WWE is set to revive the much-anticipated WrestlePalooza premium live event this month, marking its return for the first time under the WWE banner since 2000. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. This landmark show will also be the first WWE premium live event to stream exclusively on ESPN’s direct-to-consumer app, signifying a new era for WWE’s digital offerings.
Headline Match: IYO SKY vs. Stephanie Vaquer for the Vacant Women’s World Championship
One of the most significant bouts on the WrestlePalooza card is the battle for the vacant Women’s World Championship between “The Dark Angel” Stephanie Vaquer and IYO SKY. The vacancy came after Naomi, who won the title by cashing in her Money in the Bank contract at WWE Evolution during a triple threat defense against Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY, announced her pregnancy and relinquished the championship.
Stephanie Vaquer earned her title shot by winning a battle royal at the Evolution event. Meanwhile, IYO SKY was already scheduled to challenge Naomi before the title was vacated. WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce announced that these two would face off to crown the new Women’s World Champion at WrestlePalooza. The winner will leave Indianapolis as the new standard-bearer for WWE women’s wrestling.
John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar: A Career-Defining Clash
Perhaps the most talked-about match expected to headline WrestlePalooza 2025 is John Cena versus Brock Lesnar. After Brock Lesnar’s shocking return at WWE SummerSlam 2025 Night Two, where he laid out Cena with an F-5, a highly anticipated feud has ignited. This confrontation is seen as a pivotal chapter in Cena’s celebrated retirement tour, set to conclude by the end of 2025.
Sources close to WWE insiders have confirmed that this bout is likely to be the main event for the ESPN premiere PLE given its star power and storyline significance. The match carries weight as Cena’s first and only WrestlePalooza appearance, poised to be a historic moment for fans and the company alike. According to a WWE insider, “WrestlePalooza isn’t just another show; it’s the moment WWE officially ushers in a new era on ESPN, and what better way to do it than with Cena and Lesnar in the spotlight?”.
Other Key Matches and Storylines to Watch
While the full card is still subject to WWE’s creative direction, speculation and early reports highlight several key matchups and potential surprises:
The event promises high-stakes championship contests beyond the Women’s World Championship, as WWE looks to set a definitive tone for its broadcast partnership with ESPN. Multiple matches are expected to feature personal grudges and championship gold that have been brewing since the recent Clash in Paris event.
The card will feature talent from both WWE’s Raw and SmackDown brands, emphasizing a cross-brand showdown that underscores WrestlePalooza’s revived legacy.
WrestlePalooza 2025 will also simultaneously run against AEW All Out in Toronto, marking a rare head-to-head competition between WWE’s main roster and AEW’s marquee event. WWE has historically counter-programmed AEW pay-per-views with NXT events, but this is the first time a main roster PLE goes direct head-to-head, underscoring WWE’s confidence in WrestlePalooza.
WrestlePalooza’s Historical and Strategic Importance
Originally an ECW event series running from 1995 to 2000, WrestlePalooza was known for showcasing high-energy matches with deep storytelling. WWE acquired ECW’s assets in 2003 but had not run a WrestlePalooza event until now. This revival under WWE’s banner carries symbolic weight for wrestling purists and casual viewers alike.
Industry observers note that holding WrestlePalooza as the first PLE on ESPN’s streaming platform is a strategic move to build momentum for WWE’s next chapter in audience engagement and digital content delivery.
Fan Expectations and Build-Up
The WWE Universe is buzzing as the official build towards WrestlePalooza intensifies. With a diversity of matches, including major title bouts and personal rivalries, the event is expected to deliver a mix of high-caliber wrestling and dramatic storytelling.
Backstage sources reveal that WWE creative is putting extra focus on giving WrestlePalooza a distinct identity, separating it from other pay-per-views. “The goal is to make WrestlePalooza feel like a celebration of WWE’s past, present, and future,” said one insider. “Expect surprises, hard-hitting matches, and crowd-pleasers that set the tone for the rest of the year and beyond.”.
Event Details at a Glance
| Event | WrestlePalooza 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, September 20, 2025 |
| Location | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Broadcast | ESPN direct-to-consumer app (U.S.), Netflix worldwide |
| Main Event | IYO SKY vs. Stephanie Vaquer – Vacant Women’s World Championship |
| Potential Headliner | John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar |
Fans are encouraged to tune in live at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT for what promises to be a landmark event in WWE history.