WWE has officially tapped Drake’s recently released track “Nokia” as the official theme song for the highly anticipated WrestlePalooza event, launching the company’s new premium live event partnership with ESPN. Scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, WrestlePalooza promises to deliver landmark bouts and high-profile returns as WWE kicks off this fresh chapter in its broadcasting history[1][3][4].
WrestlePalooza 2025: A Historic Kickoff on ESPN
WrestlePalooza marks the first WWE premium live event exclusively streamed on ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer platform, setting a precedent for future collaborations. The choice of “Nokia” by Drake as the event’s theme underscores WWE’s effort to blend mainstream music culture with its sports entertainment brand, amplifying buzz ahead of the event[3].
Insiders at WWE.com confirmed the ESPN partnership aims to debut with a spectacular card on September 20, starting at 7 PM ET. The live show from Indianapolis, a city ingrained in wrestling history, will also be available globally via Netflix streaming, ensuring worldwide access[4].
Big SmackDown Matches Highlight WrestlePalooza’s Go-Home Show
Ahead of the pay-per-view, WWE’s SmackDown roster is stacked with pivotal matches designed to build anticipation. Sources at Fightful report that key SmackDown matches announced for the final show before WrestlePalooza will feature top-tier WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch defending her title in a high-stakes contest and other major confrontations to escalate storylines[2].
Additionally, the much-anticipated mixed tag team showdown involving CM Punk and AJ Lee versus Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch has captivated fans. AJ Lee’s first in-ring match in over ten years reignites her storied rivalry with Lynch, while Punk’s clash with Rollins continues to be one of the most compelling narratives in WWE this year. The animosity reached new heights following Rollins retaining the World Heavyweight Championship at Clash in Paris with help from Lynch’s interference, setting the stage for these teams to collide at WrestlePalooza[4].
Lesnar vs. Cena: A Rivalry Renewed for Wrestling’s Biggest Stage
One of the marquee attractions of WrestlePalooza is the revival of the legendary rivalry between Brock Lesnar and John Cena. According to multiple sources including WWE.com and WWE insiders, this bout is especially significant as it marks Cena’s first and likely final WrestlePalooza in-ring appearance before his retirement at the end of 2025. Lesnar, returning from an extended hiatus since August 2023, promises to bring intensity to this once-in-a-lifetime showdown[1][2].
A backstage WWE insider shared, “The build-up for Lesnar vs. Cena is one of the most electric atmospheres we’ve seen in a long time. Both competitors are laser-focused, knowing how historic this moment is — not just for them, but for WrestlePalooza and ESPN’s debut event.” This match is being billed as a must-see finale for longtime fans of the duo’s storied past battles.
Wyatt Sicks and Emerging Storylines
While the spotlight shines on the veterans, younger talent like Wyatt Sicks are also making waves leading into WrestlePalooza. Reports from podcasts such as “Wrestling Observer Radio” hint that WWE is positioning Sicks for a significant push on the roster, potentially entangling him in fresh rivalries that will extend beyond WrestlePalooza[2].
Additional Event Highlights and Ticket Information
The event will also include appearances and title defenses from WWE’s top champions including “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. Fans can expect explosive action across multiple weight divisions, reflecting WWE’s layered storytelling approach.
Tickets for the event at Gainbridge Fieldhouse went on sale August 22 and have seen high demand. Local sports authorities confirm that the venue, renowned for its sports history, is gearing up for a packed house, anticipating a sellout crowd eager to witness this landmark event.
In summary, WrestlePalooza 2025 is poised to be a revolutionary moment for WWE, serving as the launchpad for their ESPN partnership with a dynamic card featuring classic rivalries, star-studded returns, and emerging talent. With Drake’s “Nokia” amplifying the event’s energy and the stakes higher than ever, fans worldwide are preparing for an unforgettable night of wrestling entertainment.
This article is based on reports from WWE.com, Fightful, Wrestling Headlines, esports news outlets, and WWE insider podcasts. For continuous updates on WrestlePalooza 2025, stay tuned to official WWE channels and ESPN broadcasts.