On Monday night's WWE Raw, the Last Time is Now Tournament kicked off with some hard-hitting action that had fans on the edge of their seats. This bracket-style showdown, teasing a potential clash with a retiring legend like John Cena, saw two veterans claim early victories and move one step closer to glory.
First up was Rusev, the Bulgarian Brute making a much-anticipated return to the ring after time away. He squared off against Damian Priest in a match that showcased his raw power and unyielding aggression. Rusev dominated with signature moves, pinning Priest clean to advance. It's been a while since we've seen Rusev this fired up, and at 40 years old, he's proving he's far from done in the squared circle.
Not to be outdone, Sheamus stepped in for the second bout against Shinsuke Nakamura. The Celtic Warrior, fresh off a string of impressive performances, traded brutal strikes with the King of Strong Style. Nakamura put up a fierce fight, landing his signature Kinshasa knee, but Sheamus countered with a thunderous Brogue Kick to secure the win. This marks Sheamus's second straight big victory in recent weeks, highlighting his enduring toughness at 47.
With the tournament just beginning, these results shake up the Raw roster dynamics. Nakamura and Priest, both capable of turning heads, now face uncertain paths forward. As the brackets fill out, one can't help but wonder what surprises await in this high-stakes chase.