WWE Wrestlepalooza Results - September 20, 2025: Cody Rhodes Retains, Vaquer Crowned, Cena Destroyed & Shocking Hall of Fame Announcement

WWE and ESPN’s long-awaited partnership officially launched tonight with Wrestlepalooza, live from a sold-out Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The event promised a mix of nostalgia, star power, and major shifts—and it delivered.

Triple H Opens the Show

The night began with a powerful hype video narrated by Paul “Triple H” Levesque, highlighting ESPN and WWE’s intertwined histories. Clips of Vince McMahon on commentary in the 80s, crossover SportsCenter moments, and wrestling’s influence on sports culture played before Triple H stood under a spotlight, declaring:

“Sports is entertainment. Always has been. Always will be.”

He welcomed the world to Wrestlepalooza, setting the tone for a historic night.

John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar

From the opening bell, Brock Lesnar unleashed hell. Shoulder thrusts, ragdoll throws, and German suplexes had Cena reeling. The veteran fought back with shoulder tackles and three Attitude Adjustments, nearly securing the win.

But the Beast wasn’t to be denied. Lesnar countered with a devastating stretch of six consecutive F5s, flattening Cena for the pin. Afterward, Brock added insult to injury by hitting another F5 on Cena—and even one on the referee—leaving fans, including Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, stunned.

Winner: Brock Lesnar via pinfall

Cena, battered but proud, managed to walk out on his own, gesturing to the crowd that he had given them his heart.

Read More: Detailed breakdown moment-by-moment of the destruction

The Usos vs. The Vision (w/ LA Knight as Special Referee)

This reunion match had chaos written all over it, and LA Knight’s presence as guest referee added gasoline to the fire. The Usos fired early with double superkicks, but Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker’s sheer power shifted momentum.

Knight played fast and loose with the rules, letting chair shots slide. The Vision punished the Usos with tandem offense, including a spear and Tsunami splash combination that sealed the deal.

Winners: The Vision via pinfall

Backstage Take (Wrestling.news): This wasn’t just a loss for the Usos—it may be the first step toward the long-teased Uso vs. Uso feud. Breakker, meanwhile, looked like a future main-event fixture, and Knight’s antics added unpredictability that will have ripple effects on Raw and SmackDown.

WWE Women’s World Championship: IYO SKY vs. Stephanie Vaquer

The vacant title match stole the show in terms of athleticism. SKY’s aerial assault and counters kept Vaquer grounded at points, but the AAA star’s grit and resilience shined.

The closing stretch was breathless—Spanish Fly from SKY, meteora exchanges, near falls off the Over The Moonsault. But Vaquer survived it all, countered late, and hit a spiral moonsault for the three count.

Winner: Stephanie Vaquer via pinfall – NEW WWE Women’s World Champion

The new champ celebrated in tears with her family at ringside while SKY showed sportsmanship by bowing and handing over the title herself.

Read More: More detailed breakdown of Stephanie Vaquer winning the title

CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch

In her first match in over a decade, AJ Lee teamed with husband CM Punk against WWE’s “power couple.”

The Visionary duo dominated early, isolating Punk with double-team attacks. But once AJ tagged in, the crowd came unglued. Lee lit up Becky with her Black Widow submission, while Punk hit Rollins with the GTS.

The finish came when AJ locked Becky in another Black Widow while Punk neutralized Seth with a Sharpshooter. Becky had no choice but to tap out.

Winners: CM Punk & AJ Lee via submission

Backstage Take (Wrestling.news): AJ’s return was everything fans hoped for—emotional, fierce, and historic. The post-match celebration, with both Punk and Lee throwing up the iconic “choke” gesture Reggie Miller once made famous, felt tailor-made for Indianapolis lore.

Hall of Fame Bombshell: Stephanie McMahon Named First 2026 Inductee

Just when the crowd caught its breath, The Undertaker roared down the aisle on his Harley Davidson to an enormous ovation. Climbing over the barricade, Taker joined Stephanie McMahon ringside and announced her as the first inductee for the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame class.

The emotional moment drew thunderous cheers as Stephanie appeared moved by the recognition.

Read More: Full Segment Breakdown Here

Main Event: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre – Undisputed WWE Championship

McIntyre fought like a man possessed, battering Rhodes with an Alabama Slam on the steps and a Claymore that nearly ended it. But Cody displayed trademark resilience.

The finish was pure Rhodes: Disaster Kick, Cody Cutter, and multiple Cross Rhodes before finally putting McIntyre down for the three.

Winner: Cody Rhodes via pinfall – still Undisputed WWE Champion

🎙️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

Wrestlepalooza felt less like a debut event and more like WWE staking its claim in the ESPN era with a clear message: bigger, louder, and headline-worthy. Brock Lesnar’s demolition of John Cena was designed to shock, leaving kids in tears and fans questioning if Cena’s retirement run will even make it to the finish line. Stephanie Vaquer’s crowning moment was more than just a title change — it was a statement that WWE is committed to spotlighting international stars.

AJ Lee’s return wasn’t just nostalgia; it was a reminder that WWE knows how to craft goosebump moments when the story and performers align. Meanwhile, Stephanie McMahon’s Hall of Fame announcement from The Undertaker provided the viral “feel good” headline they wanted for mainstream crossover buzz.

And in the main event, Cody Rhodes proved again he’s the face of this new era, while Drew McIntyre played the tragic foil—another world title slip through his hands. Coming out of tonight, the chessboard feels reset: Cena’s health, Orton’s shadow, Vaquer’s reign, and Punk’s unfinished business all promise a turbulent road ahead.

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