Credit: WWE.com
WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has recently weighed in on the performances at the inaugural Wrestlepalooza 2025 event, sharing his honest thoughts about some of the key matches. According to Booker, while the show featured high-profile bouts and fresh matchups, certain pairs of opponents struggled to find the necessary chemistry in the ring, which impacted the overall flow of their contests.
Wrestlepalooza 2025: An Ambitious Start for WWE’s New PLE
Wrestlepalooza 2025, held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, marked WWE’s first iteration of this newly minted premium live event (PLE). The card was packed with marquee talent including Brock Lesnar, John Cena, Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, The Usos, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, AJ Lee, CM Punk, and others.
The event delivered a variety of styles and featured a mix of singles, tag, and mixed tag team matches. Despite the overall star power, the show received mixed reviews from fans and critics alike, with some bouts standing out while others fell flat in comparison.
Booker T’s Take: Lack of Chemistry Between Some Wrestlepalooza Opponents
Booker T pointed specifically to the tag team match where The Vision (Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker) took on The Usos (Jey and Jimmy Uso) as a bout that didn’t quite hit the mark. While the match lasted over 17 minutes and involved a special guest referee in LA Knight, Booker felt the two teams never fully connected during the contest.
He commented that despite the talent and physicality of Bronson and Bron, their in-ring style and timing didn’t synchronize well with The Usos’ rhythm, affecting the storytelling aspect that is crucial in wrestling. This lack of cohesion led to moments in the match appearing disjointed rather than fluid.
A WWE insider close to the creative team shared, “The Vision and The Usos each bring very different energy and instincts to the ring. It’s a learning curve to mesh generations and styles, especially on such a big stage like Wrestlepalooza. The talent is there, but the comfort to innovate live clearly needs more seasoning.” This insider attributed part of the mismatch to the relative newness of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed operating as a cohesive unit against highly seasoned veterans like The Usos.
Positive Highlights Amid Criticism
Despite Booker’s critique, not all matches were viewed negatively. The Women’s World Championship match between Stephanie Vaquer and Iyo Sky was widely praised by fans and critics, dominating polls for “Best Match” at the event. This bout showcased strong storytelling and technical skill that resonated well with the audience.
Additionally, the mixed tag team battle featuring CM Punk and AJ Lee against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch delivered an engaging and intense contest with a submission finish, further balancing the card’s highs and lows.
Cody Rhodes’ defense against Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship was similarly well-received, underscoring the consistently high level of main event matches on this card.
Fan and Critical Reception: Polarizing Yet Promising
The overall Wrestlepalooza event garnered a polarizing reaction, receiving a range of grades from fans in post-show polls. Some rated the event highly, appreciating certain match quality and surprises, while others criticized aspects such as pacing and match cohesion. The B and B- grades were the most common, indicating a mixed but generally positive reception to the show’s concept and execution.
Industry observers view Wrestlepalooza 2025 as a solid launch that could grow into a major WWE tentpole if creative and in-ring chemistry issues are addressed. The mix of veterans and rising stars is promising, but talent alignment and match construction will likely be a key area of focus moving forward.
What This Means for WWE’s Future PPVs
Booker T’s insight highlights an ongoing challenge within WWE: balancing the development of fresh talent alongside established stars while maintaining in-ring storytelling and audience engagement. With new events like Wrestlepalooza stepping into the spotlight, the pressure to deliver seamless, compelling matches increases significantly.
According to backstage sources, WWE is actively working with creative teams and coaches to foster stronger rapport among talent working new parameters and combinations. These efforts aim to avoid the “lack of clicking” Booker observed and enhance match fluidity–key components for elevating Wrestlepalooza’s prestige in future editions.
Final Thoughts
Booker T’s candid critique serves as a valuable reminder of how crucial chemistry is in professional wrestling storytelling. While WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025 broke new ground with bold matchups and entertainment, some clashes reflected the challenges of blending diverse wrestling styles and experience levels.
With fans already demanding improvements and WWE’s investment in talent development, future Wrestlepalooza events hold potential to evolve into a showcase of both star power and in-ring artistry that clicks every time. Sources close to WWE confirm ongoing backstage discussions focused on refining match pairings and storytelling to build on the solid foundation set this year.
As Wrestlepalooza continues to carve its identity in the crowded wrestling calendar, all eyes will be on WWE to synergize talent and create unforgettable wrestling moments fans crave. Booker T’s voice, reflecting years of insider experience, adds depth to the conversation about WWE’s evolving landscape in 2025 and beyond.
