Backstage Update on John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar To Open WWE Wrestlepalooza on ESPN

The wrestling world just got a shocker. Today on The Pat McAfee Show, it was announced that John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar will officially open Wrestlepalooza this Saturday, September 20, 2025.

That’s right — what many expected to close the show will instead kick off WWE’s first-ever premium live event streaming on ESPN. And it’s not just any match — it’s the long-awaited, highly personal final chapter between two of WWE’s most iconic rivals.

The Road to Wrestlepalooza

The story heading into Cena vs. Lesnar has been nothing short of intense.

• SummerSlam Sneak Attack (Aug 3, 2025): After Cena fell short against Cody Rhodes in a WWE Championship match, Lesnar made a stunning return after two years away, ambushing Cena in brutal fashion.
• SmackDown Chaos (Sept. 5, 2025): Lesnar doubled down, interfering in Cena’s match with Sami Zayn, leaving both men demolished.
• A Rivalry Renewed: This Saturday’s bout marks their seventh singles encounter, with Lesnar leading the series 4-2.

This isn’t just another match. It’s about closing a rivalry that has defined eras, stretched across decades, and created some of WWE’s most unforgettable moments.

John Cena’s Final Tour

For John Cena, Wrestlepalooza is more than just another fight — it’s part of his farewell tour. Cena has already announced that 2025 will mark the end of his in-ring career, with his last match scheduled for December.

• Retirement looming: Every match between now and December carries legacy-defining weight.
• Back against the wall: Cena has always thrived under pressure, but with Lesnar holding the psychological edge from weeks of attacks, he enters Wrestlepalooza as the underdog.
• Proving ground: This is Cena’s chance to overcome the Beast one final time and leave with pride intact.

The Beast Incarnate Returns

For Brock Lesnar, this match is about reclaiming dominance.

• Two years gone: Lesnar has been absent since mid-2023, and his sudden, violent return made a statement.
• Targeting the top: Going after Cena immediately shows Lesnar’s intent — reestablishing himself by breaking one of the greatest of all time.
• History on his side: Lesnar has dominated Cena across their career rivalry, from his 2002 breakout squash to their more recent encounters.

For Lesnar, this isn’t just about beating Cena again — it’s about reminding the WWE Universe that he is still the most dangerous man to ever step inside the ring.

High Stakes and Historic Spotlight

• Legacy on the line: Cena wants to prove he can conquer his greatest rival on his farewell run. Lesnar wants to cement his return by brutalizing a legend.
• History being made: As the first WWE premium live event on ESPN, Wrestlepalooza already carries historic significance. Opening with Cena vs. Lesnar gives the broadcast the kind of explosive start fans won’t forget.

No matter the outcome, the wrestling world will be watching when two titans collide one last time.

🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

This announcement flips expectations on their head. WWE putting Cena vs. Lesnar in the opening slot instead of the closing spot signals confidence in the rest of the Wrestlepalooza card while ensuring ESPN viewers are hooked from the first bell. It’s a bold move — but also a fitting stage-setter for a rivalry that has spanned more than 20 years. For Cena, this is legacy. For Lesnar, it’s dominance. For fans, it’s history.

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