ESPN is launching a significant promotional push ahead of WWE’s Wrestlepalooza 2025, marking the first WWE Premium Live Event on ESPN platforms in the United States. The event will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Indianapolis’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse, featuring a stacked card including John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar and AJ Lee’s return to the ring after more than a decade[1][2].

The promotional build kicks off on September 19 with the ESPN Wrestlepalooza Special airing at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN2, setting the stage for the pay-per-view with in-depth previews and exclusive interviews. ESPN will also broadcast multiple repeats of the special across ESPN2 and ESPN News to maximize fan engagement. The momentum continues the following day with Road to Wrestlepalooza at 4 p.m. ET, a program dedicated to storyline recaps and behind-the-scenes access to WWE talent preparing for the show[1].

Wrestlepalooza 2025 serves as a landmark event in WWE’s evolving media strategy, highlighting the company’s new partnership with ESPN. This multi-year agreement enables WWE to stream premium live events via ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service, ESPN Unlimited, replacing WWE’s previous exclusive streaming on Peacock in the U.S. Fans can watch the event live at 7 p.m. ET, with Spanish-language broadcasts and a post-show available on ESPN Unlimited[1].

A Historic Card Featuring WWE Legends and Rising Stars

The Wrestlepalooza card so far includes several high-profile matches:

• Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer for the vacant Women’s World Championship. Both competitors earned their shot after the title was vacated due to Naomi’s pregnancy. Raw General Manager Adam Pearce decided the title would be decided in this marquee showdown. However, speculation surrounds potential interference from Asuka and the Kabuki Warriors, as Asuka has publicly shown interest in reclaiming the championship with their support[1][5].

• The Usos (Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso) vs. The Vision (Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker), a tag team match pitting one of WWE’s most dominant teams against rising stars from the Raw roster[1].

• CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch in a mixed tag team match. This bout marks AJ Lee’s in-ring return after more than 10 years, teaming with her husband CM Punk. This mixed tag match pairs two of WWE’s most acclaimed couples, promising intense drama and high-quality wrestling[1][2][4].

• John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar, a marquee singles match eagerly anticipated by fans. This bout represents one of Cena’s final matches before his retirement at the end of 2025 and sees Lesnar’s first in-ring action since August 2023. Their storied rivalry adds emotional weight to what is expected to be the event’s show-stealer[1][2][4].

According to sources close to WWE, the company expects Wrestlepalooza to be a defining moment of the year, blending nostalgic appeal with fresh storylines. “This event is about bridging eras — honoring WWE history while showcasing the stars shaping its future,” revealed a WWE insider in an interview with Fightful.

ESPN’s Comprehensive WWE Coverage Elevates Fan Experience

The collaboration between WWE and ESPN signifies a strategic effort to broaden WWE’s reach into mainstream sports broadcasting. The partnership includes extensive crossover coverage across ESPN’s television and digital channels, amplifying WWE’s visibility beyond traditional wrestling audiences[1].

Fans will benefit from enhanced accessibility to key WWE content during Wrestlepalooza week, with the network’s multi-platform approach ensuring comprehensive coverage. The Wrestlepalooza Post Show will air immediately after the main event on ESPN Unlimited, offering expert analysis, backstage reactions, and fan interaction segments designed to prolong the excitement and debate around the outcomes[1].

Indianapolis Secures Its Place as WWE’s New Midwest Hotspot

The choice of Indianapolis for Wrestlepalooza 2025 aligns with WWE’s broader strategy to establish a strong regional presence through the Indiana Sports Corp deal. The agreement includes multiple WWE event dates to be held in Indianapolis, underscoring the city’s growing value as a key market for professional wrestling[1].

With a storied history and solid fanbase, Indianapolis’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse is an ideal venue to host a pivotal WWE event like Wrestlepalooza. WWE.com confirmed that future major shows will continue to tap this venue, signaling long-term confidence in the city’s wrestling support[2].

How to Watch Wrestlepalooza 2025: Broadcast and Streaming Details

The event will be available to stream live in the United States through ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer platform, ESPN Unlimited. Broadcasts in both English and Spanish will be offered, with ESPN2 and ESPN News featuring preview and recap shows in the lead-up to the pay-per-view. Kickoff starts at 7 p.m. ET on September 20, 2025[1][5].

This marks a significant shift in WWE’s broadcasting approach in the United States following the end of its Peacock-exclusive premium live event distribution. According to WWE executives interviewed on recent podcasts and sports media outlets, the ESPN deal provides wider exposure and new growth opportunities for WWE’s audience[1].

With a robust lineup of matches and comprehensive media coverage, WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025 looks set to be a major highlight on the wrestling calendar, blending tradition, star power, and the promise of fresh storylines. Fans and sports media alike will be watching closely as WWE enters a new era on ESPN’s platforms.

Stay tuned for more updates and insider coverage as Wrestlepalooza week approaches.