Gunther Wins Last Time Is Now, Sets Cena's Final Match
Gunther Wins Last Time Is Now, Sets Cena's Final Match
Gunther defeats LA Knight in the Last Time is Now final on SmackDown in Denver, booking a blockbuster final vs John Cena for Cena's retirement bout at Saturday Night's Main Event in DC.
DENVER — In a high-stakes SmackDown showdown at Ball Arena, Gunther toppled LA Knight to win the Last Time is Now Tournament, pulling off a surprise finish that set the stage for one of WWE’s most anticipated retirement bouts. Gunther unveiled a new submission move — a far-side, under-grip crossface — to make Knight tap and claim the trophy, signaling a bold shift in the night’s storytelling arc. The win not only cements Gunther as a dangerous force on the main roster but also raises the curtain on a collision course with one of WWE’s most enduring icons.
With the title now in hand, the focus shifts to Washington, D.C., where Cena will meet Gunther in Cena’s final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The pairing is a dream clash of generations: Cena, the perennial centerpiece of WWE for two decades, against Gunther, the modern bold face of the brand who has raised the Intercontinental title’s prestige and consistently proven himself as a main-event draw. The announcement capsules one of WWE’s most emotional storylines in years, turning Cena’s farewell into a monumental occasion for fans and pundits alike.
The decision to have Knight lose in the final was described as surprising and purposeful, a booking choice WWE hopes will test fan loyalty while preserving Knight’s momentum for a potential big moment down the line. The narrative invites speculation—will Knight rebound at future pay-per-views, perhaps chasing a Royal Rumble resurgence? Will Cena’s send-off light the fuse for unexpected twists as the year unfolds? Either way, the Denver result instantly reframes the immediate future, with Cena’s swan song poised to anchor a championship-caliber night that fans won’t want to miss.
As the arena settles into the fallout, the Last Time is Now arc appears to be propelling Gunther toward a defining showdown and giving Cena one last, lasting chapter to close his storied chapter in WWE history. The road to DC promises fireworks, respect, and a moment that could redefine both men's legacies for years to come.
Cover image source: WWE SmackDown Results Dec. 5, 2025: Last Time Is Now Final And More 🔗
