WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025: A Night of Surprises, Intense Rivalries, and Historic Returns

WWE’s Wrestlepalooza made a roaring return to the spotlight on Saturday night at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. As WWE’s first Premium Live Event (PLE) in the new era of partnership with ESPN, it showcased a stacked five-match card that kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the night. Wrestlepalooza lived up to the hype, featuring two championship bouts, explosive returns, and unexpected twists that set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling finish to 2025.

A Champion's Defense: Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre

The night’s main event saw Cody Rhodes defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against the relentless Drew McIntyre in a 16-minute battle for supremacy. The match showcased the intensity and physicality that McIntyre is known for, but Rhodes proved his mettle by holding onto his title in a hard-fought contest. One of the key storytelling elements was Rhodes’ head injury, which he sold throughout the match, making his eventual victory feel even more hard-earned.

The bout's most memorable moment came when McIntyre seemed to have Rhodes pinned for a count longer than three, raising questions about a potential rematch. McIntyre, ever the dominant force, is now primed for a continued feud with Rhodes, likely spilling over into SmackDown in the coming months. This contest served as a clear signal that Rhodes' reign will be a major focal point through the end of 2025.

The Return of AJ Lee: A Triumphant Comeback

One of the biggest surprises of Wrestlepalooza was the highly anticipated return of AJ Lee to in-ring action. After a 10-year hiatus from WWE, AJ Lee partnered with her real-life husband CM Punk to take on the heel duo of Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. The two couples delivered an absolute barnburner of a match, with Lee and Punk emerging victorious by submission after a nearly 30-minute contest.

AJ Lee’s performance was nothing short of spectacular proving she hasn’t missed a step in her return to the squared circle. This win sets her up as a strong contender for Becky Lynch's Women’s Intercontinental Championship. The match was a perfect showcase of WWE's blend of sports entertainment and physicality, as Triple H himself acknowledged in his opening speech about the intersection of both worlds. Meanwhile, the rivalry between Punk and Rollins

appears far from over and could eventually culminate in a massive showdown at WrestleMania.

Stephanie Vaquer Crowned Women's World Champion

The night also featured a thrilling contest for the vacant Women’s World Championship, where Stephanie Vaquer faced off against Iyo Sky. Expectations were high going into this match, and both women delivered an extraordinary performance, with Vaquer ultimately securing the win to claim the title. The victory felt like a true coronation for Vaquer, bringing fresh energy to the division after Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan’s long-standing feud.

Vaquer’s win was a significant milestone, breathing new life into the Raw women’s division, which has been in need of fresh championship contenders. With Sky likely shifting focus to the tag team division, and the fallout between her and Asuka and Kairi Sane growing, it will be interesting to see how Vaquer's reign unfolds in the coming months.

The Vision Walks Out Victorious: Usos vs. The Vision

The show kicked off with a fast-paced tag-team match featuring the reunited Jimmy and Jey Uso against the rising duo of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, collectively known as The Vision. With LA Knight serving as the special guest referee, tensions between the teams were palpable, particularly between Knight and Jey Uso, which could potentially lead to a singles match at Crown Jewel.

The match ended with The Vision claiming victory, reestablishing themselves as a dominant force in WWE’s tag-team division. For the Usos, despite their loss, Jimmy Uso shone as a potential breakout singles star, continuing to show his value beyond his partnership with Jey. It’s clear that Breakker and Reed are primed for a future tag-team championship run.

Brock Lesnar Destroys John Cena

In another jaw-dropping moment, Brock Lesnar obliterated John Cena in a short but devastating match. The bout marked the continuation of Cena’s retirement tour, with Lesnar returning in dominating fashion after his surprise appearance at SummerSlam. This demolition of Cena wasn’t just a statement from The Beast Incarnate but also a tease for a possible rematch at Crown Jewel in three weeks. Cena's future opponents on his retirement tour remain a point of intrigue, with rumors swirling about whether he’ll face someone from his storied past or a rising star ready to make a name for themselves by toppling the legend.

Final Thoughts: A Step Forward for WWE

Overall, Wrestlepalooza 2025 marked a bold new chapter for WWE under its ESPN partnership. From the shocking return of AJ Lee to the hard-hitting main event between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, every match told a compelling story, setting the stage for exciting developments across both the men’s and women’s divisions. As WWE moves forward into the fall, the rivalries sparked at Wrestlepalooza particularly the ones involving AJ Lee, Becky Lynch, and CM Punk are sure to dominate the conversation. With Crown Jewel on the horizon, fans can expect even more twists and turns in what’s shaping up to be a thrilling end to 2025 for WWE. Wrestlepalooza 2025 was, without a doubt, a night to remember full of nostalgia, surprises, and intense action, setting the bar high for the rest of the year.