WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025: A Night of Thrills
WWE Wrestlepalooza, WWE’s latest Premium Live Event (PLE), took place on Saturday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. As the first PLE of the ESPN era, Wrestlepalooza showcased one of the most promising lineups WWE has assembled outside its major tentpole shows in 2025. With a total of five matches, including two championship bouts, the event delivered excitement and surprises, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
AJ Lee’s Spectacular Return
The night began with high expectations, especially with the highly anticipated return of AJ Lee. Teaming with her husband, CM Punk, Lee faced the formidable duo of Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. This match not only marked Lee’s in-ring comeback since her departure in 2015 but also showcased stellar wrestling. AJ Lee and CM Punk secured a submission victory, further setting the stage for a potential championship challenge for Lynch’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
Cody Rhodes Retains Undisputed WWE Championship
In the main event, Cody Rhodes defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre. This match lasted an impressive 16:52 and highlighted Rhodes’ determination to maintain his title. The best spot involved Rhodes evading McIntyre’s Claymore Kick, and despite the tension throughout the match, Rhodes emerged victorious. The stakes of this rivalry seem high, hinting at a rematch on the horizon.
Stephanie Vaquer Crowned Women’s World Champion
Another championship match featured Stephanie Vaquer and Iyo Sky battling for the vacant Women’s World Championship. The two competitors delivered a match that met the high expectations surrounding them, with Vaquer ultimately claiming victory after a stunning corkscrew moonsault. This win not only marked a significant moment in Vaquer’s career but also reinvigorated the championship scene within the women’s division, previously dominated by longstanding rivalries.
The Vision Emerges Victorious
In a tag team match, Jimmy and Jey Uso faced The Vision, which consists of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, with LA Knight serving as the special guest referee. This matchup emphasized the skills of both teams, leading to The Vision’s victory after an engaging performance. The match hinted at future storylines, especially regarding LA Knight’s rising tensions with Jey Uso.
Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena: A Renewed Rivalry
The event opened with a fierce confrontation between Brock Lesnar and John Cena. The match, which lasted just 8:48, saw Lesnar dominate Cena, setting the tone for an intense rivalry that appears poised to continue through the Crown Jewel event. With Cena’s retirement tour in full swing, the outcome of this clash raised questions about his next steps, adding to the suspense of his farewell journey.
Surprises and Inductions
The night also featured a surprising appearance by The Undertaker, who announced Stephanie McMahon as the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. This revelation added a thrilling moment to an already action-packed event.
Final Thoughts
WWE Wrestlepalooza successfully delivered an entertaining mix of matches, surprise appearances, and potential future storylines. With highlights such as AJ Lee’s triumphant return and the crowning of a new Women’s World Champion, the event set the stage for thrilling developments on WWE programming. Fans can look forward to the continuing rivalries and the fallout from Wrestlepalooza as the road to the next big events unfolds.
