WWE has reportedly finalized the main event lineup for its upcoming premium live event (PLE), WrestlePalooza, slated for September 20, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. According to multiple credible insider reports, the two marquee matches scheduled to headline the card are a blockbuster showdown between Brock Lesnar and John Cena, and a WWE Championship clash featuring reigning champion Cody Rhodes defending against Drew McIntyre[1][2][4].
Lesnar vs. Cena: A Rare Collision of Legends
The match between Brock Lesnar and John Cena marks Lesnar’s first contest since his highly anticipated return at this year’s SummerSlam. This bout also revives a long-standing rivalry, being their first one-on-one encounter since 2014 — a meeting fans have eagerly awaited for over a decade. Sources close to WWE suggest the match may be contested under Last Man Standing rules, adding intensity and finality to this titanic encounter between two of WWE’s biggest superstars[2].
A WWE insider told Fightful in a recent podcast that “WrestlePalooza is positioning itself as a powerhouse event with Lesnar and Cena locked in a brutal, no-holds-barred war.” This high-stakes encounter is expected to draw significant attention, not only from WWE loyalists but also from casual viewers given the global recognition of both competitors.
WWE Championship Match: Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre
The second main event features Cody Rhodes defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre, continuing a heated feud that has escalated over recent SmackDown episodes[1][2]. This title match is rumored to be the first chapter in what many insiders believe will be a prolonged rivalry, bringing two of WWE’s top-tier talents into direct conflict in front of a passionate Indianapolis crowd.
Sources close to Rhodes revealed to WWE.com in an exclusive interview that “The stakes have never been higher, and Drew is determined to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his. Expect a gritty, physical affair.” The match is anticipated to showcase the athleticism and storytelling that both Rhodes and McIntyre consistently deliver.
Strategic Timing and Competitive Context
WrestlePalooza is not only a standalone spectacle but also a strategic move by WWE. The event is scheduled to go head-to-head with All Out, All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) flagship pay-per-view occurring the same night in Toronto. Industry analysts note this move underscores WWE’s intent to reclaim audience share during a traditionally competitive pay-per-view period.
Moreover, WrestlingHeadlines.com reports that WrestlePalooza is expected to be part of WWE’s ramp-up on the new ESPN streaming platform, illustrating WWE’s expanding media partnerships and efforts to innovate their broadcast model heading into 2026[2].
Event Name Controversy and Finalization
The WrestlePalooza brand itself has stirred some debate backstage. Though trademarked earlier this month by WWE, several internal sources have noted that there was pushback among WWE’s RAW officials regarding the event’s name, suggesting concerns about its resonance with long-time fans and branding consistency[3]. Despite this, WrestlePalooza remains the frontrunner as the official name for the September event, according to reports confirmed by WrestleVotes and PWInsider.
Additional Card Details and Potential Changes
While the Lesnar-Cena and Rhodes-McIntyre matches are confirmed as headliners, the complete card has not yet been officially announced. It is worth noting that WWE’s cards are subject to change due to storyline developments or unforeseen circumstances. However, sources from PWInsider and WrestlingNews.co agree these two matches anchor what promises to be a highly compelling and star-studded event[1][4].
Fan and Industry Reactions
Early fan reactions on social media platforms have been polarized but highly engaged, with many expressing excitement about the Lesnar-Cena matchup’s historic significance and potential for a brutal spectacle. Fans of Rhodes and McIntyre are also eagerly anticipating the wrestling craftsmanship this championship match will produce, especially given the renewed vigor both competitors have shown on weekly programming.
According to Fightful’s insider podcast, WWE creatives are “invested heavily in building out these storylines in the weeks leading to WrestlePalooza,” ensuring robust buildup segments on Raw and SmackDown that will heighten anticipation for the event.
The confirmation of the WrestlePalooza main events establishes September 20 as a landmark date for WWE, setting the stage for an epic night of professional wrestling. The Lesnar-Cena rivalry rekindled after more than a decade and the intense WWE Championship battle between Rhodes and McIntyre promise a captivating mix of nostalgia and contemporary in-ring excellence.
Fans worldwide will undoubtedly be watching closely as WWE and AEW stage a major pay-per-view showdown. Stay tuned for official announcements from WWE.com and further updates from industry insiders as the event approaches.