Wrestlepalooza 2025 delivered a night of seismic moments, emotional farewells, and controversial outcomes as WWE revived the iconic event for the first time in 25 years. Held at Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse and streamed live on ESPN’s new platform, the show was packed with headline-grabbing results and unforgettable performances.
Cena’s Final Stand Ends in Defeat
The night opened with a blockbuster:
Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena. Billed as Cena’s last Wrestlepalooza appearance before his retirement, the match was a brutal, high-impact affair. Lesnar, returning for his first bout since SummerSlam 2023, dominated the contest and pinned Cena in under nine minutes. The result left fans stunned, with many expressing disappointment at seeing the legendary Cena go out on a loss, but the spectacle of two icons colliding set the tone for the night.
Tag Team Turmoil: The Vision Topple The Usos
In a hard-fought tag team clash,
The Vision (Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker, managed by Paul Heyman) overcame
The Usos (Jey & Jimmy Uso), with LA Knight serving as special guest referee. The match was physical and chaotic, with Heyman’s presence looming large at ringside. The Vision’s victory cements their status as a dominant force in WWE’s tag division.
Women’s World Title: Stephanie Vaquer’s Breakout Moment
One of the night’s most praised matches saw
Stephanie Vaquer defeat
Iyo Sky to claim the vacant Women’s World Championship. Vaquer’s win was a breakout moment, ending Sky’s run and earning rave reviews from critics and fans alike for its athleticism and storytelling. This match stood out as a highlight on a night otherwise marred by mixed reactions.
Punk & AJ Lee Reunite, Submit Rollins & Lynch
In a highly anticipated mixed tag match,
CM Punk and AJ Lee—making her first in-ring appearance in over a decade—defeated
Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch by submission. The bout was dramatic and emotional, with AJ Lee’s return drawing a thunderous ovation. The chemistry between all four competitors made this a must-see contest and a sentimental favorite for longtime fans.
Main Event: Rhodes Survives McIntyre to Retain
The main event saw
Cody Rhodes defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against
Drew McIntyre. In a hard-hitting, back-and-forth battle, Rhodes ultimately pinned McIntyre to retain his title. While the match was technically sound, some fans criticized the booking, feeling it lacked the drama expected from a Wrestlepalooza main event.
Full Results Table
| Match | Result | Stipulation | Time |
|-------|--------|-------------|------|
| Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena | Lesnar by pinfall | Singles | 8:50 |
| The Vision vs. The Usos | The Vision by pinfall | Tag, LA Knight as referee | 17:12 |
| Stephanie Vaquer vs. Iyo Sky | Vaquer by pinfall | Women’s World Title | 20:11 |
| CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch | Punk & Lee by submission | Mixed Tag | 29:18 |
| Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre | Rhodes by pinfall | Undisputed WWE Title | 17:17 |
Fan Backlash and Critical Response
Despite the star power and historic moments, Wrestlepalooza 2025 received
overwhelmingly negative reviews from fans. Criticisms centered on the booking of the opening and main event matches, with many feeling Cena deserved a more triumphant sendoff and that the main event lacked excitement. However, the Women’s World Championship match was widely praised, and AJ Lee’s return was celebrated as a major highlight.
What’s Next for WWE?
With Cena’s retirement, Lesnar’s return, and new champions crowned, WWE’s landscape is shifting. The company’s move to stream major events on ESPN’s platform signals a new era for wrestling fans. All eyes now turn to how WWE will capitalize on the fallout from Wrestlepalooza and whether the company can address fan frustrations heading into the next big event.
Sources
1. Wrestlepalooza (2025) - Wikipedia
2. Two WWE title matches added to next week's television
3. What Happened At WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025?! - YouTube
4. Wrestleview.com - WWE News, WWE Results, AEW News, AEW ...
5. Wrestlepalooza recap, results: Cody Rhodes defends title, Brock Lesnar annihilates John Cena
6. WWE News, Results, Photos & Video - Official Site | WWE
7. WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025 results: AJ Lee triumphant in return; winners, highlights
8. WWE WrestlePalooza Results 9/20/25 | Gerweck.net
9. WWE WRESTLEPALOOZA RESULTS (9/20): ESPN premiere event featuring Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre, John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar, CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch
10. WWE News
