WWE announces 2-time World Heavyweight Champion is returning to SmackDown

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The Ring General has been brimming with confidence since returning to RAW last month. He defeated Je’Von Evans, Carmelo Hayes, and Solo Sikoa to secure his berth in the finals of the Last Time is Now Tournament.

Gunther will now lock horns with a familiar face in LA Knight on the December 5, 2025, edition of WWE SmackDown.

The RAW commentator, Wade Barrett, made their match official with the following message:

“It is now Gunther who goes on to the final of this tournament that will take place this Friday on SmackDown. It’s going to be Gunther vs. “The Megastar” LA Knight. The winner to face John Cena in his final match [on] December 13th at Saturday Night’s Main Event.”

The Austrian star last wrestled on SmackDown eight months ago, defeating Axiom in a singles match.

Backstage tension surrounding John Cena’s final WWE opponent

Gunther has long been rumored to win the Last Time is Now Tournament and retire John Cena.

According to WrestleVotes, some “big names” with the company are not happy with the idea.

“I know other people who don’t love it. People within WWE don’t love it. I know people on the inside don’t love it, but understand it. Gunther has the potential to be huge – heel, or babyface if you want – for five, ten, 15 years with this company. So if he could be the one to retire John Cena, you’d probably take that.” (H/T – WhatCulture)

It will be interesting to see if the creative will be forced to pivot away from the original plans and have LA Knight face John Cena at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13.

Unlike The Ring General, The Megastar has shared the ring with The Never Seen 17 before. The two babyfaces joined forces to beat Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa at Fastlane in 2023.

Will they cross paths again? Fans must tune in this Friday to find out.

If you use quotes from the first half of the article, please give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.