Imagine the wrestling world holding its breath as John Cena, the legendary icon known as the 'Greatest of All Time,' gears up for what could be his last epic clash in the ring—now that's a moment that stirs the soul of every fan! But here's where it gets intense: the showdown to decide his final opponent is heating up on SmackDown, and it's sure to spark debates about legacy and rivalry. Dive in with us as we break it all down live, keeping you updated on every twist and turn from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, starting at 8 p.m. ET on December 5, 2025.
Before we jump into the action, a quick note: Our coverage might include affiliate links. Clicking on them and signing up or placing a bet won't cost you a dime, but it could help support our team—transparent and no strings attached.
The stage is set for an unforgettable Friday night on WWE SmackDown, where the 'Last Time is Now' tournament reaches its thrilling climax. Gunther and LA Knight, two powerhouse competitors who've clawed their way through a grueling 16-man bracket, are locked in a head-to-head battle to earn the ultimate prize: facing John Cena in his farewell match at Saturday Night's Main Event on December 13. Picture this like the final round of a championship playoff—only with high-stakes drama, superhuman athleticism, and the kind of storytelling that keeps fans glued to their screens.
Gunther powered past Solo Sikoa in the semifinals, showcasing his methodical dominance and European wrestling pedigree, while LA Knight outlasted Jey Uso with his fiery charisma and street-smart style. Both warriors are driven by the dream of etching their names into history alongside Cena, the 16-time world champion whose impact on WWE transcends generations. For beginners new to the scene, think of this as the wrestling equivalent of a heavyweight boxing title fight, where personal glory meets the chance to honor a living legend.
And this is the part most people miss—the personal stakes. Gunther and Knight aren't just fighting for a spot; they're chasing career-defining validation. Who will rise? Will Gunther's technical precision topple Knight's raw energy? It's the kind of matchup that could redefine their paths in WWE forever.
But wait, the night's drama doesn't stop there. The Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, will grace the ring to share his plans following the chaotic aftermath of Survivor Series: WarGames, a massive pay-per-view event where teams battle in a brutal cage match (imagine a multi-man war zone with ladders, tables, and alliances shifting like a political thriller). Rhodes led a team that came up short, and he recently traded heated words with Roman Reigns, the former champion he dethroned. Could this lead to a rematch? Reigns, the mastermind behind the Tribal Chief faction, might be plotting a comeback to reclaim his throne. Here's where it gets controversial: Some fans argue Rhodes deserves time to shine as champion, building his own legacy, while others speculate Reigns could force a redemption arc, potentially overshadowing Cena's farewell. What do you think—should Rhodes defend his title or risk it all in another epic feud?
Stick around for more live updates, complete with grades, results, and our take on every match. CBS Sports is your go-to source for all the reactions straight from Austin.
WWE SmackDown Preview:
- In the tournament finals, Gunther takes on LA Knight to clinch the honor of being John Cena's last adversary.
- Champion Cody Rhodes will speak out on his next moves post-Survivor Series: WarGames, a high-octane event where alliances crumble under pressure.
- Ilja Dragunov throws down the gauntlet with an open challenge for his United States Championship, inviting any contender to step up.
- Women's Champion Jade Cargill squares off against Alba Fyre in a non-title bout, showcasing the rising stars of WWE's women's division.
- Alexa Bliss and Kairi Sane clash in a fierce rivalry showdown.
- Solo Sikoa addresses the fallout from last week's SmackDown, possibly hinting at future vendettas.
Live Updates in Progress (3)
Check Back for Latest Posts
As we wrap up this preview, let's stir the pot a bit more. Is choosing a final opponent via tournament the fairest way to honor Cena, or should WWE have handpicked a fan favorite like The Rock for maximum nostalgia? And with Rhodes and Reigns' tension simmering, could it lead to a title change that eclipses even Cena's send-off? Share your thoughts in the comments—are you team Gunther, team Knight, or do you have a wild prediction for the night?
