friendly rivalry or redemption arc.
Dominik Mysterio Teased as a Key Player
A major tease from recent WWE vignettes points to “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio potentially joining the tournament.
The storyline stakes are enormous — Cena has never held the Intercontinental Championship, the one title that currently belongs to Dominik.
If Mysterio stands between Cena and a career Grand Slam, it could make for one of the most emotional and symbolic matches of Cena’s career — or the perfect heel moment if Dominik denies him the milestone.
Julius Creed Could Channel Cena’s ‘Ruthless Aggression’
New-generation talent Julius Creed, mentored by Chad Gable, is another rumored entrant. WWE could use this to recreate Cena’s legendary 2002 debut moment against Kurt Angle, spotlighting Creed as the “American Made” underdog to challenge the icon.
If booked, this could be a breakout opportunity for Creed to establish himself as a major star.
Austin Theory’s Return Could Spark a Feud Revival
Former U.S. Champion Austin Theory — who defeated Cena at WrestleMania 39 — may be on the verge of returning from injury. Reports suggest he’ll feature in the heel team at Survivor Series WarGames, making his reappearance in the tournament highly plausible.
Given their unfinished business and Theory’s earlier verbal and physical clashes with Cena in Boston, a rematch would make poetic sense — and could crown Theory as Cena’s final foe.
GUNTHER Rumored as the Mystery Entrant and Final Opponent
Perhaps the most talked-about name is GUNTHER, the “Ring General.”
Rumors suggest that GUNTHER’s return has been “planned for weeks” and that he’s the creative favorite to face Cena in his farewell match at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C.
With Aldis keeping one name secret from his tournament draw, many believe it’s GUNTHER — a fitting final opponent for Cena, whose dominance and intensity could deliver a generational showdown.
Cena’s Final Run Nears Its Climax
As anticipation builds for the ‘Last Time Is Now’ tournament, the blend of legends, returning stars, and breakout talent ensures a mix of nostalgia and unpredictability.
Whether it’s GUNTHER, Theory, or a surprise entrant, the WWE Universe is bracing for an emotional end to John Cena’s storied 20-year career — and one final “You can’t see me” on the grand stage.
