WWE is set to reinvigorate wrestling nostalgia with the surprise return of the ECW-branded Wrestlepalooza pay-per-view event on September 20, 2025, poised to directly compete with AEW’s All Out show on the same night. Meanwhile, WWE NXT standout Mandy Rose has disclosed a concerning herpes outbreak affecting talent in the developmental brand, adding another challenging chapter to WWE’s in-ring and backstage landscape.

WWE’s Wrestlepalooza Event Set to Clash with AEW All Out

After years of relative quiet around ECW-themed shows, WWE will bring back the iconic Wrestlepalooza name for its September 20 premium live event (PLE), according to multiple credible sources including WrestleVotes, PWInsider, and SEScoops[1][2][4]. The event will mark a rare occasion where WWE schedules a main roster pay-per-view on the exact same date as one of AEW’s marquee shows—in this case, AEW All Out taking place at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena.

The match-up is the latest in WWE’s ongoing strategy of counter-programming AEW’s major events. Over recent months, WWE NXT has deliberately booked shows to coincide with AEW specials, such as NXT’s Great American Bash airing opposite AEW All Out and NXT’s Battleground conflicting with AEW Double or Nothing[2]. This time, WWE appears to be escalating the stakes by deploying a main roster PLE under a historic banner with built-in fan familiarity.

The Wrestlepalooza revival is scheduled for Indianapolis, Indiana, with Gainbridge Fieldhouse tipped as the probable venue based on WWE’s recent event patterns in the city[1]. WWE has not yet officially announced the venue or card details, but insiders suggest the company is eager to leverage the ECW brand’s cult status to attract viewers.

Wrestlepalooza’s ECW Legacy and WWE’s Plans

Originally, Wrestlepalooza was a signature ECW event held sporadically between 1995 and 2000. The 1998 pay-per-view, headlined by Shane Douglas versus Al Snow for the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, remains one of the most fondly remembered editions[1]. WWE’s ownership of all ECW intellectual property, including footage and trademarks, streamlines the revival process and allows the company to capitalize on nostalgia and distinct branding separate from its usual Raw and SmackDown fare[1].

This move signals WWE’s intent to inject fresh excitement into its September pay-per-view calendar. Reports had speculated the September PLE might carry names like Bad Blood or Fastlane, but Wrestlepalooza’s vintage allure ultimately won out[4][5]. WWE’s recently announced 2026 PLEs will be aired on the ESPN direct-to-consumer platform, showing the company’s ongoing shift toward digital streaming environments amid a crowded wrestling marketplace[2].

Backstage Health Issues: Mandy Rose Reveals Herpes Outbreak in NXT

Adding to WWE’s challenges behind the scenes, Mandy Rose recently broke her silence on a troubling herpes virus outbreak affecting several talents in WWE NXT[Reference article]. This revelation underscores the health and wellness difficulties faced in wrestling’s developmental system, where frequent travel, close physical contact, and intense schedules can exacerbate contagious conditions.

Though WWE maintains strict health protocols, viral outbreaks remain a recurring issue for locker rooms worldwide. According to sources close to WWE, the company is actively monitoring the situation, ensuring affected performers receive medical attention and taking steps to prevent further transmission within NXT’s ranks.

Mandy Rose’s candid interview on her personal podcast and various media appearances has brought unprecedented attention to the matter. Industry insiders praise her openness for helping remove stigma around health disclosures in wrestling—a sport where such topics have traditionally been downplayed.

What This Means for WWE and the Wrestling Landscape

WWE’s dual moves—launching a nostalgic ECW Wrestlepalooza event to challenge AEW’s All Out and managing health crises like the NXT herpes outbreak—highlight the complexities of today’s wrestling business. The direct head-to-head programming battle between WWE and AEW intensifies as both companies vie for fan engagement and market share in an era defined by competition and digital innovation.

The Wrestlepalooza revival could rejuvenate interest in a classic brand, potentially drawing in lapsed ECW fans as well as newer viewers intrigued by the novelty. Meanwhile, WWE’s transparency about backstage health challenges via Megan Rose may foster greater trust between talent and management and prompt enhanced wellness initiatives.

Sources close to WWE and wrestling journalists including Fightful and POST Wrestling will be closely watching developments leading up to both September 20 events. Fans can expect a heightened atmosphere akin to the early 2000s wrestling wars, but with modern streaming platforms and social media megaphones amplifying every storyline and revelation.

According to a WWE insider, the company is “fully committed to making Wrestlepalooza a memorable, must-watch event that honors the ECW legacy while showcasing current WWE talent at their best.” Meanwhile, backstage officials confirm that the health of developmental performers remains a priority amidst the outbreak concerns.

As WWE sharpens its edge in the battle for wrestling supremacy, the September 20 Wrestlepalooza vs. AEW All Out showdown promises to be a defining moment in 2025’s wrestling calendar.