This Saturday, September 20, WWE revives a legacy name with a bold, modern twist as Wrestlepalooza 2025 takes over Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Originally associated with ECW in the ’90s and early 2000s, Wrestlepalooza returns under the WWE banner for the first time in over two decades—and the company isn’t taking the revival lightly.

This isn’t just another premium live event. It marks WWE’s first PLE broadcast under its new deal with ESPN, streaming live on the ESPN app in the U.S. and internationally on Netflix. The stakes are high—not just for the titles and storylines on the card, but for WWE’s brand as it enters this new broadcast era. With major title matches, returning legends,  Wrestlepalooza looks set to be a defining moment in WWE’s 2025 calendar. Here’s a look at what’s confirmed

John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar

WWE is kicking off the night with a bang. Instead of closing the show, John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar will open Wrestlepalooza, and that choice sends a clear message: this isn’t about nostalgia—this is about action from the jump. Cena is currently on his retirement tour, and Lesnar is returning from nearly two years off. It’s a collision between two of WWE’s most dominant forces, and while they’ve clashed before, this one has a different tone—possibly their final encounter, and definitely their most emotionally charged.

Both men have nothing left to prove, which often makes for the best kind of match. Expect a short, brutal war that gets the crowd on its feet early.

Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre – Undisputed WWE Championship

This match has all the makings of a classic title bout. Cody Rhodes, now firmly in his reign as Undisputed WWE Champion, faces a dangerous challenge in Drew McIntyre, who’s been more aggressive and focused than ever.

Rhodes still carries the weight of “finishing the story,” but now the story is about maintaining his position at the top. Meanwhile, McIntyre has the tools, experience, and presence to dethrone anyone. This could be the most physical match of the night—and possibly the one that defines Rhodes’s championship legacy going forward.

IYO SKY vs. Stephanie Vaquer – Women’s World Championship

With Naomi forced to vacate the Women’s World Championship due to pregnancy, this match becomes a new beginning for the division. Former champion IYO SKY enters as the favorite, while Stephanie Vaquer, who earned her spot via battle royal, steps in to make her mark on the main stage.

SKY brings veteran experience and a fearless, aerial style. Vaquer adds unpredictability and striking strength, making this an intriguing stylistic clash. Don’t be surprised if this ends up being the most technically exciting match of the night—and potentially the start of a new rivalry.

CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch

The long-awaited return of AJ Lee finally arrives, and she’s not alone—teaming with CM Punk to take on Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch in a mixed tag showdown filled with star power and storyline history.

Promos have been sharp, personal, and emotional, especially between Punk and Rollins. With AJ stepping into a WWE ring for the first time in over a decade, fans are eager to see how she adapts to today’s landscape. Lynch and Rollins remain two of WWE’s most reliable big-match performers, so the pieces are there for a dramatic, high-impact contest.

The Usos vs. Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker – Tag Team Match

In a card full of spotlight singles and specialty matches, this tag bout stands out as a true proving ground. The Usos represent legacy, chemistry, and high expectations, while Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker bring youth, strength, and a hunger to break through as a dominant team.

If Reed and Breakker can pull off a win here, it’s a signal to the entire tag division that a shake-up is coming. If The Usos dominate, it’s business as usual. Either way, this match is likely to overdeliver given its blend of athleticism, power, and storytelling.

Final Thoughts

With only five matches officially confirmed, Wrestlepalooza 2025 is bucking the trend of overstuffed lineups. Instead, WWE is betting on quality over quantity, allowing each match room to breathe—and each performer a bigger stage.

This event also marks a turning point. With the ESPN deal now in effect and Netflix bringing WWE to even more global viewers, every segment on this show will matter. Between legacy names like Cena and Lesnar, in-ring leaders like Rhodes and McIntyre, and long-awaited returns like AJ Lee, this card blends past, present, and future better than most modern PLEs.

Wrestlepalooza isn’t just a nod to history—it’s a loud statement about where WWE is headed next.