With spots left to be announced for the Last Time Is Now tournament to find John Cena’s last WWE opponent, there may be more NXT names to come.
From at least one NXT star that is for sure in the tournament to eight others that could easily join the field, every name on the list is a viable contender for one reason or another.
Here are nine WWE NXT stars that could enter the Last Time Is Now tournament to determine John Cena’s last opponent.
9. Je’Von Evans
One NXT name that has already been confirmed for a first round match in the Last Time Is Now tournament is Je’Von Evans.
While entering the tournament is exciting, perhaps Evans faces the least thrilling opponent of any first round match-up as he is set to take on the returning GUNTHER.
With GUNTHER having been out of action since dropping the WWE World Heavyweight Championship to CM Punk at SummerSlam 2025, it would seem that he certainly could have some pent up rage.
However, in what could end up being a first round shock to dispel previous reports purporting to know who will win the tournament — Evans could beat GUNTHER bust brackets across the WWE fandom.
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8. Charlie Dempsey
A son the legendary William Regal, Charlie Dempsey could be an NXT entrant that goes all the way, finding himself as John Cena’s final WWE opponent.
Able to enter the tournament as a relative unknown but capture hearts and minds by winning the whole thing, Dempsey could also come with the boost of an appearance from William Regal.
Since Regal has his own complex history with Cena, it could be a magical nostalgic moment rolled into a nod to the future of professional wrestling.
After recently making appearances in Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan, it would seem that Dempsey will be on the main roster sooner rather than later.
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7. Shiloh Hill
A brand new NXT star that could make one of the first TV appearances in the Last Time Is Now tournament could be Shiloh Hill.
After appearing on season one of the A&E competition reality series WWE LFG (Legends and Future Greats), Hill would return for season two and ultimately win the men’s side of the competition.
Boasting over 2.7 million followers across social media, Hill not only has fans interested in his wrestling but also his viral antics shopping for haunted items on the internet.
Potentially a fun inclusion for a first round match-up, Shiloh Hill could make his debut on the WWE roster in a major way.
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6. Ricky Saints
One NXT star that should definitely be included in the tournament to determine John Cena’s last opponent is NXT Champion, Ricky Saints.
With name recognition from his time in AEW potentially helpful, Saints’ personal story and charismatic character has already captivated NXT fans and could be poised to visit the main roster.
With a unique opportunity for the main roster audience to get their first glimpse of Ricky Saints, the appearance could end up being a huge moment in his career.
If not in the tournament, Saints should definitely be included in the Saturday Night’s Main Event main roster versus NXT exhibition matches at Cena’s final farewell on December 13.
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5. Myles Borne
One NXT star that could enter the tournament and surprise fans with how far he gets is Myles Borne.
A Cinderella story that could see Borne go all the way from unlikely entrant to the finals, Borne’s own personal story makes him even more endearing to fans. Even without knowing his story of partial deafness since infancy, his in-ring skills, speed and strength could impress on the main roster.
Bringing the same energy as Cena’s debut against Kurt Angle, Myles Borne could use the opportunity to enter the tournament and challenge an existing main roster talent to establish himself as a future threat.
With mystery opponents still set to go up against LA Knight and Solo Sikoa plus unannounced first round matches still to go — it could be Borne’s time to shine in the Last Time Is Now tournament.
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4. Joe Hendry
One star that has been clear that he had hopes of getting a match with John Cena before he retires is Joe Hendry.
However with the number of appearances from Cena quickly dwindling, it could be that the Last Time Is Now tournament could be Hendry’s last chance.
Already making a big impact on NXT when he hasn’t even technically departed TNA Wrestling yet, Joe Hendry could be a fun addition to the tournament for at least a first round match.
Possibly being an amazing opponent for Solo Sikoa on the upcoming edition of SmackDown set to host the MFT leader against a mystery opponent — someone will have to say his name so that he can appear!
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3. Oba Femi
After a strong run in NXT with the NXT Championship, Oba Femi is seemingly awaiting his next story — which end up being targeting John Cena.
With the ‘Last Time Is Now’ tournament potentially being a great host for his call-up to either Raw or SmackDown, Oba Femi could arrive in a similar manner to the debut of John Cena.
If Femi were to demonstrate he was unafraid to step up to a massive contender in the first round — such as the mystery opponent spot that is set to take on the November 14 edition of SmackDown against LA Knight — it would be an amazing debut.
Not needing to necessarily pass the first round to make a dominant showing, Oba Femi should be main roster bound sooner rather than later.
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2. Trick Williams
Another WWE NXT star that could use the tournament opportunity as a launching pad for their introduction to the main roster is Trick Williams.
After already exerting dominance over not only the NXT roster but also the TNA Wrestling roster by holding both brand’s World titles in 2025 — Williams is definitely ready for more spotlight.
Whether or not Trick advanced in the tournament would almost be inconsequential with a strong showing in the bout being enough to cement his call-up.
Certainly someone poised for big things in the future, Trick Williams would be a solid addition to the field.
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1. Uriah Connors
Since there are seemingly some vacant spots as yet to be announced for the tournament, one outside pick could end up telling an amazing story.
While he hasn’t been heavily featured yet in NXT, Uriah Connors comes with lengthy indie experience under his perhaps more recognizable in-ring name, Brogan Finlay.
Real life son of WWE legend Fit Finlay, it could be an amazing opportunity for Cena’s final opponent tournament to showcase even more next generation talent.
With John Cena being trained in part by Fit Finlay in his own young career in WWE, the nod could be a special one to see Connors in the tournament.
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