Gunther Returns on WWE Raw as Cena’s Last Time Is Now Looms
Gunther Returns on WWE Raw as Cena’s Last Time Is Now Looms
Gunther returns on WWE Raw in Kansas City as Cena’s Last Time Is Now looms, delivering new matchups, title chatter, and rumors that could reshape WWE’s landscape.
In Kansas City, WWE Raw kicked off with Gunther making his first appearance since winning the John Cena Last Time Is Now tournament, sending a clear message that he’s here to stay. He defeated LA Knight on SmackDown to clinch the tournament, a win that has set off a fresh wave of hype heading into Cena’s looming farewell.
The show built toward John Cena’s upcoming final match, announced for Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C., on December 13. Cena has been a frequent presence on a whirlwind media tour, appearing on Jimmy Kimmel, Joe Rogan and Bill Simmons as speculation swirled about potential cameos from figures like Vince McMahon or even Donald Trump in what could be a historic capstone to Cena’s career.
On the label side of the card, AJ Styles and Dragon Lee are eying a tag-team title showdown with the War Raiders, while Stephanie Vaquer looks for a fresh challenger in her ongoing arc. Lyre Valkyria is set to face Roxanne Perez in a women's division bout that promises shock value and momentum shifts, and Rey Mysterio is matched up with Finn Balor, adding more marquee intrigue to an already loaded lineup.
Behind the scenes, a few footnotes add to the week’s buzz. Viewership data for the November 24 Raw has been hard to pin down due to broadcast issues and competition from Netflix’s top offerings, which have dominated the conversation over the holiday period. There’s also chatter about Jericho’s pending contract, reportedly up in 2026, fueling fan chatter that a hooded figure could be involved in Warrior Games-style intrigue later in the month.
The week’s headlines also sparked rumors of surprise appearances, with talk of possible returns by long-time stalwarts and top executives alike adding to the sense that Raw is in the middle of a dramatic, high-stakes stretch. One thing is certain: Gunther’s post-tournament return, Cena’s final match build, and a string of fresh matchups are setting Raw up for a bold, loud run as 2025 closes out.
As fans await Friday’s follow-up and next week’s fallout, the chapter remains simple: big names, bigger stories, and a card that keeps every page loaded with potential surprises. The stage is set for a Raw that aims to close the year with fireworks and start 2026 on a power play.
Cover image source: WWE Raw December 8, 2025: Card, Location, Start Time And How To Watch 🔗
