WWE has officially revealed the main event for Wrestlepalooza 2025, marking a monumental kickoff for the company’s new partnership with ESPN. Set for September 20 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, the highly anticipated clash between Brock Lesnar and John Cena will close the show, making it one of the most talked-about matchups in recent WWE history.
Wrestlepalooza 2025: A New Era Starts in Indianapolis
September 20 will not just be another date on the WWE calendar; it will herald the beginning of WWE’s Premium Live Events airing on ESPN in the United States. Wrestlepalooza, a name revived from WWE’s ECW acquisition heritage, will serve as the event to celebrate this landmark media transition. The event will feature WWE’s Raw and SmackDown rosters, including several marquee matches, but the Lesnar-Cena showdown is confirmed as the main event, setting the tone for the ESPN era[1][2][6].
Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena: The Main Event Confirmed
During a recent ESPN SportsCenter preview, WWE commentator Joe Tessitore confirmed the final match to close Wrestlepalooza is the singles contest between Brock Lesnar and John Cena[1]. This program will be Brock Lesnar’s in-ring return since 2023 and one of John Cena’s last matches before his retirement by the end of 2025. Their storied rivalry adds tremendous storytelling weight, promising a high-stakes contest.
According to a WWE insider familiar with production plans, “WWE executives wanted a blockbuster main event to match the significance of launching the ESPN deal. No matchup carries more star power or legacy than Cena vs. Lesnar, especially with Cena nearing retirement.” The insider added that this match is expected to attract mainstream sports attention and draw high television ratings[4].
Other Confirmed Matches Sharpen the Card
While the Cena-Lesnar bout is the centerpiece, WWE has loaded the card with high-profile bouts that cater to both long-time fans and newer viewers:
- Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer will compete for the vacant WWE Women’s World Championship, spotlighting Sky’s meteoric rise and Vaquer’s international flair[1][2].
- The Usos (Jey and Jimmy Uso) face off against the powerhouse team of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed in a tag team confrontation highlighting SmackDown’s tag division strength[1].
- A standout Mixed Tag Team Match features AJ Lee returning to the ring for the first time in over a decade, teaming with her husband CM Punk against the married couple Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins[2][5]. This match promises intense personal drama rooted in ongoing storylines, including Rollins’ recent World Heavyweight Championship win over Punk and Lynch’s controversial interference.
AJ Lee’s Return Sparks Excitement
AJ Lee’s involvement adds an extra layer of intrigue to Wrestlepalooza. Her unexpected return, teaming with CM Punk, who has long been involved in heated rivalries with Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, brings back a beloved WWE figure to the mainstream spotlight. According to backstage sources, “AJ coming back right now creates a natural, electric buzz. Fans remember her as a trailblazer in the women’s division, and her chemistry with Punk against Rollins and Lynch will be a storytelling highlight”[5].
What This Means for WWE’s Future on ESPN
Wrestlepalooza 2025 is not just a one-off event but a strategic launchpad for WWE’s new broadcasting era. ESPN becoming the primary U.S. home for WWE’s premium shows and selected weekly programming signifies WWE’s continued expansion into mainstream sports entertainment. The network’s reach and production resources are expected to elevate WWE’s presentation quality and viewership.
A top WWE executive shared, “We wanted Wrestlepalooza to serve as a statement—a blend of nostalgia, fresh rivalries, and superstar matchups that reflect where WWE is headed. Brock vs. Cena as the main event sends a clear message that WWE is ready for prime-time sports audiences.”[6]
Event Details and Viewing Information
Wrestlepalooza 2025 streams live on ESPN on Saturday, September 20 at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT. For international fans, the event will be available on the WWE Network via Netflix in select regions[5]. Tickets sold out quickly at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, underscoring the event’s buzz and demand.
Match Card Snapshot:
| Match | Stipulation |
|---|---|
| Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer | WWE Women’s World Championship Match |
| The Usos vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed | Tag Team Match |
| CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch | Mixed Tag Team Match |
| John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar | Singles Match (Main Event) |
Conclusion: Wrestlepalooza Poised for a Blockbuster Night
As WWE embarks on the ESPN partnership, Wrestlepalooza 2025 promises to be one of the company’s biggest events of the year, blending iconic superstars with fresh matchups and storied rivalries. The confirmation of Lesnar vs. Cena as the main event caps off an impressive card designed to captivate both hardcore wrestling aficionados and mainstream sports fans alike.
Fans and media alike will be watching closely on September 20 to see how this historic night unfolds, setting the tone for WWE’s future in the evolving sports media landscape.