The Last Time Is Now Tournament final delivered exactly the kind of blockbuster showdown WWE wanted, as Gunther defeated LA Knight on the December 5, 2025 edition of SmackDown. The match had huge stakes, with the winner set to earn the honor of becoming John Cena’s final opponent at Saturday Night’s Main Event.Both men carried major momentum, but the Ring General managed to use his raw power to make Knight submit. Gunther’s win not only protected his dominant aura after returning, but also set up a generational clash that fans have demanded for years. Let’s check out a few reasons why WWE chose Gunther over LA Knight.#4. Gunther is a bigger star than LA KnightGunther stands at a higher overall position in the wrestling industry, thanks to his dominant championship reigns and unmatched consistency inside the ring. While LA Knight remains one of the most popular names, his momentum has taken a major hit throughout 2025. On the other hand, Gunther has been booked as one of the most dominant names who would carry the company in the future.Considering the star power and the talent between both men, putting the Ring General over the megastar was natural. This could be one of the major reasons why Gunther picked up the win in the finals of the tournament.#3. A loss for Gunther would’ve ruined his return to WWEGunther’s comeback to WWE needed a major statement win, especially after a major loss at SummerSlam. Having him lose in the finals of such a high-profile tournament would have immediately ruined the momentum he had and the massive name he had made for himself. WWE has always protected Gunther’s character, and handing him a loss to LA Knight at this stage would have hurt his aura and the dominance majorly. With his win, Gunther reestablished himself as a top contender, sending a message to the entire roster that he was back to get to the top of the industry.#2. John Cena wants to pass the torch to young talentJohn Cena has been vocal for years about elevating the next generation, and Gunther perfectly fits the mold of the future face of WWE. LA Knight is undoubtedly popular, but the megastar might be nearing his own retirement as well in the next couple of years.Cena’s farewell has been all about elevating the next generation and giving them the opportunity to get to the top of the industry. This could be a major reason why WWE chose the Ring General over the megastar on SmackDown.#1. Gunther vs John Cena is the dream match fans have been waiting forFor years, fans have wanted a showdown between Gunther and John Cena. The match between two of the most respected in-ring performers of their eras is considered to be a fantasy booking, and now that it is official, fans have not been able to stop talking about it. After a long wait, fans will finally get to see Gunther face the Greatest of All Time next Saturday. One of the biggest reasons for the Ring General’s win on SmackDown could be the plans to finally give fans what they had been waiting for. Now that the match is official, time will tell what WWE has in store for the stars next.