Injury Alters Course of WWE’s Last Time is Now Tournament

The quarter-finals of the Last Time is Now Tournament, held on November 24, 2023, during the latest episode of WWE RAW, faced an unexpected turn due to an injury. In the second match of the evening, a bout between Solo Sikoa and Penta was interrupted when Penta suffered an apparent shoulder dislocation. This incident forced a change in the tournament’s progression, resulting in Sikoa being awarded the victory.

The first quarter-final match saw Gunther secure a win over Carmelo Hayes, setting the stage for what was anticipated to be an exciting continuation of the tournament. However, during the second match, Penta attempted a hurricanrana from the barricade but landed awkwardly, which raised immediate concerns about his health. Despite the prompt attention from WWE doctors at ringside, Penta was unable to continue the match, leading to an abrupt halt.

As a result of this unfortunate event, Sikoa was declared the winner by default, a decision likely made swiftly by Triple H and the creative team. This outcome shifted the landscape of the tournament, as Penta was initially seen as a strong contender against Sikoa, potentially setting up a semifinal clash against Gunther.

Impact of the Injury on Tournament Dynamics

The Last Time is Now Tournament has traditionally featured a clear distinction between babyfaces and heels, with most matches following this narrative structure. The exception was the earlier matchup between LA Knight and Zack Ryder, where the lines were less defined. With Penta’s injury, the upcoming semifinal will feature a matchup between two heels, Sikoa and Gunther, a scenario that WWE typically avoids for its storylines.

Despite this shift to a heel-versus-heel dynamic, the company does not appear concerned about the change. Gunther, who was already favored to win the tournament, is expected to maintain his momentum against Sikoa. The sudden alteration in the bracket may not significantly affect the anticipated outcome of the semifinal.

The implications of Penta’s injury extend beyond the tournament itself. Fans and analysts alike have noted that the injury may alter the overall pacing and storytelling of the WWE’s current programming. Sikoa now moves forward as a contender, while Penta’s absence adds a layer of unpredictability to the tournament’s conclusion.

As the Last Time is Now Tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the remaining competitors. With the semifinals approaching, the wrestling community is eager to see how the tournament unfolds in light of this unexpected incident.