With more Last Time Is Now tournament matches set for WWE SmackDown, the quest to decide John Cena’s final opponent continues.
However, there could be some changes to the way that the tournament unfolds. From surprise additions to the field to a potential stipulation that could be added in the second round — there are still plenty of twists and turns left before Cena hangs up his WWE boots for good.
Here are seven changes that could be in store for the Last Time Is Now tournament to find John Cena’s last WWE opponent.
7. Solo Sikoa vs. Uncle Howdy On WWE Raw November 17
Solo Sikoa’s opponent for his first round match on the upcoming edition of WWE Raw remains a mystery at time of writing.
With the MFTs feuding with the Wyatt Sicks on SmackDown, the inevitable showdown between the two faction’s leaders actually makes a ton of sense.
Moreover, featuring this particular bout during the November 17 edition of WWE Raw allows for there to finally be some kind of overlap between the Sicks and Cena directly.
Not yet having become acquainted on-screen with the off-shoot faction from Bray Wyatt’s Firefly Funhouse characters — Cena who famously participated in the cinematic Firefly Funhouse match at WrestleMania 36 could end up trapped in a Wyatt Sicks maze backstage.
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6. Randy Orton Replaces Je’Von Evans vs. GUNTHER
Although Randy Orton did face off with John Cena earlier in his 2025 farewell tour — it was under very different circumstances.
With Cena still very much a heel, Orton was a hometown fan favorite at the Backlash 2025 PLE held in St. Louis, Missouri but there would be plenty of referee hijinks and shenanigans to the finish. While Cena was seemingly knocked out of action, Orton ended up turning on multiple officials who were in the ring trying to rouse the downed referee Eddie Orengo.
There would be a run-in from R-Truth to stop Orton from delivering a punt that would have presumably ended Cena’s reign, instead Cena used underhanded heel tactics of a low blow and hitting Randy with the Undisputed WWE Championship belt to retain.
Potentially being revealed later as the first clue that Randy Orton had secretly turned heel, attacking Evans off-screen and then replacing him in the tournament — it could be that original Legend Killer goes up against GUNTHER in the first round.
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5. GUNTHER Shock Defeat
Although there are many fans who are set on the idea that GUNTHER will be facing John Cena for the latter’s last match — the tournament offers a unique opportunity for Triple H to swerve that completely.
While reports have been swirling for months that Cena’s final opponent at Saturday Night’s Main Event would end up being GUNTHER — it would be an amazing swerve to see him knocked out in the first round.
As a major foil to the spoilers that have been circulating, mixing up creative plans and offering a surprise to fans for the final weeks of Cena’s career could be the perfect move.
Without damage to GUNTHER’s overall heel status and emerging persona as the next generation legend killer — The Ring General could still lose in a shock manner in the first round and maintain his dominance.
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4. Rusev vs. Sheamus in Donnybrook II
Two entrants in the Last Time Is Now tournament who have already secured their spots in the next round are Rusev and Sheamus.
With Rusev besting Damian Priest to advance and Sheamus taking down Shinsuke Nakamura, it could be that the duo of frenemies have a collision course with one another coming soon.
Since both have significant histories with John Cena, perhaps a standard tournament match wouldn’t be enough to settle the round and instead, the duo could revisit their Good Ol’ Fashioned Donnybrook Match at Clash in Paris 2025.
If the two go up against each other in the second round, a stipulation on their match could be a fun way for the pair to truly settle their score.
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3. The Miz Goes The Distance
With The Miz set to be in action against Jey Uso on the November 14 edition of SmackDown, it could be that a Cinderella run for the A-Lister kicks off.
Since The Miz has a storied history with John Cena, there could definitely be a solid reason for him to want to advance in the tournament.
Looking to make a mark after missing several months of action this year (hosting the new American Gladiators reboot), The Miz could definitely use the tournament as a showcase that he is still in top in-ring form.
Being the perfect veteran to swoop in and end up winning the tournament to become John Cena’s final opponent — The Miz could end up going all the way in the Last Time Is Now tournament.
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2. More NXT Names Added For Next Week
There are two other first round bouts set for next Friday’s edition of SmackDown on November 21 that have yet to be revealed.
Potentially set to host more names from NXT, there could be some intriguing potential names that make the cut for participation in the tournament.
From NXT Championship rivals Oba Femi and Ricky Saints, to multi-generation talent like Lexis King, Charlie Dempsey or Uriah Connors — there are a lot of potential possibilities.
With the opportunity for NXT stars to make an impression in the tournament and make a return for the Saturday Night’s Main Event exhibition matches, it could be a very exciting time for NXT fans.
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1. LA Knight vs. Joe Hendry on WWE SmackDown
LA Knight is set to face a mystery opponent on WWE SmackDown — seemingly the perfect opportunity for Joe Hendry to be included in the Last Time Is Now tournament.
With it being reported that Hendry has now signed with WWE, it would make sense to see him as the surprise entrant on the November 14 edition of SmackDown.
Bridging together the reason why when the match was pulled, SmackDown GM Nick Aldis declined to name the participant — since Hendry’s gimmick includes magically appearing when anyone says his name.
Potentially besting Knight in the first round, Hendry could tease moving on to the finals albeit even if he doesn’t end up accomplishing the feat — he will have added another major accomplishment on the main roster.
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