John Cena‘s final Opponent: The last Time Is Now Tournament Heats Up on WWE Raw
Are you a wrestling fan eagerly awaiting John Cena’s farewell? The anticipation is building as WWE unveils the contenders vying for the honor – and the challenge – of facing the 16-time world champion in his retirement match. This isn’t just another tournament; it’s a celebration of Cena’s legendary career and a chance for a superstar to etch their name in wrestling history.
monday’s WWE Raw delivered some major announcements regarding “The Last Time Is Now” tournament, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown culminating on December 13th at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, DC.let’s break down everything you need to know about the tournament, the confirmed participants, and the exciting matches scheduled for next week’s Raw, now exclusively streaming on Netflix.
the “Last Time Is now” Tournament: A Retirement Match Spotlight
The premise is simple, yet powerful. WWE is holding a tournament featuring talent from across all its brands – Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and even competitors “who don’t work here” – to determine John Cena’s final opponent. This unique inclusion opens the door for potential surprises and dream matchups.
The winner will have the distinct honor (and pressure) of stepping into the ring with Cena for his last-ever professional wrestling match.This tournament isn’t just about winning; it’s about legacy. It’s about proving you belong in the conversation with one of the greatest of all time.
Raw Reveals First Four Tournament Contenders
During Monday’s Raw, General Manager Adam Pearce revealed the first four names entering the “Last Time Is Now” tournament. The draw included a mix of established veterans and rising stars:
* sheamus: The Celtic Warrior, known for his brutal strength and unwavering intensity.
* Shinsuke Nakamura: The Artist, famed for his captivating charisma and devastating strikes.
* Rusev: the Bulgarian Brute, a powerhouse with a loyal following.
* Damian Priest: A member of The Judgment Day,bringing a dark and unpredictable edge to the competition.
These initial pairings promise compelling clashes of styles and personalities.
First Round Matchups Set for Next Week’s Raw
Get ready for action! Next Monday’s Raw, live from TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, will host the first round of tournament matches. Here’s what’s confirmed:
- Sheamus vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: A battle of hard-hitting styles and veteran experience. Expect a physical and technically sound contest.
- Rusev vs.Damian Priest: A clash of power and cunning. This match could be a brutal display of force or a strategic battle of wits.
These matches are crucial, as the winners advance to the next stage of the tournament, inching closer to that coveted spot against John Cena.
Beyond the Tournament: Additional Matches & Cena’s Boston Farewell
Raw wasn’t solely focused on the tournament. Several other matches were announced, adding to the excitement of next week’s show.
* WWE Women’s World Championship Match: Stephanie Vaquer will defend her title against Raquel Rodriguez of The Judgment Day. This promises a hard-fought battle for championship glory.
* WWE Women’s World Tag Team Championship Match: Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss will defend their titles against The Kabuki Warriors (Kairi Sane and Asuka).Expect a fast-paced and innovative tag team encounter.
Adding to the emotional weight of the evening, John Cena will make a final appearance in Boston, a city with a special connection to his career. This will be a moment for fans to show their gratitude for the Cenation leader.
Streaming Exclusively on Netflix: A New Era for Raw
A significant change is on the horizon. Starting with next Monday’s show, WWE Raw will be exclusively available on Netflix. This marks a new chapter for the flagship program, bringing it to a wider audience and potentially reshaping the landscape of professional wrestling viewership. The show will air live at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT. [Learn more about the Netflix partnership here](https://corporate.wwe.com/news/news-releases/2024/01-26-








