Major Update: WWE’s ESPN Debut Could Come at Wrestlepalooza in September — Here’s How It Can Happen
WWE’s blockbuster deal with ESPN may be going into effect a lot sooner than fans anticipated. While the partnership was originally scheduled to begin in 2026, new reports suggest that WWE could test the waters on ESPN platforms as early as next month.
A Surprise ESPN Test Run?
Earlier this month, WWE and Disney struck a landmark deal that will bring Premium Live Events to ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, set at $29.99 per month for non-cable users. The agreement was expected to officially kick off in 2026, but PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reports that the rumored September 20 PLE — believed to be the revival of Wrestlepalooza — may serve as WWE’s unofficial debut on ESPN platforms.
If the move happens, it would reportedly be treated as a special “preview event” to showcase what fans can expect once the full ESPN rollout begins. It remains unclear whether the broadcast would air on ESPN’s linear channels, the new streaming service, or both.
Wrestlepalooza and a Mega Main Event
As previously reported by Wrestling.news, WWE is planning to run a new September PLE to go head-to-head with AEW All Out. The show is rumored to feature John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar in a high-profile main event — a marquee clash that would certainly justify giving the event a grand stage like ESPN.
Industry chatter indicates that WWE could announce the official name, location, and broadcast details for the event as soon as this week.
How WWE Could Air on ESPN Despite Its Peacock Deal
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Wrestlepalooza rumors is how WWE could broadcast on ESPN when its current U.S. Premium Live Event rights are tied to Peacock through the end of 2025. Wouldn’t that create a conflict?
Industry insiders point out that there are several ways WWE could legally and strategically make it happen:
- One-Time Special Event: WWE could frame Wrestlepalooza as a special presentation or preview, not a “standard PLE.” Contracts often allow carve-outs for unique events or showcases.
- Simulcast Model: The event could air on both Peacock and ESPN simultaneously, ensuring NBCUniversal’s rights remain intact while ESPN gets a splashy debut.
- Non-Canonical Branding: WWE might label the show differently, such as an “ESPN Showcase,” to sidestep the PLE classification defined in the Peacock contract.
- Short-Term Cooperation: Disney and NBCUniversal have previously collaborated, and both companies understand the marketing value of promoting John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar on ESPN.
In short, fans shouldn’t panic about losing access. If Wrestlepalooza does indeed land on ESPN, it would almost certainly be treated as a one-time test run or co-broadcast, giving WWE the chance to show off its new partnership without violating existing agreements.
WWE’s Expanding Media Footprint
Right now, WWE’s broadcast rights are spread across several major partners. Domestically, Premium Live Events remain on Peacock through the end of 2025, while Raw recently made the jump to Netflix internationally. SmackDown continues on FOX in the U.S., while NXT and international events are also housed on Netflix.
There are even rumors that WWE may be helping TNA secure a media rights deal of its own, potentially to bring the Impact brand into the orbit of WWE’s larger network of partners.
Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
If WWE pulls the trigger on running Wrestlepalooza as its first ESPN showcase, it would be a power play in every sense. Debuting Cena vs. Lesnar on ESPN just weeks after the Disney deal was announced would be a clear statement: WWE isn’t waiting until 2026 to flex its new partnership. This isn’t just about one show — it’s about planting a flag and showing AEW (and the rest of the sports world) that WWE is ready to dominate the mainstream sports conversation. For fans, it means the era of flipping between networks to find your favorite PLEs is about to shift again, and ESPN is preparing to make WWE one of its centerpieces.
