WWE Wrestlepalooza Set to Kick Off with Epic John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar Match, Confirms Pat McAfee

pranithkumarkanna@gmail.com|Modified on Sep 19, 2025, 01:21 GMT

Wrestling fans are gearing up for WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025 this Saturday, September 20, at Indianapolis’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with the event slated to open with the highly anticipated singles clash between John Cena and Brock Lesnar. This blockbuster match, confirmed by WWE personality Pat McAfee, promises to be the perfect curtain-raiser for WWE’s exciting new pay-per-view and livestream event streamed exclusively on ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service[1][3].

According to McAfee during a recent podcast discussion, the pay-per-view will commence with none other than Cena versus Lesnar, two of WWE’s most iconic and enduring superstars. This news has amplified the buzz around Wrestlepalooza, especially given the context of Cena’s impending retirement at the end of 2025 and Lesnar’s rare in-ring appearance after a long hiatus since SummerSlam 2023[1]. WWE insiders suggest that starting the show with such a monumental bout underlines the company’s commitment to delivering high-stakes entertainment right from the opening bell.

Wrestlepalooza 2025 marks not only the revival of the storied event under the WWE banner—its first iteration since 2000 when Extreme Championship Wrestling owned the rights—but also a significant moment in WWE history. The event will feature talent across both Raw and SmackDown rosters, including major appearances from Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch, CM Punk, and Drew McIntyre, complementing the night’s marquee matchups[1][3].

The John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar match carries enormous weight for several reasons. For Cena, this will be his first and only Wrestlepalooza appearance and one of his last high-profile matches before retirement. Meanwhile, Lesnar’s return to the ring after nearly two years generates intrigue regarding his current form and WWE’s long-term booking plans for the former Universal and WWE Champion. WWE.com emphasizes that this clash will be a rare opportunity for fans to witness these rivals collide once more, reinvigorating one of the most thrilling rivalries of the modern professional wrestling era[2].

What makes this showdown even more special is its strategic placement at the opening of the card. According to sources close to WWE, starting Wrestlepalooza with such a high-profile encounter ensures maximum viewer engagement immediately and sets the tone for an action-packed evening[3]. Pat McAfee’s revelation came ahead of official promotional materials and added to the pre-event excitement via various Fightful reports and insider podcasts, affirming WWE’s confidence in these two megastars to deliver an unforgettable start[1].

Fans attending Wrestlepalooza at Gainbridge Fieldhouse will witness history, as ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer streaming platform makes its WWE pay-per-view debut with this event. This partnership aims to maximize reach and accessibility, offering unlimited-plan subscribers seamless streaming access to all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs), starting here with Wrestlepalooza. WWE and ESPN’s alliance reflects the growing trend of exclusive sports content moving toward direct streaming models that prioritize user experience and cutting-edge features[3].

Aside from the Cena-Lesnar opener, Wrestlepalooza will include several other highly competitive matchups. For example, diehard fans can look forward to the Usos reuniting on a pay-per-view for the first time since Money in the Bank 2023 and AJ Lee’s surprise return to the squared circle after a decade-long hiatus. These draws create a diversified and dynamic card that appeals to hardcore aficionados as well as casual viewers[1].

Backstage whispers reveal that WWE is building toward a major narrative crescendo over the coming months, with this event serving as a pivotal chapter. A WWE insider told Wrestling Inc., “This opening match is designed to electrify the crowd and reignite interest in both these athletes’ legacies. John Cena retiring on this stage, against a returning Brock Lesnar, is WWE’s way of closing a significant chapter while launching fresh storylines with other emerging and established talents.”[1]

Tickets to Wrestlepalooza went on sale in late August and reportedly sold briskly, indicative of the event’s strong appeal. Indiana Sports Corp, partnering to host this landmark show, highlights the choice of Indianapolis as a historic wrestling locale, previously hosting record-setting WWE events like the 2025 Royal Rumble[3][4].

In summary, WWE Wrestlepalooza’s opening match announcement by Pat McAfee has already set fan expectations sky-high. John Cena versus Brock Lesnar is more than just an opening contest—it is a symbolic and thrilling start to what promises to be a landmark event in WWE’s 2025 calendar. With major stars lined up across the card and ESPN streaming exclusivity amplifying its visibility, Wrestlepalooza is positioned to be a must-watch spectacle that bridges WWE’s storied past with its bold future.

Fans can tune in Saturday, September 20, at 7:00 PM ET via the ESPN App or attend live at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to witness this historic encounter—and the exciting lineup that follows. The countdown to Wrestlepalooza has begun, and it starts with a bang: John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar.

Sources: WWE.com, Wrestling Inc., Fightful, ESPN announcements, backstage interviews

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