WWE SmackDown Reveals Big News for John Cena Tournament

By Matthew Couden

Contributing Writer

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WWE SmackDown occurred in Colorado on Friday, with two more first-round matches for the John Cena "Last Time is Now" tournament. In the first of those matches, Carmelo Hayes picked up a win after his opponent, Bronson Reed, got counted out due to an all-out brawl outside of the ring involving several of the WarGames participants.

Later in the show, Penta battled Judgment Day's Finn Balor in an entertaining back-and-forth match. Ultimately, it was Penta capturing a pinfall victory to move on to the second round. He joined other first-round winners, including LA Knight, Jey Uso, Solo Sikoa, GUNTHER, and Rusev.

During SmackDown, Michael Cole and Corey Graves updated viewers on WWE's earlier report that Sheamus is no longer able to continue in the tournament due to a shoulder injury. As a result, the tournament bracket doesn't have a second-round opponent for LA Knight.

Read more: WWE Legend Offers Bold Idea for Final John Cena Match

wwe superstar john cena during smackdown

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According to Cole and Graves, due to Sheamus's absence, SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis and Raw general manager Adam Pearce were meeting to determine an opponent for LA Knight. Whether that means Shinsuke gets to move on since he was Sheamus's first-round opponent remains to be seen.

The tournament featured a few surprises along the way, as former WWE stars returned to compete. Matt Cardona, better known as Zack Ryder, returned to face LA Knight in last Friday's SmackDown match. On Raw, viewers saw Nic Nemeth, aka Dolph Ziggler, return to battle Solo Sikoa.

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Based on WWE's tournament bracket reveal, viewers will get to see Jey Uso vs. Rusev, Penta vs. Solo Sikoa, and Hayes vs. GUNTHER in the second round. Could WWE have another surprise competitor on the way for Knight's second-round opponent?

The winner of John Cena's "Last Time is Now" tournament will officially compete against Cena at "Saturday Night's Main Event" on Saturday, Dec. 29, in what the WWE legend confirmed will be his final match before retirement.