A well-known WWE star will no longer be competing in the Last Time is Now Tournament. The competition to see who will share the distinctive honour of being John Cena’s final opponent became a bit more intense tonight as SmackDown included two first-round matches with Carmelo Hayes competing against Bronson Reed and Penta facing Finn Balor. However, we have learned some news concerning one of the more popular participants tonight that has been pulled from the tournament.
WWE Confirms Sheamus Not Cleared To Compete Against Rusev
The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion was scheduled to compete against Rusev, potentially for his redemption match from being defeated by the Bulgarian Brute. As it stands, a decision has yet to be made regarding the match for The Celtic Warrior, if World Wrestling Entertainment will simply cancel the match, or if a replacement would be announced. World Wrestling Entertainment indicated they would share more details about the situation through tonight’s episode of SmackDown. Their tweet stated:
“BREAKING NEWS: Due to a shoulder injury, @WWESheamus is not medically cleared to continue competition in The Last Time is Now Tournament. Additional information will be provided tonight on #SmackDown”
BREAKING NEWS: Due to a shoulder injury, @WWESheamus is not medically cleared to continue competition in The Last Time is Now Tournament.
Additional information will be provided tonight on #SmackDown. pic.twitter.com/KoxPgewoO3---Advertisement---— WWE (@WWE) November 21, 2025
Matchups Finalised For Next Round Of ‘The Last Time Is Now’ Tournament
No changes are scheduled for any other matches. The Last Time Is Now Tournament has reached its quarter-final stage, with LA Knight facing Jey Uso and Solo Sikoa against either Penta or Finn Balor. The winner of Bronson Reed versus Carmelo Hayes will face Gunther.
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