WWE SmackDown: Gunther Defeats LA Knight, Books John Cena’s Retirement Match

Last Updated:December 06, 2025, 12:02 IST

Gunther faced off against LA Knight in the match to determine who would face the legendary John Cena in his farewell match.

Gunther forced submission to beat LA Knight. (Picture Credit: WWE)

An action-packed episode of the WWE Friday Night SmackDown on December 5 witnessed the high-octane final of the Last Time Is Now Tournament. The exciting clash between Gunther and LA Knight determined who will face the legendary John Cena in his retirement match at the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event.

The SmackDown episode also had a host of other intense matches.

Here are the highlights.

Last Time Is Now Tournament: Gunther Vs LA Knight

The main event fixture of the night started with Knight surprising Gunther as he hit The Ring General out of the ring and gained an upper hand initially. Gunther then retaliated and brought the match to even terms. The two wrestlers unleashed multiple great blows at each other before Knight came up with his finisher. Gunther, however, got his foot on the bottom rope and broke the count. Gunther managed to exert his dominance later on and eventually forced a submission on Knight to seal his presence in Cena’s farewell match.

Ilja Dragunov Takes On Carmelo Hayes

Putting his United States Championship belt on the line, Dragunov faced off against Hayes at this week’s SmackDown. Dragunov, who would have hoped to intimidate Hayes and exert his dominance, faced a stern challenge from his opponent. Hayes looked in his element and gave a strong account of himself until an interruption from Tommaso Ciampa disrupted his rhythm. He was tripped off the top rope with the referee distracted, which allowed Dragunov to ultimately hit his finisher and retain his title.

Alexa Bliss Against Kairi Sane

Up next was the match between Bliss and Sane, with Charlotte Flair and Asuka watching their respective partners from the sidelines. The match saw the two women play an aggressive brand of wrestling, refusing to concede an easy ground to their opponent. Bliss ultimately won the intense clash, however, after delivering Sister Abigail on Sane.

Jade Cargill Faces Alba Fyre

The in-form Cargill took on Fyre in the next match of the episode. In a fixture where fortunes shifted back and forth, Fyre initially gained control by producing a dropkick. However, she lost her ground after being distracted by an attack from Kiana James and Giulia on Chelsea Green, present at the sidelines. It allowed Cargill to bounce back with a spinebuster, followed by a strong pump kick, to ultimately seal her triumph.

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