WWE Wrestlepalooza Live Results
WWE Wrestlepalooza took place on Saturday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, marking the first Premium Live Event (PLE) of the ESPN era. This highly anticipated event showcased a five-match card, including two championship bouts and the sensational return of AJ Lee after nearly a decade away from the ring.
Main Event Highlights
In the main event, Cody Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre. The match lasted approximately 16:52 and received a grade of B. A notable moment was when Rhodes evaded McIntyre’s powerful Claymore Kick, adding suspense to the match. The selling of Rhodes’ head injury throughout the contest added an extra layer of tension, making it a noteworthy title defense. With McIntyre pinned for an extended count, speculation abounds about a future rematch on SmackDown.
AJ Lee’s Triumphant Return
One of the highlights of Wrestlepalooza was the much-anticipated return of AJ Lee, who teamed up with her husband CM Punk against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. This nearly 30-minute match concluded with Lee and Punk securing a submission victory, earning an impressive grade of A. The chemistry between the four superstars made it clear that this contest was the night’s standout. Lee’s sharp performance in her first WWE match in over ten years has set the stage for a potential title shot against Lynch’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
Women’s World Championship on the Line
Another key matchup saw Stephanie Vaquer defeat Iyo Sky in 19:41 to claim the vacant Women’s World Championship, also earning an A grade. Both competitors delivered a match that exceeded expectations, with Vaquer’s corkscrew moonsault finishing off her opponent in a spectacular fashion. This victory signals a refreshing change in the championship picture, previously dominated by Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan.
Tag Team Showdown
In a standard tag-team match, the reunion of Jimmy and Jey Uso faced off against The Vision, represented by Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, with LA Knight as the special guest referee. The Vision emerged victorious in a match lasting almost 17 minutes, creating a solid impression and re-establishing themselves as a strong entity on WWE Raw.
Lesnar vs. Cena: A Classic Rivalry Continues
The opening match featured the storied rivalry between John Cena and Brock Lesnar. Lesnar showcased his dominance, defeating Cena in a swift 8:48 with a series of brutal F5s, leading to a grade of C+. This outcome hints at further clashes down the line, possibly at Crown Jewel. The stakes continue to rise as Cena embarks on his farewell tour, raising questions about his future opponents.
Surprise Moments and Future Implications
A significant moment of the night was the surprise appearance of The Undertaker, who announced Stephanie McMahon as the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2026. This announcement adds intrigue to the current landscape of WWE as Wrestlepalooza sets the stage for future storylines and rivalries.
Final Thoughts
WWE Wrestlepalooza successfully delivered a night filled with memorable moments and thrilling matches. The event set high expectations moving forward, particularly with the potential rematch scenarios for both titleholders and challengers. As the wrestling world continues to evolve, it remains clear that WWE is on a thrilling path with the re-emergence of its stars and new challengers emerging from the shadows.