Get ready for a night of high-stakes action and emotional farewells—John Cena’s final opponent is about to be decided, and the wrestling world is on the edge of its seat. But here’s where it gets controversial: who deserves the honor of facing the man many call the 'Greatest of All Time'? On Friday night’s SmackDown, Gunther and LA Knight will clash in the finals of the ‘Last Time is Now’ tournament, with the winner earning the right to battle Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13. This isn’t just a match—it’s a career-defining moment for both competitors, who’ve fought through a grueling 16-man bracket. Knight took down Jey Uso, while Gunther dismantled Solo Sikoa in the semifinals, setting the stage for a showdown that’s as much about legacy as it is about victory.
And this is the part most people miss: while Cena’s farewell steals the spotlight, the future of the Undisputed WWE Championship hangs in the balance. Cody Rhodes, fresh off a loss at Survivor Series: WarGames, will address his next move as champion. Will Roman Reigns seek revenge after their heated exchange post-WarGames? The tension is palpable, and Rhodes’ words could set the stage for another epic title feud. Meanwhile, the rest of the SmackDown card is stacked with must-see action: Ilja Dragunov will issue an open challenge for his United States Championship, WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill faces Alba Fyre in a non-title bout, and Alexa Bliss goes head-to-head with Kairi Sane. Plus, Solo Sikoa will address the chaotic end of last week’s SmackDown, promising fireworks.
But let’s pause for a moment—is Gunther vs. Knight the true main event, or just a prelude to Cena’s swan song? Both wrestlers have proven their worth, but only one can walk away with the chance to face a legend. And what about Rhodes’ reign? Is it safe, or is Reigns already plotting his comeback? CBS Sports will bring you live updates, results, and reactions from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, starting at 8 p.m. ET. Don’t miss a second of the drama—because in WWE, even the final bell is just the beginning.
Thought-provoking question for you: If you were booking Cena’s final match, who would you choose as his opponent—Gunther, Knight, or someone else entirely? Let us know in the comments!
