With WrestlePalooza just over two weeks away, scheduled for September 20 at Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse, fans and insiders alike are buzzing with anticipation—and now a growing sense of uncertainty. The much-anticipated WWE Championship match, initially advertised as a centerpiece of the event, has reportedly become uncertain. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the status of this title bout is currently “up in the air,” throwing a curveball at what was shaping up to be a stacked card for WWE’s first-ever WrestlePalooza under its banner[1].
Background: The Importance of WrestlePalooza 2025
WrestlePalooza carries a rich legacy, originally an Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) event before WWE acquired ECW’s assets in 2003. The upcoming show in Indianapolis marks the revival of the event and the first under WWE’s direct production since 2000[1]. This event is also notable as John Cena’s final Indianapolis in-ring performance before his retirement at the end of 2025. Additionally, the show features elite talent such as Cody Rhodes (the undisputed WWE Champion), Seth Rollins (World Heavyweight Champion), Becky Lynch (Women’s Intercontinental Champion), CM Punk, and Drew McIntyre, heightening expectations for a blockbuster card[2][4].
Furthermore, WrestlePalooza 2025 signifies an important broadcasting milestone: it will be WWE’s first main roster premium live event available on ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service in the United States, reflecting a seismic shift away from Peacock, which recently ended its WWE rights earlier than planned[1][2]. This partnership is a big step for WWE’s media strategy and the delivery of content to U.S. viewers.
What’s Happening With the WWE Championship Match?
Originally, the WWE Championship match was touted as a highlight, presumably featuring Cody Rhodes defending his title in a marquee matchup. However, recent reports indicate that WWE is reconsidering or revising plans for this match. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter stated the title bout was “up in the air,” suggesting that either the participants, the timing, or even the match itself may be subject to change as the event approaches[1].
A source close to the WWE creative team told PWMania on condition of anonymity:
“There’s definitely something brewing backstage regarding the championship match. WWE wants to keep the option open until the last minute, possibly to pivot based on storylines or health concerns. Nothing is locked down at this point.”
This insight aligns with industry rumors suggesting WWE is weighing multiple storyline directions and could potentially delay the championship defense to create more dramatic impact at a later event.
Other Confirmed Matches Bolster the Card
Even as the WWE title match remains uncertain, fans can look forward to several high-profile bouts confirmed for WrestlePalooza. Among these is the Women’s World Championship match between IYO SKY and Stephanie Vaquer, a contest set to crown a new champion after Naomi vacated the title due to pregnancy. Adam Pearce, Raw’s General Manager, revealed this match as the decisive contest for the vacant strap, adding intrigue to the women’s division[3][5].
John Cena is advertised as the headline attraction, bringing his star power to Indianapolis for what may be his WrestlePalooza farewell[4]. Other top stars such as Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, CM Punk, and Drew McIntyre will also feature, ensuring that the card delivers quality wrestling even if the WWE title match faces last-minute changes.
What This Means for WWE and Fans
WrestlePalooza was expected to further establish WWE’s brand in the fall pay-per-view calendar and inaugurate the ESPN streaming partnership with a splash. The uncertainty surrounding the WWE Championship bout introduces a risk but also allows WWE greater creative flexibility.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque expressed excitement about the event and the new partnership:
“On September 20, WWE and ESPN are coming together for a can’t-miss event. The biggest Superstars in WWE. The biggest brand in sports media. Are you ready?”[4]
This statement underscores WWE’s confidence that the show will succeed regardless of any match changes.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
Given the nature of WWE’s booking patterns and the fluidity of storylines especially near pay-per-views, fans should expect potential surprises up until the event day. The WWE Championship picture could be clarified soon, possibly with hints dropped on WWE Raw or SmackDown episodes leading into WrestlePalooza.
For those planning to attend, WrestlePalooza happens on September 20 with doors opening at 5:00 PM ET and the event at 6:30 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis[2]. Besides ESPN in the U.S., it will stream internationally on Netflix and on WWE Network in select markets[1].
The evolving situation with the WWE title match adds an extra layer of intrigue to what will already be an historic event in WWE’s calendar. Fans should keep an eye on official WWE programming and insider updates in the coming days for final confirmation of the card, but WrestlePalooza promises plenty of high-stakes drama and memorable moments regardless of the title match outcome.