In a bold strategic move, WWE is planning a high-stakes premium live event (PLE) on Saturday, September 20, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, scheduled directly opposite All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) flagship pay-per-view, All Out 2025, which will take place in Toronto, Ontario. This will mark the first time WWE’s main roster premium event airs on the same night as an AEW pay-per-view, signaling WWE’s intent to fortify its presence amid growing competition in the wrestling landscape[1][3][4].

The centerpiece of WWE’s September 20 PLE is reportedly a monumental clash between John Cena and Brock Lesnar, two of the biggest names and fiercest rivals in wrestling history. Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer confirmed that Cena and Lesnar are set for a marquee matchup at the yet-to-be-announced WWE event in Indianapolis. This bout escalates their rekindled rivalry following Lesnar’s surprise return at SummerSlam 2025, where he ambushed Cena after his intense Street Fight against Cody Rhodes, delivering a crushing F5 that reignited fan excitement and storyline momentum[5].

This highly anticipated Cena–Lesnar showdown is a critical chapter in Cena’s ongoing “retirement tour” throughout 2025. Prior to their September clash, Cena is scheduled to face Logan Paul at WWE’s Clash in Paris event on August 31. Fans will be watching closely as Cena continues to balance legacy matches with emerging contemporary rivalries[5].

WWE’s decision to run a premium live event on the same night as AEW’s All Out represents an unprecedented direct competition in the wrestling world. While WWE has previously scheduled NXT brand events opposite AEW pay-per-views earlier in 2025, this marks the first time a WWE main roster premium live event will directly counterprogram an AEW pay-per-view with full Main Roster stars indeed headlining[1][4].

The expected venue for the WWE September 20 event is likely Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, given WWE’s growing partnership with the Indiana Sports Corp. This is part of a broader agreement announced in 2024, which included hosting major events such as a two-night WrestleMania and SummerSlam at the Lucas Oil Stadium, along with various live shows across the state. WWE has already lined up SmackDown on September 19 in Toledo and Raw on September 22 in Evansville, Indiana, solidifying a strong Midwest presence that weekend[1].

AEW’s All Out 2025, meanwhile, will host its event at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, beginning its pay-per-view broadcast at 8 p.m. Eastern time. WWE has not confirmed the start time for its Indianapolis event, leaving some uncertainty about how exactly the two events will overlap for fans[1][4].

Tony Khan, AEW’s president, previously commented on WWE’s history of scheduling events opposite AEW’s biggest shows, indicating he remains unfazed by such counterprogramming. Nonetheless, WWE’s main roster following and star power behind the Cena–Lesnar match could pose a significant ratings challenge for AEW on September 20[3].

Sources close to the WWE locker room indicate that WWE officials are keenly focused on delivering a blockbuster show that can attract maximum viewership and assert market dominance on what is expected to be a fiercely competitive night. According to a WWE insider speaking with Fightful, the company believes leveraging the Cena–Lesnar rivalry will create compelling must-watch television that can prevent wrestling fans from splitting their attention between WWE and AEW[5].

The September 20 premium live event thus represents a watershed moment in the so-called “Wednesday Night Wars” era’s evolution, now extending into a direct pay-per-view battle between the two largest wrestling promotions in North America. Wrestling fans are poised for an unforgettable night as WWE throws down the gauntlet with its biggest main event in years against AEW’s All Out 2025.

As the wrestling world awaits official announcements from WWE.com regarding the event name, card, and start time, speculation is rife that WWE may also revive a former WCW pay-per-view name, which it recently trademarked, to bolster the event’s branding[3].

WWE’s strategic calendar positioning on September 20, 2025, underscores the company’s aggressive growth and competitive tactics amid AEW’s rising prominence. With John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar anchored as the main event, the Indianapolis PLE will likely be one of the defining wrestling events of the year, drawing passionate attention from wrestling communities worldwide.

Fans looking to catch both shows should prepare for what promises to be a remarkable night of professional wrestling drama, high-profile matchups, and ongoing rivalry narratives that could shape the industry’s future trajectory.

Sources: POST Wrestling, Fightful, Wrestling Observer Radio, Wrestling Headlines, Wrestling News, SESCOOPS, WWE.com.