The concluding match of the Last Time is Now tournament was held on the December 5, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The final showdown featured the LA Knights against Gunther, capturing the full attention of the audience.
John Cena’s last opponent for the Saturday Night Main Event on December 13, 2025, has been finalized, leaving WWE to focus on promoting the upcoming bout. The outcome remains uncertain, though the Intercontinental title won’t be involved since Cena returned the championship to Dominik Mysterio at Survivor Series: War Games.
This highly anticipated match served as the show’s main event and brought significant excitement. Fans enthusiastically backed the LA Knights, but Gunther stood as a daunting challenger, boasting an unblemished record in non-title singles matches throughout his WWE career.
Adding intensity, Mark Nash’s ring introduction set the tone for a match that felt like a fierce battle. After exchanging impactful moves, the match cut to a commercial break. Following the break, LA Knight landed his rare AA and Burning Hammer moves, nearly securing a win before another commercial break.
Gunther soon found himself on the receiving end of more attacks from LA Knight, including a reversed suplex. The crowd cheered Knight, yet Gunther responded with a Tyrannosaurus dropkick, only to be countered by a powerbomb and DDT from Knight. Knight climbed the top rope to deliver an elbow drop, achieving a near fall.
Towards the match’s climax, Gunther executed two splashes on LA Knight, narrowly missing the win. Gunther’s powerbomb was met with a kick-out, and after LA Knight surprised him with a BFT, Gunther’s foot stomp on the bottom rope turned the tide. Gunther then locked in a sleeper hold, weakening Knight with elbow strikes before knocking him to the mat. Despite Knight’s effort to fight back and lift Gunther, Gunther overwhelmed him with a barrage of elbows and a crossface submission, ultimately making LA Knight tap out and securing the victory.
In the semi-finals, LA Knight triumphed over Jey Uso, while Gunther defeated Solo Chicor, setting the stage for their final confrontation. This thrilling match was a perfect conclusion to SmackDown and an ideal final contest for John Cena in Washington, DC.
What are your thoughts on John Cena’s final opponent? Who do you predict will win Saturday Night’s Main Event? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section.
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Fan Take: This match signified a pivotal moment for WWE fans, showcasing the blend of seasoned talent and rising stars, which keeps the sport dynamic and engaging. Cena’s farewell bout holds a special place in WWE history, potentially setting new paths for others to shine in the spotlight.
