WWE Wrestlepalooza: A Night of Returns and Rivalries
WWE Wrestlepalooza, WWE’s latest Premium Live Event (PLE), electrified fans on Saturday night at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. This event marked the first PLE of the ESPN era, and it was presented as one of the more prominent cards WWE has assembled outside its major show calendar. With five thrilling matches, including two championship bouts and the much-anticipated return of AJ Lee, Wrestlepalooza did not disappoint.
Main Event: Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre
The night featured an explosive main event, where Cody Rhodes defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre. The match lasted 16 minutes and 52 seconds, with Rhodes ultimately retaining his title. This was Rhodes’ first title defense since he defeated John Cena at SummerSlam last month. The match showcased intense rivalry, with McIntyre showcasing his prowess and putting Rhodes’ title reign in jeopardy.
Grade: B
Best Spot: Cody Rhodes evading the Claymore Kick next to the announce table.
Rhodes effectively sold a head injury throughout the match, which injected a sense of urgency into his title defense. This performance is bound to keep McIntyre in contention for the championship, setting the stage for more exciting matches in the future.
AJ Lee’s Triumphant Return
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly AJ Lee’s return to in-ring action. Teaming up with her husband, CM Punk, they faced the heel duo of Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins in a thrilling 29-minute contest. Lee, who left WWE in 2015, showcased her exceptional talent, scoring a submission victory that could position her for a future shot at Lynch’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
Grade: A
Best Spot: Lee and Punk executing the Black Widow and Sharpshooter.
This match not only stole the show but also reflected the intricate storytelling that WWE excels at. With Lee’s performance, anticipation is high for her upcoming rivalry with Lynch, which seems inevitable given the circumstances.
Stephanie Vaquer Crowned Champion
In another highlight, Stephanie Vaquer emerged victorious against Iyo Sky to win the vacant Women’s World Championship. The match lasted 19 minutes and 41 seconds, showcasing both women’s skills and earning rave reviews from fans and critics alike.
Grade: A
Best Spot: Vaquer’s stunning corkscrew moonsault to finish the match.
This victory not only marked a significant milestone in Vaquer’s career but also indicated a changing of the guard within the women’s division, moving away from the previous dominant feuds and creating space for new rivalries.
The Vision vs. The Usos
The tag team match pitted Jimmy and Jey Uso against The Vision, comprised of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, with LA Knight as the special guest referee. The match concluded in favor of The Vision after 16 minutes and 49 seconds, reinforcing their dominance in the current tag team landscape on WWE Raw.
Grade: B+
Best Spot: Breakker’s Frankensteiner leading to a chaotic sequence.
The match highlighted the seamless transition of both teams back into tag team action and set up potential storylines moving forward, particularly with tensions brewing between Jey Uso and LA Knight.
Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena
The PLE opened with a match featuring two titans: Brock Lesnar and John Cena. Lesnar’s overwhelming performance, resulting in a quick victory in just 8 minutes and 48 seconds, sets the tone for the next chapter in Cena’s retirement tour.
Grade: C+
Best Spot: Lesnar’s relentless barrage of F5s.
Lesnar’s domination hints at a continued rivalry that could culminate in more intense matches as Cena wraps up his illustrious career.
Conclusion
WWE Wrestlepalooza delivered exhilarating matches, surprising returns, and set up compelling storylines for the future. With AJ Lee’s return and the impressive performances in various contests, the event successfully showcased the depth of talent in WWE as it moves forward into 2025. Keep an eye on the upcoming episodes of WWE programming to see how these storylines unfold.
