Gunther to return on WWE Raw tonight ahead of John Cena’s last match tournament: Exploring the possibility

The Ring General has been absent from WWE programming due to injury.

Former World Heavyweight Champion Gunther has been absent from WWE programming since his title loss to CM Punk during the main event of Night 1 of SummerSlam 2025. The Ring General’s second World Heavyweight title reign ended with a loss at 54 days.

He was written off TV after the match, as the former Champion was dealing with a legitimate nose injury going into the match. Per WWE, he suffered a “septal hematoma and orbital blowout fracture,” which has led to him being out indefinitely. 

However, ahead of the Last Time Is Now Tournament to decide John Cena’s final opponent, would the Ring General make his return on WWE Raw tonight?

A tournament to determine John Cena’s last opponent at SNME December 2025

During the November 1 edition of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, John Cena, via surprise video package, reflected on his journey and said he made a promise to walk away when he could no longer perform at the level the WWE Universe deserves.

John Cena revealed that his final opponent will not be chosen by him or WWE management. Instead, it will be determined through a 16-man tournament that begins November 10 in Boston, the city where his WWE career began more than two decades ago. The 17-time World Champion revealed that the upcoming tournament will feature top names from Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and even competitors from outside WWE.

The promo featured multiple stars, including The Miz, Rusev, Solo Sikoa, Sheamus, LA Knight, Drew McIntyre, Penta, Carmelo Hayes, Bronson Reed, Gunther, and Dominik Mysterio.

Also Read: Will John Cena appear on WWE Raw tonight (November 3, 2025)?

Will The Ring General return tonight in New Mexico?

Earlier reports that revealed the plan to host the aforementioned tournament also mentioned Gunther winning the tournament and facing Cena in his final match. This means the Ring General will likely make his highly anticipated return on tonight’s SNME fallout show of Raw.

Additionally, WWE could opt to keep his return a surprise till next week, and Gunther could make his return during the tournament next week in Boston.

Tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw is set to air live from the Rio Rancho Event Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Multiple big names, including CM Punk, Jey Uso, Rhea Ripley, and LA Knight, are being advertised for the show.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.