WWE’s Wrestlepalooza is no longer just another pay-per-view on the calendar. According to TKO President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro, the event is being positioned as a new “superfranchise” for the company—one designed to break away from the legacy of Vince McMahon and signal a bold new era for WWE’s creative direction.
In a recent episode of The Main Event with Andrew Marchand, Shapiro sat down to discuss the evolution of WWE under the leadership of Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque and President Nick Khan. The conversation centered on how the company is moving forward, both creatively and commercially, and Shapiro made it clear that Wrestlepalooza is at the heart of this transformation.
A New Era for WWE’s Pay-Per-View Landscape
Shapiro praised the direction WWE has taken since McMahon’s departure, emphasizing the importance of innovation and fresh storytelling. “We’re not just rehashing old ideas,” Shapiro said. “We’re building new franchises that reflect the current landscape of sports entertainment. Wrestlepalooza is a prime example of that.”
The executive highlighted Wrestlepalooza’s unique blend of legacy stars and rising talent, as well as its ability to draw in both longtime fans and new audiences. “It’s not just about nostalgia,” Shapiro explained. “It’s about creating moments that matter—moments that will define the next generation of WWE.”
Wrestlepalooza 2025: A Showcase of Evolution
The 2025 edition of Wrestlepalooza, held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, was a testament to this new vision. The event featured a mix of high-profile returns, intense rivalries, and standout performances that left fans buzzing.
One of the most talked-about moments was the return of Brock Lesnar, who dominated John Cena in a match that felt both nostalgic and fresh. Lesnar’s dominance was a reminder of his enduring star power, while Cena’s resilience kept the crowd engaged until the very end.
Another highlight was the tag team match between CM Punk & AJ Lee and Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins. Lee’s return after a decade away from the ring was met with thunderous applause, and her chemistry with Punk added a new layer to the match. Lynch and Rollins, meanwhile, continued to prove why they are among WWE’s most reliable performers.
The main event saw Cody Rhodes successfully defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in a match that was both physically demanding and emotionally charged. Rhodes’ victory solidified his status as the face of WWE’s new era, while McIntyre’s performance reminded everyone of his status as one of the company’s top challengers.
Critical Reception and Fan Reaction
While Wrestlepalooza 2025 received mixed reviews from critics, with some calling the card “underwhelming” and others praising the standout matches, the event’s overall impact was undeniable. ESPN’s Andreas Hale noted that the women’s world championship match between Iyo Sky and Stephanie Vaquer “saved the show from being truly average,” while the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer gave the main event a respectable 3.75 stars.
Fan reaction on social media was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the event’s pacing and the return of beloved stars. “Wrestlepalooza felt like a breath of fresh air,” one fan tweeted. “It’s not just about reliving the past—it’s about building something new.”
Behind the Scenes: The Vision for Wrestlepalooza
According to a WWE insider, the company’s leadership has been working behind the scenes to elevate Wrestlepalooza into a marquee event. “There’s a real push to make Wrestlepalooza a cornerstone of WWE’s annual calendar,” the insider revealed. “It’s not just about putting on a good show—it’s about creating a legacy.”
The insider also noted that Wrestlepalooza’s success is being measured not just by ticket sales and ratings, but by its ability to generate buzz and drive long-term fan engagement. “They want Wrestlepalooza to be more than just a pay-per-view,” the insider said. “They want it to be a cultural moment—a place where history is made.”
Moving Beyond Vince McMahon’s Legacy
Shapiro’s comments about Wrestlepalooza as a “superfranchise” are part of a broader effort to move WWE beyond the shadow of Vince McMahon. Under McMahon’s leadership, WWE’s pay-per-view events were often defined by his personal vision and creative control. With McMahon gone, the company is now free to explore new ideas and take risks.
“Vince built something incredible,” Shapiro acknowledged. “But the world has changed, and WWE has to change with it. Wrestlepalooza is a symbol of that change—a new beginning for the company.”
What’s Next for Wrestlepalooza?
As WWE looks to the future, Wrestlepalooza is expected to play an increasingly important role in the company’s strategy. Plans are already underway for Wrestlepalooza 2026, with rumors of even bigger returns and more ambitious storytelling.
Sources close to Cody Rhodes revealed that the Undisputed WWE Champion is eager to headline Wrestlepalooza again, seeing it as a platform to cement his legacy. “Cody wants Wrestlepalooza to be his WrestleMania,” the source said. “He sees it as a chance to make history.”
With Wrestlepalooza positioned as a “superfranchise,” WWE is sending a clear message: the future of sports entertainment is here, and it’s bigger than ever.