WWE Confirms Opening Matches for “The Last Time Is Now” Tournament

The road to John Cena’s final match officially begins next week, and the first two opening-round clashes have been confirmed for “The Last Time Is Now” tournament.

During WWE Raw, General Manager Adam Pearce was shown backstage with a classic tumbler draw, announcing that he would randomly determine the first set of tournament matches. Later in the show, Pearce revealed two blockbuster bouts that will kick off the competition next Monday in Boston, Massachusetts:

• Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sheamus
• Rusev vs. Damian Priest

Pearce also confirmed that SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis will handle the next round of drawings this Friday on SmackDown.

The Tournament That Marks an Era’s End

The 16-man Last Time Is Now tournament was announced by John Cena himself this past weekend during Saturday Night’s Main Event. The competition will feature stars from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, and Cena even teased that outside competitors could join the field — sparking speculation that legends or former rivals may return for one last showdown.

The winner of the tournament will earn the ultimate prize: a match against John Cena in his farewell bout on December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C.

Cena’s Homecoming Next Week

Cena is confirmed to appear on next Monday’s Raw in Boston, marking what’s expected to be his final WWE appearance in his home area before retirement. Fans are already speculating whether he’ll address the tournament entrants directly — or perhaps confront the winner of one of next week’s opening matches.

Either way, all eyes are now on Boston as the Last Time Is Now era officially begins.

Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

The announcement of the first two tournament matchups feels perfectly balanced — a blend of power, prestige, and unpredictability. Sheamus vs. Nakamura is a dream match between two veterans known for striking intensity, while Rusev vs. Damian Priest could be a brutal battle of heavy hitters that sets the tone for the rest of the tournament.

Behind the scenes, WWE officials are said to be treating The Last Time Is Now as more than a farewell — it’s a celebration of Cena’s legacy and a platform to elevate the next generation. The inclusion of talent from all three brands — and potential outside names — signals that Cena’s final match will be one of the most emotional and star-studded moments in recent history.

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