Eight WWE stars remain in the Last Time is Now Tournament to determine the final opponent of John Cena’s illustrious career. 16 performers, including former rivals like Dolph Ziggler and Zack Ryder, made guest appearances. Je’Von Evans was the lone representative from NXT. The purpose of the tournament was for Cena to give an opportunity to someone on the current roster, just as he received a huge moment with Kurt Angle years ago. Thanks for the submission! With a few big names like Jey Uso, Gunther, and LA Knight remaining, a different performer may earn to right to face Cena on December 13th. The next four signs point to Carmelo Hayes winning the Last Time is Now Tournament. #4. He’s from the same area as John Cena John Cena is from West Newbury, Massachusetts. The town sits Northeast of Boston near the border with New Hampshire. Hayes is from Framingham, Massachusetts, which is about a half hour west of Beantown. Both stars hail from the Bay State, and Hayes cut his teeth on the Northeast independent wrestling scene before joining WWE. It could just be a coincidence or a reason why he’ll win, but having a guy from the same area oppose Cena in his final match seems like an omen. #3. Cena has endorsed Hayes in the past One thing WWE always does is have some of the bigger names from the main roster come to NXT to help out or advise current performers. Randy Orton, the Hardyz, and the Undertaker hyped up Evans. John Cena came to NXT in 2023 when Hayes was feuding with Bron Breakker. The two were linked together in developmental and may cross paths many more times on the main roster. Having a guy Cena endorsed when he was in NXT win the Last Time is Now Tournament makes sense with the history to play off. Cena wouldn’t do that for just anyone, but would have done so for a guy he could help out in the future. #2. Trying out the babyface role on the WWE main roster After a brief pairing with the Miz, Carmelo Hayes turned face on the main roster for the first time. He portrayed both a hero and a villain in NXT, but began his run on SmackDown as a brash young competitor. While he does a great job with either role, he could find more success as a face. Aleister Black is a fantastic heel, and Solo Sikoa runs things on SmackDown with the MFTs. Drew McIntyre has had a few title shots, and Randy Orton could turn heel when he returns. Winning the Last Time is Now Tournament would help Hayes’ status as a babyface and potentially lead to gold in 2026. #1. Carmelo Hayes is the youngest participant left The Last Time is Now Tournament was made so John Cena could pass the torch to a younger star who represents the future of WWE. While it was nice to see former rivals like Zigger, Sheamus, and Rusev battle for the right to oppose the 17-time Champion one more time, the whole event is about the future. Hayes is the only remaining star under 30. The rest are over 40 or nearing it. The tournament should be used to propel a different star forward, and one that hasn’t had an illustrious career in WWE. Most stars in the tournament have won gold on the main roster, but Hayes hasn’t. Facing Cena in Cena’s final match would be the first entry on what could be a great career resume for HIM.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/4-signs-wwe-smackdown-star-will-win-last-time-now-tournament