Full Report: WWE Wrestlepalooza Special Pre-Event Show on ESPN2—CM Punk, The Usos, IYO SKY, and More
ESPN2 aired a special preview show on Friday hyping up WWE Wrestlepalooza, the historic first WWE Premium Live Event streaming exclusively on the new ESPN Unlimited app. The broadcast, hosted by Peter Rosenberg, Big E, and NBA star Tyrese Haliburton, served as a hybrid pre-pre-show—part hype machine, part storytelling refresher.
Cena vs. Lesnar Takes Center Stage
The special wasted no time spotlighting the John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar showdown. After a dramatic video package, the panel debated the clash. Big E praised Lesnar as a once-in-a-lifetime athlete who redefined WWE, while Rosenberg called the match one of the most anticipated in years. The segment emphasized that this may be one of the final times fans see Cena compete live, adding even more weight to the “GOAT vs. Beast” billing.
CM Punk Joins the Panel to Hype AJ Lee’s Return
One of the most talked-about moments of the special came when CM Punk joined the hosts at the desk. The former WWE Champion beamed while discussing wife AJ Lee’s shocking return and their upcoming mixed-tag match against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
“I never thought it would happen,” Punk admitted about AJ’s comeback after nearly a decade away. “But timing is everything. It all worked out.”
Big E pushed Punk on whether AJ’s return storyline was what he envisioned. Punk responded candidly, calling both AJ and Becky “badasses” and stressing how much more personal the feud feels with both women involved. Before leaving, it was teased (mostly by Rosenberg) he would like to see him in the ring with Cody Rhodes and that he has his eyes on Drew McIntyre down the road—a hint at potential future rivalries for Punk.
Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes Gets Respect
The panel later turned its focus to Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Haliburton, clearly a fan of McIntyre, said the Scottish Warrior deserves another real run with the title after his pandemic-era reign. Big E agreed that McIntyre’s previous reigns lacked the stage they deserved, though both he and Tyrese ultimately picked Cody to retain.
IYO SKY Talks Stephanie Vaquer
IYO SKY joined the panel to discuss her upcoming clash with Stephanie Vaquer for the WWE Women’s World Championship. While her accent made some of her comments harder to follow, SKY emphasized her joy in performing and her respect for Vaquer’s in-ring talent. The panel praised both women, with Tyrese and Big E backing SKY, while Rosenberg picked Vaquer as the breakout star to watch.
The Usos Reunited… For Now
In another highlight, Jimmy and Jey Uso sat down with the hosts. Jimmy shockingly claimed his brother’s entrance is “bigger than The Rock’s and The Undertaker’s,” while Jey hinted that Jimmy deserves his own singles run soon. The conversation focused less on their Wrestlepalooza opponents (Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed) and more on what’s next for the brothers, fueling speculation that their reunion may be short-lived.
Closing Thoughts: Cena or Lesnar?
The final segment circled back to Cena vs. Lesnar. Haliburton leaned toward Cena, Big E picked Lesnar after predicting “suplex after suplex,” and Rosenberg went with his heart in hoping Cena finds a way to win.
The show wrapped with reminders:
- Road to Wrestlepalooza airs Saturday at 3 PM ET on ESPN Unlimited and WWE social platforms.
- The official pre-show begins at 5 PM ET.
- Wrestlepalooza goes live at 7 PM ET exclusively on ESPN Unlimited.
🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
This ESPN2 special was exactly what it needed to be: a glossy hype piece. While little new information was revealed, fans who haven’t been following weekly programming got a crash course on Wrestlepalooza’s biggest storylines. CM Punk’s appearance was the highlight, giving insight into AJ Lee’s return while slyly hinting at a Drew McIntyre program. The Usos’ segment, however, may have raised more questions than it answered—especially if their reunion undercuts the singles momentum Jey had been building.
If you’re fully caught up on WWE TV, this wasn’t essential viewing. But as a marketing tool? It did its job. Wrestlepalooza feels massive.
