John Cena Shares Contrasting Posts Following Blockbuster Announcement of ‘The Last Time Is Now’ Farewell Tournament

John Cena shares a heartfelt and hilarious post on social media after the grand reveal of his future plans at SNME.

John Cena Shares Contrasting Posts Following Blockbuster Announcement of ‘The Last Time Is Now’ Farewell Tournament

John Cena's retirement outing (via WWE)

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The sun is finally setting on John Cena’s legendary 23-year WWE career, as the 17-time World Champion prepares to step into the ring one last time next month. During Saturday Night’s Main Event, a pre-recorded video from Cena announced a blockbuster farewell tournament, a 16-man showdown to decide who earns the honor of facing him in his final match on December 13.

Titled ‘The Last Time Is Now’ Tournament, the competition kicks off on the November 10 edition of Monday Night Raw, fittingly taking place in Cena’s hometown of Boston. Moreover, Cena himself will be in attendance at the TD Garden, marking one of the final four appearances of his storied career.

In his emotional announcement, Cena revealed that the tournament entrants will be chosen at random, featuring a mix of former rivals, new faces, and even surprise participants from outside WWE, promising unpredictability worthy of his final chapter.

After the major reveal, Cena took to social media with two very different posts that perfectly captured his personality. On Instagram, he stayed true to his cryptic style, sharing a still from The Karate Kid, the iconic All Valley Karate Tournament moment where Daniel LaRusso readies his Crane Kick against Johnny Lawrence, with the tournament bracket visible in the background. 

While on X, he shared a more heartfelt message, directly addressing the WWE Universe and reflecting on his two-decade journey. 

For over two decades, I have tried to make the most of every opportunity I’ve been presented. On December 13th, I’d like to repay the favor. The Last Time is Now Tournament begins next Monday in Boston!

John Cena via X

It is certainly a poetic sendoff for a man whose time is finally now. With rumors of Dominik Mysterio and Gunther being the final two major opponents for Cena, it will be interesting to see what path the promotion chooses for the 17-time World title holder in the next 40 days. 

Several current and former WWE stars pitch in to face John Cena in his retirement match

In the aforementioned promotional video package, John Cena listed several stars he has yet to face inside the ring. As he spoke, quick shots of LA Knight, Drew McIntyre, Penta, Carmelo Hayes, Bronson Reed, Gunther, and Dominik Mysterio flashed across the screen, teasing the range of potential contenders for his final bout.

As previously reported, there are ongoing plans for Cena to challenge Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship, which would allow him to complete his long-pursued career Grand Slam. But judging by the video, the field of challengers seems wide open.

John Cena, Chelsea Green, Joe Hendry and Bayley
John Cena, Chelsea Green, Joe Hendry, and Bayley (via WWE)

Interestingly, one of the first stars to express interest in the tournament was Bayley. The two-time RAW and SmackDown Women’s Champion took to X to share the announcement, asking fans and WWE officials a simple question:

Can women be in the tournament?

Bayley via X

It turns out Bayley isn’t the only woman eager to step into the ring with The Cenation Leader. Former Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green also threw her name into the mix, writing, “Adding this to my Presidential Agenda. Chelsea vs Johnny Boy.”

Outside WWE, interest in Cena’s farewell tournament is also heating up. TNA’s Joe Hendry, who has long voiced his desire to face Cena, posted a picture of himself in what appeared to be a subtle response to the announcement, fueling speculation that he could be among the non-WWE entrants.

Another familiar name who reacted was Baron Corbin, who shared a GIF of himself hitting Cena with the Money in the Bank briefcase back in 2017. Meanwhile, Carmelo Hayes kept his response short and powerful, a callback to Cena’s iconic debut moment from 2002: “Ruthless Aggression.”

‘The Last Time Is Now’ Tournament officially begins on November 10, with Cena appearing live. Following that, he will have only three remaining dates on his WWE calendar: November 17 RAW, Survivor Series: WarGames on November 29, and finally, Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII on December 13 in Washington, D.C.

As the clock winds down on his historic career, the world now waits to see who will earn the honor of facing the consensus wrestling GOAT in his final match.

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