As WWE ramps up anticipation for Wrestlepalooza 2025 on September 20th in Indianapolis, recent backstage reports have brought reassuring news regarding the participation of key stars at this highly anticipated event. After the latest episode of SmackDown aired, it is now increasingly clear that at least one top-tier talent is confirmed and fully expected to appear live at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, setting the tone for an exciting night of wrestling action.
Cody Rhodes Confirmed as a Major Player at Wrestlepalooza
Sources close to WWE indicate that Cody Rhodes, currently one of the promotion’s most prominent figures, is confirmed to be on the Wrestlepalooza card this year. After some uncertainty about talent availability across both the Raw and SmackDown rosters, insiders have reinforced confidence that Rhodes will be present and active at the event. This confirmation comes on the heels of last Friday’s SmackDown, where WWE made strategic moves that seemingly align with Wrestlepalooza’s build-up.
A WWE insider shared, “Cody is locked in for Wrestlepalooza. The company is making sure everything is aligned so fans get to see him perform at full capacity. It’s a big moment for WWE, especially bringing back this historic event after so many years.” This reassures fans hungry for main-event level wrestling and storylines to unfold on September 20th[1][3].
Wrestlepalooza’s Return to WWE’s Premium Live Event Lineup
Wrestlepalooza is returning under the WWE umbrella for the first time since 2000, marking a significant revival of a once-iconic event originally produced by Extreme Championship Wrestling. Now positioned as a Premium Live Event (PLE), Wrestlepalooza will stream live in the United States on ESPN and internationally on Netflix, showcasing WWE’s expanding digital footprint[1][2].
This event is set to become one of WWE’s major fall shows, following in the footsteps of classics like SummerSlam and Survivor Series but with a fresh slate of wrestlers from both Raw and SmackDown brands. The return of such a beloved event has generated buzz within the wrestling community, amplified by the confirmed appearance of stars such as Cody Rhodes and the anticipated presence of John Cena and Brock Lesnar.
Key Matches and Star Power Confirmed for the Card
The Wrestlepalooza card is shaping up to be a blockbuster with a mix of title matches and marquee bouts:
Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer for the vacant Women’s World Championship demonstrates WWE’s commitment to spotlighting rising stars in the women’s division[1][5].
A highly anticipated encounter featuring John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar is expected, marking Cena’s last significant appearance in Indianapolis before his retirement later this year[1][3].
Main eventers such as Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, CM Punk, and Drew McIntyre are also slated to be involved in high-profile matches throughout the night[3].
Wrestlepalooza’s lineup offers a compelling blend of existing champions and top-tier contenders, providing fans with a full night of action to look forward to.
Behind the Scenes: Talent Availability and Scheduling
Wrestlepalooza’s return generated initial concerns about potential talent availability conflicts due to WWE’s busy calendar and some ongoing injury issues among the roster. Several scheduled talents have been nursing injuries, leading to widespread speculation about whether the full planned card would materialize as teased.
According to a wrestling source familiar with WWE’s scheduling, “They’ve been working hard to get the key players ready and available. There’s a definite push to avoid the common last-minute changes we sometimes see at big events.” This strategic management of talent suggests WWE’s dedication to Wrestlepalooza as a major tentpole event, setting a precedent for its future.
Significance of Wrestlepalooza in WWE’s Fall Schedule
Set for Saturday, September 20th, 2025, at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Wrestlepalooza officially kicks off at 7 PM ET, making it a prime contender for one of the season’s biggest wrestling spectacles. Indianapolis itself has become a favored city for WWE events, having hosted record-setting audiences during the 2025 Royal Rumble[1].
Additionally, the event’s timing fits perfectly into WWE’s partnership with ESPN, with Wrestlepalooza serving as the inaugural WWE Premium Live Event on ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer streaming platform. This relationship is expected to boost WWE’s viewership footprint, reaching millions of fans through ESPN in the U.S. and Netflix internationally[2][4].
What Fans Should Expect from WWE Wrestlepalooza
Fan excitement is palpable around the event, as it promises:
- A mix of veteran superstars and breakout talent.
- High-stakes championship bouts.
- Potential surprises given the fresh branding of Wrestlepalooza after a 25-year hiatus.
- The emotional significance of John Cena’s possible “final chapter” matches.
Given the backstage clarity on talents like Cody Rhodes being available and fully committed, fans can be optimistic about a seamless and electrifying event[1].
Wrestlepalooza 2025 is not just a nostalgic revival but a key strategic event representing WWE’s expanding live event calendar and digital partnerships. With confirmed star attendance and a stacked card, it looks set to deliver one of the most memorable wrestling nights of the year. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as WWE positions Wrestlepalooza to become a regular highlight of the wrestling calendar once again.