BWO Running Predictions Blog: The Last Time Is Now Tournament Round 1
- maineventwrestling9
- Nov 7
- 12 min read
Updated: Nov 21
(TGBH) What’s the happs on the crapps yall? Welcome to our first ever live bWo RUNNING PREDICTIONS BLOG! What? You didnt think we weren't gonna do a predictions blog for this once in a lifetime tournament? I mean cmon, THE LAST TIME IS NOW!! With this being Cena’s Farewell Tour, this tournament will be remembered for the ages as superstars duke it out for the opportunity to be John Cena’s final opponent.
(PCM)They say one in a lifetime, maybe once in a generation. John Cena is a once in history. No one has gotten to the heights of everything like he has. Like him or hate him, he changed the game in a way no one ever did. And as someone who got a chance to meet him, I can say he is as much of a class act as he seems. Salute to the Unseen Seventeen.
(DSS) I remember watching John Cena’s first match. I missed a bunch in the middle. But I’m definitely going to remember his last match, as well. I’m interested to see who all ends up in this tournament that Gunther is going to win.
(TGBH) We’ll be posting our predictions for the first round here on this post as the tournament goes on. We’re gonna kick it off with the first two matches and add em as we go. Simple enough right? Let’s get to it yall!!
Pre-Game w/bWo:
The Last Time is Now Tournament
Round 1
Sheamus vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
RAW 11/10/2025
(PCM) Now this is an opening match for a tournament of this caliber. I like the idea of matches like this, where it is hard to pick. On paper, both men need a bigger win. But who needs it more? Nakamura just came back, but Sheamus has not necessarily stumbled, but is treading water. If these first two matches are going to meet each other in the next round, we could be in store for some barnburners. I would be happy with any combination. I am picking solely of which one I have been a fan of for the longest, gimme me Sheamus!
(DSS) This one is an incredibly unpredictable match, since Shinsuke just came back and he’s been orbiting the MFT storyline. Sheamus hasn’t been doing a ton lately, so this one could go either way. I’d rather see Shinsuke move on in the tournament, so he’s my pick.
(TGBH) Sheamus’ history with Cena makes him a favorite in this tournament. After not being able to gain the IC Heavyweight Title, Sheamus has sort of floated around waiting for something to do. Why they didn’t book a Cena vs. Sheamus one on one match during this tour is baffling, but maybe they’re saving it for Cena’s last match? Sheamus vs Nakamura is a main event match and will surely close Monday’s RAW. These two will beat the living hell out of each other, all for the glory of being Cena’s last opponent.
PaperClip Mike’s Pick:
Sheamus via Pinfall
Darkstar Shady’s Pick:
Shinsuke Nakamura via Pinfall
The Great Brown Hope’s Pick:
Sheamus via Pinfall
Damian Priest vs. Rusev
RAW 11/10/2025
(TGBH) Damian Priest is now a former World Champion, an accomplishment Rusev never reached thanks to John Cena. Rusev should have won at WrestleMania against Cena. Rusev’s current run has seen him appear weekly on television and being booked in this match against Priest allows Rusev to move on from Dom and out for something bigger. Damian Priest will be a Superstar for many years to come, and a win here solidifies his status as a main event talent. Rusev won’t back down, and Priest wont quit. Rusev will have to absolutely destroy Priest to advance. A Knock Out win will catch the crowd off guard and further push Rusev as a scary, brutal competitor to go toe to toe with.
(PCM) To me, this match on paper seems a little less predictable. Basing this on just history with Cena, Rusev has the edge. That may not be much of a factor if the rumors of Gunther being the choice come to fruition. Also, picking this solely of who I like more and who I want to see in the next round, my choice is Rusev. I have always liked Rusev. Maybe he can even come out with the tank again…and Lana.
(DSS) I just cannot get interested in Rusev regardless of what they do with him. I didn’t watch his first run, and I do not care about his current run. Give this to Damian, I don’t need any more Rusev than necessary.
The Great Brown Hope’s Pick:
Rusev via Knock Out
PaperClip Mike’s Pick:
Rusev via Pinfall
Darkstar Shady’s Pick:
Damian Priest via Pinfall
(UPDATED 11/12/25)
Jey Uso vs. The Miz
SmackDown 11/14/2025
(PCM) As I am for the rest of the tourney, I am going off on who was bigger for the Cena mythos. Not that any of these men are lacking, both are first ballot hall of famers, easy. My issue is that one thing, has the Jey Uso ship sailed? For the time being, I think it has. Once he lost the title, a lot of the luster was gone, and not entirely his fault as I have stated before. The Miz has been one of the most consistent wrestlers of his generation. And lest we forget, he is one of the few to beat Cena at Wrestlemania, and one-on-one nonetheless. And since I want to see a long term Usos reunion, I am giving this to the Miz.
(DSS) Jey Uso vs. The Miz is a match I didn’t expect to see. I like the chaos of this tournament, but I don’t think the match makes sense for Jey Uso’s story. He already had his big moment with Cena in this run, eliminating him from the Royal Rumble. It would be a shame for The Miz to not move forward. If I’m being completely honest, I don’t care which of them truly do win, since neither is making it to the end. Jey has his own demons to battle, and The Miz and Carmelo Hayes don’t feel wrapped up. Someone has to move on, and Jey isn’t ready for a comeback arc quite yet.
(TGBH) Main Event Jey Uso remains around the main card and will do so for a while. Jey Uso is over where it matters to the fed, with the children. The younger generation needs someone to root for with Cena out of the picture and it appears they have decided on Jey Uso. As long as Jey Uso is over with the live crowds, there is truly no slowing him down. SmackDown needs a ratings boost and this will be used to test the waters on whether they should move Jey to SmackDown or not. Sami Zayn needs friends anyway to deal with Solo so you can bet they'll play it safe and send Jey to help. I'd like see people who have history with Cena move on to the second round to set this tournament into the next gear.
PaperClip Mike’s Pick:
The Miz via Pinfall
Darkstar Shady’s Pick:
The Miz via Pinfall
The Great Brown Hope's Pick:
The Miz via Pinfall
LA Knight vs. Mystery Opponent
SmackDown 11/15/2025
(TGBH) One fan shows up with a We Want LA Knight sign like it's supposed to change anything. Y'all want more LA Knight then all yall gotta show up with signs. The main event scene is crowded as hell and there's no one for LA Knight to beat to make any real impact. While the mystery opponent could be any of the FIVE i named in my last Five at 5 blog, if LA Knight is to win it has to be someone that can take a loss here. There is no denying LA Knight's popularity, I have given the man his flowers but what has he done since? Don't worry, I'll wait. I for one say Santos Escobar could be the surprise opponent, no one sees it coming and Escobar could finally get a (deserved)pinfall victory over LA Knight.
(PCM) LA Knight has fallen into the same category as Jey Uso I mentioned earlier, but even more so. The luster is gone. As someone who dug him right away, I knew that he was never made to be a world champion. Or if it ever happened, it would be as a transitional champ. It has been such a stop-and-start. Can you name one cool thing he has done since dropping the US title at Wrestlemania? Exactly. He has been drifting further away from his peak since WM. This one will easily go to the mystery opponent.
(DSS) Reportedly, LA Knight is upset his promo against Cena was cut to commercial, and I don’t need him moving forward in the tournament at all. There’s no place for his knockoff promo style and overrated ring skills among the rest of the greats. I don’t even care who the mystery opponent is (Joe Hendry? Jericho?), but I hope they pick up the win and leave Knight in the dust.
The Great Brown Hope’s Pick:
Mystery Opponent via Pinfall
PaperClip Mike’s Pick:
Mystery Opponent via Pinfall
Darkstar Shady’s Pick:
Mystery Opponent via Pinfall
Je’Von Evans vs. Gunther
RAW 11/17/2025
(DSS) This one is a truly unexpected matchup. Je’Von is a big part of the future of WWE, and I hope he isn’t just being fed to Gunther as a quick matchup. Gunther was my original pick, as he was already rumored to be John’s final opponent. Now that Sheamus has moved forward, with John Cena as the Intercontinental Champion, they may end up paired together at SNME. If that’s the case, I’d rather the matches stay with unconventional pairings and let Je’Von move on to the next round. Someone from the younger generation needs to get some spotlight from the tournament.
(TGBH) I said it on NXT Night Shift last night, I wanna see an upset. Gunther doesn't need to retire Cena. And with Cena now Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion, I can already see Sheamus winning the tournament and beating Cena. While this is a traditional tournament with high stakes, Je'Von Evans deserves this type of spotlight. And after being tested against Orton, Evans is ready to take on anyone. A win here catapults Evans to the main roster to run amuck on the midcard scene on either brand. Plus a win from Evans gets us a rematch after Gunther costs him his second round match.
(PCM) Je’Von Evans has a future on TV. He will be on screens in some capacity for decades. I just can’t see past the original idea, long ago, that Gunther would get the shot at Cena. I see this match being closer than LA Knight’s. Evans has the skill to win at any moment, and the close falls make you think he will. He is an expert at that. And as someone who is a huge Gunther fan, the time is now (pun intended) to build him back into the monster he was born to be.
Darkstar Shady’s Pick:
Je'Von Evans via Pinfall
The Great Brown Hope’s Pick:
Je'Von Evans via Pinfall
PaperClip Mike’s Pick:
Gunther via Submission
Solo Sikoa vs. Mystery Opponent
RAW 11/17/2025
(DSS) I never want to see Solo and John Cena in the ring together again, or even get close. Solo beat down John Cena in the past and it did absolutely nothing for his career. I have no idea who the mystery opponent is, but Joe Hendry is the obvious choice. Adam Pearce is trying to throw us off the trail, saying he’s seen all of the rumors and they’re all wrong. That means at least one of the rumors are right. In an ideal world, R Truth would be the opponent and would win not just the match, but the tournament. Cena could do a lot worse than putting over his younger brother in his final match.
(TGBH) Everyone knows I acknowledge both my Tribal Chiefs, Roman and Solo. Solo Sikoa has surrounded himself with a tribe of goons that will do anything he says and you know why? Cause they love and respect Solo Sikoa. They acknowledge Solo Sikoa, as should you. Sikoa has really come into his own and deserves all the TV time he’s getting. While not involved in the main event scene, he’s still floating around the US Heavyweight Championship division. Their current feud with the Wyatts on top of that has put alot on their plate and having Solo advance here would be the cherry on top. It’ll be nice to see Solo and his goons get some Netflix shine. The playing field has come to a close and this mystery opponent will certainly be from NXT. The webernet says Hendry has signed a deal with the fed, and with Je’Von Evans competing against Gunther the same night, That’s two NXT stars featured on RAW. Sure that spot can go to maybe Trick Daddy Dollas Williams or Oba Femi, but the safe bet is Joe Hendry. Hendry has taken a loss to Orton at WrestleMania and im thinking he takes a loss to Solo here with Solo’s primos getting involved. Sikoa can’t afford another, especially if he is to continue being a focal point of SmackDown. Four letters, one word, SOLO.
(PCM) The last match with a mystery opponent surprised us all. It could be anyone. Joe Hendry, Nic Nemeth, someone from NXT. Hell, with Cardona/Ryder coming it, it could be anyone. But who do we pick? To me, it all comes down to who the mystery opponent is. If it is a person affiliated with TNA, got to give it to Solo; no reason for him to lose. If it is an NXT guy, it would depend on who it is. Oba Femi would slap, but how far would he go if he won. Joe Hendy is a safe pick, as he is officially a WWE superstar now. This one has a lot of variables. I don’t want to 50/50 book this and just give it to the mystery opponent on the heels of the last one. You also have to add Solo’s stable to account too. Screw it, I pick it to be Hendy, and he goes over.
Darkstar Shady’s Pick:
Mystery Opponent via Pinfall
The Great Brown Hope’s Pick:
Solo Sikoa via Pinfall
PaperClip Mike’s Pick:
Mystery Opponent via Pinfall
Penta vs. Finn Balor
SmackDown 11/21/2025
(PCM) Put this in my veins! This match is gonna slap so hard! Been a huge fan of Penta since watching him on LU. And well…it’s Balor. Just let these men go out there and light it up. I would love to see them go for at least 15. With the seemingly start of the end of Judgement Day and a big win for Penta, I choose Penta. Don’t get me wrong, Balor winning would not piss me off, but let that smooth operator get the dub. I see Dom and Finn as the money match and no need to wait for it. Let that match start to cook and have the Ciero Miedo Maestro go on to the next round.
(TGBH) We got a PLE caliber match in the first round, of course almost all of them are but this one has Penta in it. We’ll for sure get some ringside distractions from Jordan Devlin and Dirty Dom, but it won’t be enough for Balor to walk out with the win. Balor’s spot in the main event scene was given to someone else a long time ago and I dont think he’ll be getting it back. Whilst a bonafide legend in his own right, this tournament wasn’t made to build up to Cena vs Balor. Penta is gonna be a hot commodity for quite a while and will need to rack up more wins en route to a midcard title. Penta gets the win here and moves on to lose in the second round.
PaperClip Mike’s Pick: Penta via Pinfall
Darkstar Shady’s Pick: Penta via Pinfall
The Great Brown Hope’s Pick: Penta via Pinfall
Bronson Reed vs. Carmelo Hayes
SmackDown 11/21/2025
(TGBH) Big Bad Bronson Reed versus He Who is Him Carmelo Hayes wasn’t on my bingo board for 2025. The Vision will be involved in War Games and will need some wins to pick up steam en route to said PLE. Hayes has been stuck in a loop on SmackDown whilst others from his NXT class have seen considerable main roster success. The time is not now for Hayes, but it will come very soon, hopefully. Two former NXT North American Heavyweight champions collide in a brawl for a spot in the second round, but who wants it more? It’s been storm season here in California, dont be surprised if Hayes gets hit with a Tsunami.
(PCM) Out of the current crop of predictions so far, this is the easiest. No shade to Carmelo, but I don’t see him picking up the win. Not that I wouldn’t want to see it, been a fan since the indies, but there is a story looming here. He has the feud with Miz going on, and with his loss in the tourney, I could see the whole ‘If I am not winning, neither are you’.That seems to be the big story here. I mean, I do love seeing the Vision rn, so Reed time is a good time. But I see him as the winner, but at the expense of the losing wrestler, with the bigger story.
The Great Brown Hope’s Pick: Bronson Reed via Pinfall
PaperClip Mike’s Pick: Bronson Reed via Pinfall
Darkstar Shady’s Pick: Bronson Reed via Pinfall
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