WWE SmackDown Takes an Emotional Turn as LA Knight Edges Closer to John Cena’s Final Match
One night before Survivor Series: WarGames, LA Knight and Jey Uso took huge strides toward cementing their places in history—potentially as John Cena’s final WWE opponent. The latest episode of SmackDown delivered drama, surprise twists, and a touch of controversy as both men advanced in the high-stakes Last Time Is Now tournament.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Cena’s farewell match is confirmed for December 13 during Saturday Night’s Main Event. Whoever wins this tournament won’t just compete for glory—they’ll be the one to officially “retire” the face of WWE. Few honors in wrestling carry such emotional weight, making every match feel like a legacy-defining moment.
Knight and Uso Move One Step Closer
Jey Uso opened the night with a statement victory, defeating Rusev via pinfall after landing his signature Uso Splash. The energy inside Denver’s Ball Arena ignited as Uso celebrated, inching closer to a possible showdown with Cena himself. LA Knight’s path, however, took an unexpected—and slightly chaotic—turn.
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis was ready to reveal Knight’s opponent after Sheamus pulled out due to injury. The Miz, ever the opportunist, threw his name into the mix despite losing in the first round. In a scene that felt straight out of a backstage comedy skit, R-Truth’s antics distracted Aldis long enough for Miz to sneak his own name into the drawing. Perhaps karma delivered its response, as Knight went on to beat Miz cleanly, hitting a devastating BFT to seal his advancement.
And so the semifinals are set: Knight will face Jey Uso on the December 5 episode of SmackDown. The winner will clash with either GUNTHER or Solo Sikoa in the tournament finals on December 8. Each match now carries not only tournament implications but emotional ones—who will earn the right to face, and perhaps end, John Cena’s legendary career?
A Pre-Holiday SmackDown with Mixed Feelings
This week's SmackDown was pre-taped alongside last week’s episode in Denver, leading to a quieter show in terms of big surprises. Many appreciated WWE allowing talent to enjoy Thanksgiving week off. Yet, it still felt strange not seeing the key WarGames competitors appear in any meaningful segment before the major pay-per-view. Should the company have done more to build hype for the 10-man main event? Opinions are already split within the fanbase.
On the positive side, fans online are thrilled about the prospect of LA Knight taking center stage—some even argue he deserves the same spotlight currently shining on Uso. The pairing of these two fan favorites in the semifinals feels like the perfect setup for drama, passion, and a defining moment in both men’s careers. Grade: B-
Other Highlights from the Show
- Jade Cargill interrupted Chelsea Green’s United States Championship celebration, flooring her rival with Jaded in an emphatic statement.
- Charlotte Flair defeated Asuka via pinfall after landing Natural Selection, earning her team the WarGames advantage.
- In the traditional five-on-five Survivor Series match, Solo Sikoa’s MFT faction (including Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, JC Mateo & Tala Tonga) triumphed over Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, Rey Fenix, and the Motor City Machine Guns. Sikoa stood tall as the sole survivor, taking down Zayn with a brutal Samoan Spike. But the celebration didn’t last long—The Wyatt Sicks made a chilling post-match appearance, ending with Uncle Howdy delivering Sister Abigail to Sikoa.
This week’s SmackDown may have been light on shocking moments, but its implications were massive. One question lingers for the WWE Universe: Will it be LA Knight or Jey Uso who gets the honor—and burden—of closing the book on John Cena’s iconic career?
Who do you think deserves that final showdown, and why? Let’s hear it in the comments—this is one debate bound to spark strong opinions among fans.
