WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025: Inaugural Event Features Star-Studded Card, Date Clash with AEW All Out

WWE Wrestlepalooza is poised to make a significant statement in the professional wrestling landscape, with the newly announced pay-per-view event scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025. The inaugural spectacle, set to emanate from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, has strategically placed itself on the same date as rival promotion All Elite Wrestling’s annual All Out pay-per-view, signaling a direct challenge for viewership and market share. Headlining this ambitious debut is a colossal main event featuring a highly anticipated clash between John Cena and Brock Lesnar, a rivalry that has defined eras.

The card for Wrestlepalooza 2025, while described as "small but mighty" with five confirmed matches, promises high-stakes drama and a blend of nostalgic returns and contemporary championship battles. The event’s name itself, "Wrestlepalooza," is a deliberate nod to a defunct Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) pay-per-view from the late 1990s, suggesting an intent to deliver an action-packed and perhaps unexpectedly hardcore experience for modern audiences.

Cena vs. Lesnar: A Final Chapter in an Epic Rivalry

The main event pits John Cena against Brock Lesnar, marking a pivotal moment in Cena’s widely publicized retirement tour. For Lesnar, this encounter represents his first in-ring appearance since SummerSlam 2023, making his return a subject of intense speculation regarding his physical condition and current motivations. The history between Cena and Lesnar is storied, stretching back over a decade and characterized by a brutal physicality that has left an indelible mark on both competitors. Their rivalry reached its peak with their unforgettable SummerSlam 2014 encounter, where Lesnar delivered a dominant performance to capture the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, a match that starkly altered Cena’s perception of "The Beast Incarnate." Subsequent matches, including their clash at Extreme Rules 2012, have consistently pushed the boundaries of WWE’s main event style.

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As Cena embarks on a limited schedule of appearances, rumored to be taking a hiatus for several weeks after Wrestlepalooza, this match carries immense weight. For Cena, it’s an opportunity to solidify his legacy against one of his fiercest adversaries in what could be one of his final high-profile bouts. For Lesnar, it’s a chance to reassert his dominance and remind the WWE Universe of his unparalleled power following a significant absence. The encounter is expected to be a brutal affair, staying true to the nature of their past encounters and potentially setting a tone for Lesnar’s future within the company.

AJ Lee’s Return: A Decade in the Making

One of the most talked-about returns in recent memory will unfold at Wrestlepalooza as AJ Lee steps back into a WWE ring for the first time in a decade. Lee, who retired from active competition in 2015, will team with her husband, CM Punk, in a high-profile mixed tag team match against current World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins and Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch. Lee’s emotional return to Chicago a few weeks prior, where she received a hero’s welcome, set the stage for this momentous in-ring comeback. Despite her immense popularity and past success, Lee has openly spoken about the fears and challenges associated with returning to such a physically demanding profession after a prolonged absence.

Her partner, CM Punk, has his own deeply personal history with Seth Rollins, marked by years of verbal sparring and a tumultuous rivalry that has often blurred the lines between storyline and reality. Rollins, known for his relentless pursuit of excellence and his current reign as World Heavyweight Champion, will undoubtedly seek to make a statement against Punk and his returning wife. Becky Lynch, a trailblazer in her own right and the formidable Women’s Intercontinental Champion, adds another layer of intensity to this contest. Her fierce competitiveness and status as one of WWE’s top female athletes ensure that Lee’s return will be anything but a ceremonial walk-through. This match not only taps into significant nostalgia but also promises a compelling narrative driven by long-standing personal and professional animosities.

Rhodes vs. McIntyre: The Undisputed Championship at Stake

The Undisputed WWE Championship will be on the line as Cody Rhodes defends his title against the aggressive Drew McIntyre. Rhodes, who made his dramatic return to WWE television two weeks ago by saving Randy Orton from a brutal beatdown by McIntyre, immediately challenged the "Scottish Warrior" for the championship at Wrestlepalooza. The rivalry quickly escalated, culminating in a tense contract signing on the go-home edition of SmackDown. During the segment, McIntyre, known for his recent underhanded tactics and increasingly villainous persona, launched a post-signing assault on Rhodes, leaving the champion laid out after a chaotic brawl that took the show off the air.

Cody Rhodes has been on a quest to "finish the story" since his return to WWE, a journey that saw him capture the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania. His reign has been characterized by resilience and a commitment to defending the title against all comers. Drew McIntyre, a two-time former WWE Champion, has undergone a significant character transformation in recent months, evolving into a bitter and ruthless competitor. His recent performances have showcased a more aggressive style, making him a credible and dangerous challenger for Rhodes. The stakes are incredibly high, with Rhodes aiming to solidify his championship reign and McIntyre desperate to reclaim the top prize and prove his dominance through any means necessary.

Additional High-Stakes Encounters

Beyond the top three headline bouts, Wrestlepalooza features two additional matches designed to round out the card and offer further championship implications and competitive showcases.

Intercontinental Championship Match: Gunther (c) vs. Ricochet
The longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion of the modern era, Gunther, will defend his coveted title against the high-flying sensation Ricochet. Gunther’s reign has been historic, marked by dominant performances and a steadfast commitment to elevating the prestige of the Intercontinental Championship. His stoic demeanor and brutal in-ring style have cemented his status as one of WWE’s most formidable champions. Ricochet, known for his breathtaking athleticism and innovative aerial maneuvers, presents a unique challenge to Gunther’s methodical powerhouse style. Their previous encounters have been critically acclaimed, showcasing a stark contrast in styles that often leads to compelling contests. Ricochet has been on a resurgence in recent weeks, securing key victories on Monday Night Raw to earn this championship opportunity, aiming to finally overcome the "Ring General" and capture his first Intercontinental Championship.

Women’s World Championship Match: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Bianca Belair
The Women’s World Championship will be fiercely contested as "The Eradicator" Rhea Ripley puts her title on the line against "The EST of WWE" Bianca Belair. Ripley’s reign as champion has been characterized by her unmatched power, aggressive persona, and commanding presence as a leader of The Judgment Day. She has systematically dismantled numerous challengers, establishing herself as a dominant force in the women’s division. Bianca Belair, a former two-time Women’s Champion and one of the most decorated female athletes in WWE, has been on a relentless pursuit to reclaim championship gold. Her blend of athleticism, strength, and charisma makes her a perpetual threat to any champion. This highly anticipated encounter pits two of the most physically imposing and popular female competitors against each other, promising a hard-hitting affair with the potential to steal the show. Belair earned her shot after winning a highly competitive Fatal Four-Way match on SmackDown, proving her resilience and determination to once again stand atop the women’s division.

Event Logistics and Broadcast Information

WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025 is scheduled to commence at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 20. Wrestling fans globally can catch all the live action from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The event will be exclusively available for live streaming on ESPN Unlimited, requiring a valid subscription to access the pay-per-view broadcast. ESPN Unlimited, the premium sports streaming service, offers a comprehensive package of live sports, exclusive content, and on-demand programming, positioning Wrestlepalooza as a marquee event within its sports portfolio. Pre-show coverage, including expert analysis and final predictions, is expected to begin an hour prior to the main card.

The inaugural Wrestlepalooza is not merely a new addition to WWE’s pay-per-view calendar but a strategic move designed to intensify the competition within the professional wrestling industry. By scheduling its debut against AEW All Out, WWE aims to capture a significant portion of the audience and establish Wrestlepalooza as a must-see event for years to come, blending legendary rivalries with fresh championship contests.