John Cena is set to face Gunther in his final professional wrestling match during WWE’s Saturday Night Main Event on December 13th. Gunther, known as The Ring General, was the favorite to win “The Last Time is Now” tournament, which determined Cena’s last opponent, although Carmelo Hayes also received significant support for his strong performance in the 16-man competition.
Hayes made it to the quarterfinals before being knocked out by Gunther, who then defeated Solo Sikoa and LA Knight to secure Cena’s retirement match location in Washington, DC. Despite many fans rooting for Hayes to get the opportunity, it was deemed an unrealistic choice. WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray confirmed that Gunther deserved the win and supported not having Hayes face Cena, calling the idea of Hayes as Cena’s final opponent “unbelievable.”
While Hayes showed promise in NXT alongside stars like Bron Breaker and Gunther and was expected to rise as a main WWE star, his transition to SmackDown after the April 2024 WWE Draft has yet to live up to those expectations. Nevertheless, Hayes has a history with Cena and was even in his corner during a 2023 NXT match, suggesting he could have been a fitting opponent for Cena’s farewell bout.
Hayes has praised his tournament run, likening his role to Cena’s early impact during the start of the Ruthless Aggression Era. Despite his loss to Gunther, Hayes continues to appear regularly on SmackDown and is poised to be one of its key babyfaces. Given SmackDown’s crowded heel scene, a fresh direction for Hayes, possibly involving a push for the National Championship, could help elevate his status.
Fan Take: This news is significant for WWE fans as it marks the end of an era with Cena’s final match while spotlighting rising stars like Gunther and Hayes. It highlights WWE’s ongoing efforts to blend veteran legacy with new talent, which is crucial for keeping the sport engaging and dynamic for future audiences.
