WWE kicks off a new era with Wrestlepalooza 2025, live from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on September 20.
The first major event under the ESPN banner, Wrestlepalooza, promises to deliver one of the biggest nights in pro wrestling history, featuring blockbuster returns, dream tag-team matchups, and championship stakes.
Headlining the card is John Cena, in what is his final year in the ring, facing longtime rival Brock Lesnar in his highly anticipated return. Fans will also witness the shocking comeback of AJ Lee, teaming with CM Punk against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch in a feud that’s turned deeply personal.
Alongside them, WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Stephanie Vaquer, The Usos, and more of the company’s top stars are set to compete.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Wrestlepalooza card — including match previews and predictions.
WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025 date, start time & venue
- Date: Saturday, September 20
- Time: 7 p.m. ET | 4 p.m. PT
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse - Indianapolis, Indiana
- Watch: ESPN app
Wrestlepalooza 2025 kicks off Saturday, September 20, with the pre-show starting at 5 p.m. ET and the main card live at 7 p.m. ET exclusively on the ESPN App. Coverage includes Road to Wrestlepalooza hosted by O’Shea Jackson Jr. and TJ Jefferson, plus an ESPN2 special led by Peter Rosenberg with Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. Elle Duncan will also anchor SportsCenter on site, rounding out ESPN’s all-star broadcast team.
Confirmed WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025 match card
- CM Punk and AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch
- John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar
- Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship
- Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer for the Women's World Championship
- The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) vs. The Vision (Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker)
Main card predictions for Wrestlepalooza 2025
John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar
Expected to open the main card, John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar is a continuation of a feud that started in the early 2000s. This marks Lesnar’s highly anticipated return to the WWE ring.
Cena vs. Lesnar came out of nowhere, but WWE is making up ground following an odd heel run for the former. It’s Cena’s last year in wrestling, and he’s recently given his all in and out of the ring.
While Lesnar looks like an unstoppable force, it’s hard to see Cena lose against someone who’s not a young talent to end his run.
Sporting News prediction: John Cena
The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) vs. The Vision (Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker)
Jey Uso has seemingly snapped since losing the World Heavyweight Championship. That’s affected his career and health, especially as Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker have attempted to break him.
Desperate, he’s called upon his brother Jimmy to try and help him out.
As Seth Rollins’ Vision has grown, he appears to have all the momentum. Reed and Breakker, especially Breakker, are powerhouses. They have hurt the Usos separately. It may make sense for Jimmy and Jey, together, to get a measure of revenge.
However, LA Knight may play a decisive role in the outcome. Given his ongoing feud with Jey, he’ll likely side with the heels.
Sporting News prediction: Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker
Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship
Drew McIntyre continues to prove, whether in the ring or on social media, why he should be a world champion. Unfortunately, Cody Rhodes is in his way.
It’s hard to think Rhodes, WWE’s Golden Boy, will lose the belt. However, if WWE is serious about Wrestlepalooza being a top-tier event, doing something out of the ordinary would accomplish that.
Still, it's believed Rhodes will walk out of the building with the belt.
Expect Randy Orton to somehow get involved in the match or after. A feud between Orton and Rhodes has been teased, and McIntyre attacked Orton before the Rhodes match became official.
Sporting News prediction: Cody Rhodes
Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer for the Women's World Championship
Both Iyo Sky and Stephanie Vaquer are two of the most popular wrestlers in WWE today. They are also the best in-ring performers in all of wrestling. A clash between the two, with no outside interference, may result in a Match of the Year contender.
The last sentence is important. Sky has recently been involved in backstage segments with Asuka and Kairi Sane. A former champion, Sky’s latest story could be fending off The Kabuki Warriors. That doesn’t need a title involved.
Vaquer’s aura is unmatched. Her quick rise is something to marvel at. A world title win would be the best reward for her efforts.
Sporting News prediction: Stephanie Vaquer
CM Punk and AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch
Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch are a true power couple and have been a massive thorn in CM Punk’s side. Against any other opponent, it makes sense to give the edge to Rollins and Lynch.
However, AJ Lee’s return is not something to waste.
It’s been about ten years since Lee entered a WWE ring. She’s already shown she can perform in the ring and take bumps. Lee facing Lynch is the perfect start to her new run.
This is a dream match in every sense of the word. Expect a lot of throwback moments and for Lee to play the face in peril at several points. Lynch will make Lee look like a million bucks, and the Punk-Rollins dynamic should deliver.
Ultimately, the faces winning makes the most sense, giving the event an ending to remember.
Sporting News prediction: CM Punk and AJ Lee
Possible Returns, Appearances for WWE WrestlePalooza 2025
Roman Reigns, currently filming a movie, may return to help out The Usos. Alternatively, LA Knight could appear and cost The Usos their match.
Other returns or appearances could include The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) and Randy Orton (the latter interfering in Rhodes vs. McIntyre).