Backstage Update: WWE September PLE Could See John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar, Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre
Updated 8/20/2025 at 4:14pm: WWE and ESPN have confirmed WrestlePalooza will be airing on ESPN September 20th
The fall wrestling calendar looks like it’s about to get even busier. WWE is reportedly lining up a massive premium live event for September 20 in Indianapolis — a show that will go head-to-head with AEW’s All Out.
According to PWInsider Elite, two blockbuster bouts are penciled in for the card. The first is a long-awaited singles clash between John Cena and Brock Lesnar — their first one-on-one meeting since 2014. Lesnar hasn’t competed since SummerSlam 2023, when he fell to Cody Rhodes in what was thought to be “The Beast’s” swan song. Now, if plans hold, he’ll be stepping back into the spotlight opposite WWE’s most enduring franchise player.
The second headliner would see Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defend against Drew McIntyre. That rivalry escalated just weeks ago on SmackDown, when McIntyre blindsided Rhodes and drove him through the commentary desk. McIntyre followed up with another challenge last Friday, and commentary noted there was still “no medical update” on the champion — fueling speculation that this collision was inevitable.
The September event, which may carry the name WrestlePalooza, would mark the first time WWE has counter-programmed AEW’s All Out with a main roster PLE instead of an NXT special. It continues WWE’s aggressive calendar moves after pitting Great American Bash against All In Texas and running NXT Heatwave the same night as AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door.
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Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
If these matches go forward, WWE isn’t just stacking a show — it’s firing a shot across the bow at AEW. Cena vs. Lesnar has box office written all over it, while Cody vs. McIntyre is one of the company’s most personal rivalries right now. Counter-programming All Out with a card like this is WWE’s way of reminding fans they still hold the biggest stars in the industry — and that they’re not afraid to flex them.
