Wrestlepalooza Main Event Confirmed, Triple H Teases Surprise, AEW Frustrations Boil Over, and More
WWE Wrestlepalooza is finally here. The first-ever Premium Live Event on ESPN is set for later today, Saturday, September 20, 2025, inside the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the company has been pushing the hype machine into overdrive. From main event confirmations to behind-the-scenes politics, here’s everything you need to know heading into tonight’s historic show.
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Wrestlepalooza Event Guide - Match Card, Start Time, and More
How to Watch Wrestlepalooza: ESPN Streaming Plans Explained
Cena vs. Lesnar to Open the Show
As we previously reported here at Wrestling.news, WWE confirmed on The Pat McAfee Show that John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar will officially open Wrestlepalooza. This bout marks one of Cena’s final matches before his retirement later this year, and Lesnar has promised all week that “D-Day” awaits the 17-time world champion. Expect fireworks right from the opening bell.
Rhodes vs. McIntyre Headlines the Event
According to PWInsider, the Undisputed WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre will serve as the main event. The announcement adds extra weight to the Scottish Warrior’s redemption arc, while Rhodes walks in as the face of ESPN’s new WWE era. Their fiery contract signing on SmackDown set the stage perfectly—now, it’s time to see who walks out with the gold.
Triple H Promises Surprises
Appearing on ESPN’s Get Up Friday morning, WWE CCO Triple H teased that the show will feature more than just blockbuster matches:
“Nobody does big events like WWE, with possibly the exception of ESPN. What you guys do, the hype that you put around it—shows like this, coming up here and having the honor of being here with you. All of this builds those events to be bigger than anything. Then, we deliver on them bigger than anybody. Expect spectacle, expect surprises, expect to have a lot of fun and ESPN is going to deliver.”
The Game’s comments have fueled speculation of a major return, shocking debut, or headline-grabbing crossover moment.
Wrestlepalooza’s Future Potential
Reports suggest WWE is considering making Wrestlepalooza an annual event, potentially slotting it in years when WrestleMania is hosted outside of North America. If true, Wrestlepalooza could evolve into a secondary tentpole show, much like SummerSlam or Survivor Series, while serving ESPN’s appetite for exclusive content.
WWE vs. AEW Counterprogramming Drama
The shadow of competition looms large tonight. AEW’s All Out pay-per-view kicks off at 3 p.m. ET, just hours before Wrestlepalooza begins at 7 p.m. ET. The overlapping schedule has stirred frustration among AEW stars, with many accusing WWE of deliberately undermining their show. The timing is no coincidence, and how audiences split their attention today could send ripple effects through the wrestling landscape. Expect further backstage comments from both locker rooms. We will be paying close attention to any developing stories throughout the day here at Wrestling.news, stay locked in.
Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
Wrestlepalooza isn’t just about the matches—it’s about perception. WWE is entering ESPN’s ecosystem with maximum firepower: Cena vs. Lesnar, Cody vs. Drew, and the promise of a Triple H surprise. Countering AEW’s All Out on the same day is a power move that feels straight out of Vince McMahon’s playbook, even if Triple H insists otherwise. If Wrestlepalooza delivers, it won’t just be remembered as WWE’s ESPN debut—it will be remembered as the day WWE reclaimed Saturday nights.
