WWE Wrestlepalooza, the latest Premium Live Event (PLE) to revitalize WWE’s programming, took place on Saturday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. This marks the first PLE under the ESPN umbrella, showcasing a card that boasted significant matches, including two championship bouts and the much-anticipated return of AJ Lee to the ring after nearly a decade.
The event unfolded with an impressive lineup, headlined by Cody Rhodes defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre, and a thrilling bout between Stephanie Vaquer and Iyo Sky for the vacant Women’s World Championship. The card also featured notable appearances from legends and the continuation of enduring rivalries.
Key Results
Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre
Cody Rhodes successfully retained his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in a match that lasted 16 minutes and 52 seconds. The bout showcased a story of resilience, with Rhodes effectively selling a head injury, enhancing the stakes of his championship defense. The finish saw McIntyre come close to victory, leading many to speculate a potential rematch in the near future.
Analysis:
Rhodes demonstrated his status as champion while allowing McIntyre to shine, positioning him as a formidable contender for future storylines. Given their rich history and competitive chemistry, this rivalry is poised to continue, potentially through the end of 2025.
AJ Lee and CM Punk vs. Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins
In a highly entertaining match, AJ Lee and CM Punk defeated Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins by submission after a rigorous 29 minutes and 15 seconds. The pairing of Lee and Punk not only drew on their shared history but also created a compelling narrative against the real-life couple of Lynch and Rollins. AJ Lee’s performance in her first WWE match since 2015 was met with acclaim, adding a nostalgic layer to the event.
Analysis:
The storytelling and in-ring action were top-notch. The dual submission finish highlighted the potential for AJ Lee to challenge for Lynch’s Intercontinental Championship, setting the stage for an engaging storyline moving forward.
Stephanie Vaquer vs. Iyo Sky
The night’s other championship match saw Stephanie Vaquer defeat Iyo Sky in a match lasting 19 minutes and 41 seconds to become the new Women’s World Champion. The bout lived up to high expectations, showcasing both women’s talents and leading to a spectacular corkscrew moonsault by Vaquer to secure the victory.
Analysis:
Vaquer’s win is seen as a new dawn in the women’s division, shifting away from the previous dominant narratives. The emergence of both women in the title picture signals a fresh dynamic, particularly with the opportunity for tag-team divisions to further develop.
The Vision vs. The Usos
In a standard tag-team match, The Vision (Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed) emerged victorious over The Usos, with LA Knight acting as the special guest referee. This match was pivotal for maintaining The Vision’s momentum on WWE Raw.
Analysis:
The Usos showcased their ability to adjust after periods of working solo. With the win, The Vision solidified their status as a force within the tag team division, setting the stage for championship aspirations. The evolving tensions between Jey Uso and LA Knight hint at further story developments.
Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena
The opening match featured Brock Lesnar decisively defeating John Cena in a quick 8 minutes and 48 seconds, signaling a new chapter in their storied rivalry. Lesnar’s dominance reinforced his status as a top-tier competitor and maintained speculation for upcoming matches as Cena continues his retirement tour.
Analysis:
The destruction of Cena by Lesnar positions them for a likely rematch at Crown Jewel, building on their storied conflict and the legacy of both stars. With Cena’s retirement looming, fans are eager to see how this segments into future narratives.
Overall Evaluation
WWE Wrestlepalooza proved to be a significant event for WWE in 2025, featuring a blend of nostalgia, emerging talents, and established stars. The interplay of storylines was expertly woven, setting various arcs in motion that are expected to unfold in subsequent weeks on television.
The standout moments—from AJ Lee’s return to the dominant performances by established veterans—highlight WWE’s ability to keep fans engaged through dynamic storytelling and athletic prowess. The event not only met the fans’ expectations but also set the foundation for future narratives that could potentially culminate at WrestleMania and beyond.
Conclusion
WWE Wrestlepalooza successfully revitalized interest in the wrestling promotion, striking a balance between storytelling and in-ring action. The show set the bar high for upcoming events and provided a clear path forward for several ongoing storylines, whether they’re championship rivalries or legacy arcs. As WWE looks ahead, the enthusiasm generated from Wrestlepalooza could well drive fan interest through the rest of the year.
For complete coverage of WWE Wrestlepalooza, keep an eye on developments as the narratives from this event evolve and set the stage for exciting matches in the coming weeks.
