WWE has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated showdown between Brock Lesnar and John Cena will headline the inaugural Wrestlepalooza pay-per-view (PPV) event on September 20, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. This blockbuster match marks the first time these two legendary superstars clash one-on-one since 2014 and represents Lesnar’s return to the ring after a hiatus following SummerSlam 2023[1][2][4].

The announcement was hinted at by WWE commentator Joe Tessitore during an ESPN SportsCenter preview segment, where he called the Lesnar-Cena bout the main event of the night. Although WWE has yet to release an official statement, this confirmation by one of the promotion’s key broadcasters aligns with insider reports and multiple sources close to WWE[1][4].

Wrestlepalooza: WWE’s New Premium Live Event on ESPN

Wrestlepalooza 2025 will mark WWE’s first-ever PPV under that banner since the original event was associated with Extreme Championship Wrestling in 2000. The company is using this event to launch its new partnership with ESPN, shifting the premium live event landscape and directly competing with AEW’s All Out, scheduled for the same day[3][4].

Taking place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the show promises a star-studded card featuring top-tier talent across WWE’s Raw and SmackDown brands. Aside from the main event, the card includes:

• The Undisputed WWE Championship match: Cody Rhodes defending against Drew McIntyre, a contest earmarked for strong billing consideration[1][2].
• Women’s World Championship match: Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer, a high-profile title bout[1][4].
• Tag team clash: The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed, mixing veteran prowess and younger talent[1][4].
• Mixed tag team match featuring couples: AJ Lee & CM Punk vs. Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins, highlighting AJ Lee’s first bout in over a decade[1][3][4].

Sources close to WWE have indicated that the promotion is sparing no expense to ensure Wrestlepalooza stands out as a landmark event in its ESPN era, with the Lesnar-Cena match set to be a brutal and physical contest — possibly dubbed a Last Man Standing match to heighten drama and finality[2].

The Significance of Lesnar vs. Cena

Brock Lesnar, known for his unparalleled dominance and crossover appeal, is making his first in-ring appearance since being defeated by Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2023. John Cena, meanwhile, is slated to retire from professional wrestling by the end of 2025, making this Wrestlepalooza clash his only appearance at this new PPV event and potentially his last marquee showdown[3].

This match rekindles one of WWE’s most storied rivalries. Their most recent one-on-one battle took place over a decade ago at the 2014 Royal Rumble, making the upcoming encounter an eagerly awaited moment for fans worldwide. According to an insider speaking to Fightful on a recent wrestling podcast, WWE is positioning this bout as a “powerhouse event” with both superstars locked in a “no-holds-barred war” that will captivate casual viewers and hardcore wrestling enthusiasts alike[2].

Backstage Insights and Fan Expectations

Reports from backstage sources reveal the match is being heavily promoted internally as the ultimate draw to transition WWE into its new broadcast era with ESPN, which included revamping its content delivery and premium live event structure[1][4]. A WWE insider noted, “This match isn’t just about the two wrestlers in the ring; it’s a symbolic passing of a torch moment and a celebration of WWE’s legendary past and ambitious future.”

Fans and analysts alike have applauded WWE’s strategy to leverage star power and historical rivalries for Wrestlepalooza. The event also aims to offer a packed, must-watch lineup to directly challenge rival promotions and elevate WWE’s presence in the evolving sports entertainment ecosystem[4].

Additional Card Highlights

• Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre: The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is set to defend his title against the formidable Drew McIntyre. This match is receiving significant hype as a technical and physical masterpiece that could have easily headlined Wrestlepalooza but will now serve to build towards future storylines[1][2].

• Women’s World Championship: Iyo Sky puts her vacant Women’s World Championship on the line against the rising star Stephanie Vaquer, signaling WWE’s commitment to promoting women’s wrestling on premium platforms[1].

• The Usos vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed: This tag team encounter pairs veterans with youth, promising explosive action and narrative depth. The Usos are returning to PPV after a few months off, while Breakker and Reed continue to make waves as potential future main-eventers[1][4].

• AJ Lee & CM Punk vs. Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins: Fans have eagerly awaited AJ Lee’s return after more than a decade in the ring. Teaming with CM Punk against two top-tier stars creates one of the evening’s most emotionally charged matches[1][3].

Event Details and Viewing Information

• Date: September 20, 2025
• Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
• Broadcast: ESPN, WWE Network, and associated streaming platforms

Wrestlepalooza 2025 represents WWE’s first PPV on ESPN, marking a new phase of exposure and potential growth for the company’s flagship programming. It stands to be one of the most significant wrestling events of the year, not only for the big matches but for its role in WWE’s strategic future.

According to WWE.com and confirmed by multiple insider sources, the main event between Brock Lesnar and John Cena will be the defining moment of Wrestlepalooza 2025 — a night fans cannot afford to miss[1][2][4].