On the November 21, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown, things got real at the Ball Venue in Denver. During the “Last Time Is Now” tournament to decide John Cena’s final opponent, Penta faced off against Finn Bálor and came out on top, earning a decisive victory and advancing to the quarterfinals.
What Went Down in the Showdown From the outset, Penta and Balor traded blows in a match that felt electric, full of momentum shifts. It wasn’t a walkover Balor had moments of control. Balor tried to finish things off with his signature Coup de Grace, still Penta dodged at the last second. That opened the door for Penta to hit his Mexican Destroyer — pinning Balor for the win. But Penta’s timing, explosiveness, and ring savvy won the day.
Why This Win Matters This isn’t just another tournament match it’s part of a much bigger storyline. Adding to the story, plus, this win boosts Penta’s profile. The winner of this “Last Time Is Now” bracket will hero John Cena in his final match. By beating Balor, Penta has moved a large step closer to that historic showdown. He's not just a high-flyer anymore securing a pinfall victory against someone as established as Balor in a high-stakes match gives him serious credibility. Furthermore, for Cena, having an unpredictable and exciting challenger makes the farewell even more meaningful.
What’s Next for Penta According to the updated tournament bracket, Penta is set to take on Solo Sikoa in the quarterfinals. That matchup could be a real clash of styles: Sikoa’s brute power vs. Penta’s agility and aerial offense. Here’s a quick breakdown of Penta’s path so far:
Round Opponent Result First Round Finn Bálor Win via Mexican Destroyer cover Quarterfinals Solo Sikoa Forthcoming
The Bigger Picture: Cena’s Final Run This tournament is more than just a bracket it's WWE’s way of making Cena's final clash feel earned and unpredictable. Notably, rather than handpicking someone, they’re letting talent fight for the opportunity. That adds tension, excitement, and real stakes. And for Penta, this is his moment to shine. If he keeps this up, he could be the one walking into the ring with Cena for one of the biggest moments of his career.
Conclusion Penta’s win over Finn Balor on SmackDown wasn’t just a strong performance things were a statement. In a tournament that decides Cena’s final opponent, Penta is now a serious threat. If he keeps this momentum, he could very well get that dream clash with the biggest name in the business. As he heads into a showdown with Solo Sikoa next, the excitement only grows.