Get ready for a night of high-stakes action and emotional farewells—because John Cena’s final opponent is about to be decided, and the wrestling world is buzzing with anticipation. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this truly the end for Cena, or could this be a cleverly orchestrated farewell that leaves the door open for a future return? Either way, the stage is set for a historic showdown.
On Friday night’s episode of SmackDown, Gunther and LA Knight will clash in the finals of the ‘Last Time is Now’ tournament, with the winner earning the honor of facing Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13. Both competitors have fought their way through a grueling 16-man bracket, with Knight defeating Jey Uso and Gunther overpowering Solo Sikoa in the semifinals. The stakes? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the ring with a man many call the ‘Greatest of All Time.’ But let’s be real—while Cena’s legacy is undeniable, does this match truly define the careers of Gunther or Knight, or is it more about the spectacle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Adding to the drama, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will be in attendance. Fresh off his team’s loss at Survivor Series: WarGames, Rhodes is expected to address his next move as champion. And this is the part most people miss: Despite the defeat, Rhodes’s exchange with Roman Reigns post-match hints at a simmering rivalry that could explode at any moment. Will Reigns seek to reclaim the title he lost, or is Rhodes’s reign just beginning? It’s a question that has fans divided.
Meanwhile, the rest of the SmackDown card is packed with must-see action. Ilja Dragunov will issue an open challenge for his United States Championship, WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill will face Alba Fyre in a non-title match, and Alexa Bliss will go head-to-head with Kairi Sane. Plus, Solo Sikoa will address the fallout from last week’s chaotic SmackDown—a moment that left fans stunned and eager for answers.
CBS Sports will bring you live updates, results, and reactions from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, starting at 8 p.m. ET. Whether you’re Team Gunther, Team Knight, or just here for the drama, this is one event you won’t want to miss. But here’s the real question: As Cena steps into the ring one last time, will this match live up to the hype, or will it be overshadowed by the looming specter of his retirement? Share your predictions below—we’re all ears!
