John Cena WWE

Two New Opening Round Matches Announced For John Cena's 'Last Time Is Now' Tournament

Originally posted on Wrestling on SI | By Rick Ucchino | Last updated Nov 7, 2025 9:35 PM ET

Half of the field for the 'Last Time is Now' Tournament has now been revealed, well, at least for the most part.

16 men are set to compete in the upcoming single elimination competition, with the winner earning the honor of facing John Cena in his final match at Saturday Night's Main Event next month in the Nation's Capital.

Rusev, Sheamus, Shinsuke Nakamura and Damian Priest were announced as the first competitors this past Monday on Raw, and four more men were chosen to join the mix by SmackDown GM Nick Aldis Friday night.

Come on, @RealNickAldis! Who is it?! pic.twitter.com/frUAcvxslG
— WWE (@WWE) November 8, 2025

The first match-up will feature two former World Champions, and one of Cena's oldest rivals, going head-to-head as The Miz takes on Main Event Jey Uso.

LA Knight has also made his way into the tournament, but The Megastar will be at a massive disadvantage heading into his match next Friday. After Nick Aldis drew the name of his opponent from the tumbler, The SmackDown GM decided to keep that Superstars' identity a secret.

Since the tournament was first announced at Saturday Night's Main Event, the expectation has been for there to be a few surprise entrants into the field. Cena himself said that some competitors may not even work for WWE.

Adam Copeland faces Stoke tonight on Dynamite. Lee South - All Elite Wrestling

The possibilities aren't endless, but they are intriguing. Obvious contractual issues will keep someone like AEW's Adam Copeland from returning to WWE, but Matt Cardona, Bishop Dyer, Nic Nemeth or other rivals from Cena's past could potentially show up.

We'll all have to wait until next Friday to find out who will be facing off against LA Knight.