WWE superstar John Cena has officially launched a 16-man tournament to determine his final wrestling opponent, marking the beginning of his farewell chapter in professional wrestling. The historic event began on Monday, November 10, 2025, during an episode of WWE Raw in Boston, Massachusetts. Cena’s last match is scheduled for December 13, 2025, at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C. The announcement has sent waves through the sports entertainment community, signaling the end of an era.
Tournament Format and Early Matchups
The 16-man single-elimination bracket brings together top competitors from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT.
Early first-round matches featured Sheamus vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Rusev vs. Damian Priest, setting an intense tone for the weeks ahead. Confirmed participants also include The Miz, Jey Uso, and LA Knight, among others.
According to WWE officials, the tournament will unfold over three weeks, with matches airing across regular programming on Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. The structure ensures consistent fan engagement and builds anticipation toward Cena’s final showdown in December.
Industry Reactions
Veteran analyst Corey Graves called the tournament “a brilliant way to honor John Cena’s legacy.”
He added, “Every superstar in that bracket grew up watching Cena. To face him in his final match isn’t just a title shot — it’s immortality.”
Fellow wrestler The Miz echoed similar sentiments, saying, “If you want to cement your name in WWE history, this is the moment. Facing John Cena on his last night is as big as it gets.”
Fans across social media platforms also expressed emotional reactions, with hashtags #LastTimeIsNow and #ThankYouCena trending within hours of the announcement.
Impact and Legacy
John Cena’s farewell tournament underscores his impact as a 16-time world champion, a record tied with Ric Flair. His decision to retire through a competitive format rather than a scripted send-off demonstrates his respect for the sport’s athletic roots and his fans.
The event also opens opportunities for WWE’s next generation of stars to gain visibility. The outcome could redefine future main-event storylines heading into WrestleMania season.
What’s Next
The next set of tournament matches will continue on SmackDown this Friday, with potential wildcard entries still rumored. WWE has hinted that the semi-finals will take place on December 2, leading to the grand finale at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C.
Fans can watch all matches live on USA Network, FOX, and Peacock (WWE Network).
As the “Last Time Is Now” tour draws to its close, John Cena’s final match will mark the culmination of one of WWE’s most storied careers.
