Wrestlepalooza 2025 stands as a historic pay-per-view and livestream event signaling WWE’s expansion and innovation efforts. Taking place across both the Raw and SmackDown brands, the event packs major stakes, including John Cena’s planned retirement match and the crowning of a new Women’s World Champion[2][4]. The vacant Women’s World Championship will be contested in a high-profile singles match pitting Iyo Sky against Stephanie Vaquer—two rising stars who had been positioned to challenge the outgoing champion Naomi before she vacated the title due to pregnancy[2][4][5].
Mark Henry, a revered WWE Hall of Famer and former world champion himself, took to various media outlets ahead of Wrestlepalooza to reflect on the evolving momentum within the women’s division. In interviews covered by WWE.com and wrestling podcasts, Henry voiced his wonderment about how WWE will continue to build on the division’s momentum beyond just crowning a new champion at this important event. He remarked on the significance of showcasing female talents at the forefront, noting that the match between Iyo Sky and Stephanie Vaquer “represents an exciting crossroads for WWE’s women” that could influence booking decisions moving forward[1].
A WWE insider told Fightful that backstage, the company is highly focused on elevating not only the women’s division but also intertwining storylines that ensure longevity and fresh rivalries post-Wrestlepalooza. “WWE recognizes the immense fan interest in the women’s matches, and plans are already in motion to keep the division vibrant and competitive,” sources revealed. This includes potential faction developments, title defenses across both Raw and SmackDown, and opportunities for established and rising female stars alike[1].
The hype around the women’s title match at Wrestlepalooza is further intensified by the possible involvement of Asuka and the Kabuki Warriors faction, who may play a strategic role in supporting Iyo Sky’s pursuit to regain the championship she lost previously at WWE Evolution[4]. Although it has yet to be officially confirmed if this interference will materialize, the angle suggests WWE’s creative teams are keen to weave intricate narratives that will captivate audiences and facilitate ongoing interest in the division after the event.
Wrestlepalooza’s first-ever airing on ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming service in the U.S., and Netflix internationally, further amplifies the platform’s visibility for women’s wrestling. According to WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, this partnership heralds “a major new chapter for WWE, delivering superlative wrestling moments to a global audience,” setting a fitting stage to elevate female competitors alongside headline names like John Cena, Seth Rollins, and CM Punk during the September 20 card[3].
The women’s division has steadily ascended as one of WWE’s most dynamic and unpredictable areas in recent years, evolving from a limited role to a division full of technical prowess, charisma, and storytelling. Wrestlepalooza’s spotlight on a vacant Women’s World Championship match signals WWE’s acknowledgment of this progress and a desire to cement it further. Henry’s commentary aligns with fan excitement and industry speculation that Wrestlepalooza could serve as a launching pad for a new era of women’s wrestling, with deeper rivalries, title unifications, or cross-brand championship feuds potentially on the horizon.
In summary, Mark Henry’s reflections underscore a palpable sense of possibility and expectation surrounding the future of WWE’s women’s division as it prepares to headline Wrestlepalooza 2025. His insights, supported by reports from WWE.com, Fightful, and multiple wrestling media outlets, highlight WWE’s strategic commitment to showcasing world-class female talent while fostering long-term storylines that keep fans engaged beyond the event itself. With Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer poised to crown a new Women’s World Champion in front of a global audience, the division’s next chapter is set to be one of the must-watch storylines at Wrestlepalooza and beyond[1][2][4][5].