In a move that bridges wrestling’s past and present, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque has confirmed the resurrection of the iconic ECW pay-per-view name Wrestlepalooza for the company’s upcoming premium live event on September 20, 2025. The event will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, featuring talent from both the Raw and SmackDown brands, and marks the first Wrestlepalooza under the WWE banner since acquiring ECW’s assets in 2003[1].

Triple H Explains Revival of the Wrestlepalooza Brand

During a recent podcast appearance and exclusive interview with WWE.com, Triple H detailed how the company decided to resurrect the Wrestlepalooza name. He emphasized the importance of honoring wrestling heritage while innovating content for today’s fanbase.

“We wanted a brand that represents something special, something steeped in wrestling history but fresh for the WWE Universe,” Triple H stated. “Wrestlepalooza was synonymous with ECW’s rebellious spirit and intense energy, and bringing that name back connects our current product with one of the most influential eras in wrestling history.” He added that the timing was perfect to launch the new event under the ESPN deal, as WWE aims to offer premium live shows with a blend of nostalgia and innovation[3][5].

Sources close to WWE also revealed that the choice was strategic, aiming to capture the excitement of long-time wrestling fans while drawing in new viewers. According to Fightful, backstage decision-makers were impressed by the legacy and cult following of ECW’s original Wrestlepalooza shows from the mid-1990s through 2000. This familiarity with the name was seen as an asset in promoting a fresh flagship event for the coming years[1].

Star-Studded Wrestlepalooza 2025 Card

The 2025 card for Wrestlepalooza is already creating buzz as one of WWE’s most stacked premium live events in recent memory. The lineup features historic stars and fresh talent alike, promising a memorable night of action:

• John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar: One of the headline matches scheduled is John Cena’s final bout before his planned retirement at the end of 2025, facing Brock Lesnar, who returns to in-ring action for the first time since August 2023. Their storied rivalry is set for another explosive chapter at Wrestlepalooza[1][2][3].

• IYO SKY vs. Stephanie Vaquer: Competing for the vacant Women’s World Championship, this matchup promises high-flying excitement. Vaquer makes her pay-per-view debut, with IYO SKY defending her title in what is expected to be a hard-hitting contest[1][2].

• CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch: Adding a unique twist to the card, this mixed tag team match reunites CM Punk with his wife AJ Lee in her first wrestling match in over a decade, against WWE’s power couple of Rollins and Lynch[1][2].

• The Usos vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed: A high-intensity tag team showdown features the legendary Usos taking on two powerhouse wrestlers showing impressive momentum on Raw[2].

Further matches are expected to be announced as the event approaches, signaling WWE’s intent to keep the card dynamic and filled with surprises.

WWE’s Vision: Blending Legacy and New Frontiers

Triple H’s role as WWE CCO has clearly influenced the company’s direction in content curation, blending classic names and storied histories with modern wrestling stars and narratives. Wrestlepalooza’s revival is a prime example of this approach.

According to an insider who spoke to Wrestling Inc., the event is designed not only to appeal to the nostalgia of ECW fans but to create a fresh premium brand that can stand alongside WWE’s flagship pay-per-views like WrestleMania and SummerSlam. “Triple H understands what fans cherish about wrestling’s past and how to build on that foundation. Wrestlepalooza aims to be that perfect balance of homage and forward momentum,” the source revealed.

The decision to hold the event in Indianapolis also aligns with WWE’s strategy to expand geographically, positioning high-profile shows in major venues outside WWE’s typical coastal hubs to engage broader audiences.

Streaming Debut on ESPN’s Platform

Wrestlepalooza 2025 also marks the kickoff of WWE’s new premium live event streaming on ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service, a significant milestone in the company’s media partnership. Fans will be able to watch live starting at 7 PM ET on Saturday, September 20, via the ESPN app, offering global accessibility and a streamlined viewing experience[2][4].

This collaboration underscores WWE’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge media platforms while maximizing exposure for its live events and talent.

Final Notes on the Event’s Significance

As Wrestlepalooza returns after a 25-year hiatus, WWE balances respect for wrestling tradition with the excitement of new storylines and returning legends.

John Cena’s expected farewell match against Brock Lesnar, AJ Lee’s in-ring return, and the crowning of a new Women’s World Champion are all pivotal moments that elevate Wrestlepalooza to a must-watch event in the 2025 WWE calendar.

With triple-layered storytelling, star power, and a historic brand revival, WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025 is poised to become a key fixture in WWE’s premium live event portfolio.

Sources: WWE.com interview, Fightful reports, Wrestling Inc., ProWrestling.net, CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated, WWE Podcasts