WWE Wrestlepalooza 9/20/2025 (Results)

The Return of Pat McAfee

The show opened with WWE COO Paul “Triple H” Levesque welcoming fans to “the final form of sports and entertainment.” Soon after, hometown hero Pat McAfee arrived to a thunderous ovation, joining commentary for the night alongside Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers.


Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena

In their first clash in over a decade, Brock Lesnar made a terrifying return against John Cena. With Paul Heyman back by his side, the Beast lived up to his legend, delivering not one, not two, but seven F5s to Cena. After earning the pinfall, Lesnar wasn’t finished — taking out referee Dan Engler and hitting Cena with yet another devastating F5.
A tearful young Cena fan in the crowd captured the emotion of what may have been the final chapter in Cena’s in-ring story.

Winner: Brock Lesnar


The Usos vs. The Vision (with LA Knight as Guest Referee)

In one of the night’s wildest matches, The Usos battled Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed (The Vision), with LA Knight officiating. Despite plenty of “Yeet” energy from the crowd, Paul Heyman’s new powerhouse team picked up the win after Breakker speared Jey Uso through a table, setting up Reed’s crushing Tsunami.

Winners: The Vision


Women’s World Championship

Vacant Title Match: Stephanie Vaquer vs. IYO SKY
With Naomi vacating the title last month, Stephanie Vaquer and IYO SKY tore the house down in a high-intensity battle. SKY nearly pulled it off despite a damaged knee, but Vaquer countered late, landing the Devil’s Kiss followed by the SVB and a breathtaking spiral splash to win her first WWE gold.
An emotional Vaquer celebrated with her father at ringside, while SKY showed respect post-match.

Winner and NEW Women’s World Champion: Stephanie Vaquer


Mixed Tag Match: Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch vs. CM Punk & AJ Lee

In perhaps the most emotional moment of the night, AJ Lee made her first WWE appearance since 2015, teaming with husband CM Punk against Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch. The action was chaotic, with all four superstars trading signature moves and even sending each other through commentary tables.
The finish saw AJ lock in the Black Widow on Becky, forcing the Women’s Intercontinental Champion to tap out. The arena erupted as Punk and Lee stood tall together in victory.

Winners: CM Punk & AJ Lee


Hall of Fame Announcement

In a surprise segment, The Undertaker rode into Wrestlepalooza on his motorcycle and revealed that Stephanie McMahon will be the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026. An emotional Stephanie received a standing ovation from the Indianapolis crowd.


Undisputed WWE Championship

Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
The main event saw Cody Rhodes defend against a fired-up Drew McIntyre. The match was hard-hitting and dramatic, with McIntyre nearly sealing the win after a brutal Claymore. However, a miscalculation injured McIntyre’s leg, allowing Rhodes to strike with a top-rope Cody Cutter and a decisive Cross Rhodes to retain.

Winner and STILL Undisputed WWE Champion: Cody Rhodes

WWE SmackDown Preview 9/19/2025

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight in the United States on the USA Network and Netflix for international fans from the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio

  • Brock Lesnar interview
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre
  • WWE United States Championship Match Open Challenge: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Carmelo Hayes
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to appear

WWE Wrestlepalooza 9/20/2025 (Card)

WWE Wrestlepalooza first PLE streaming on ESPN app – Saturday September 20, 2025 – Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana

CARD

  • Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
  • Women’s World Championship: Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer
  • John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar
  • CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch
  • The Usos vs. Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker

TNA’s Joe Hendry Reportedly Set for Full-Time WWE Move in 2026

It looks like Joe Hendry’s WWE run is only just beginning.

The former TNA World Champion made another splash this week at NXT: Homecoming, where he shared the screen with Bobby Roode, Charlie Dempsey, and Wren Sinclair. Hendry’s knack for stealing the spotlight has quickly turned him into the face of the ongoing WWE–TNA working relationship.

Since showing up at multiple WWE events, including WrestleMania 41, Hendry has become a fan favorite crossover attraction. But according to a new report from Jon Alba, the crossover may not be temporary—Hendry is expected to transition into a full-time WWE role by early 2026.

For now, Hendry technically remains under contract with TNA. TNA President Carlos Silva recently confirmed that, but the numbers tell a different story. Out of Hendry’s last eight matches, only one has been inside a TNA ring, while the rest of his focus has clearly shifted toward WWE programming.

WWE and TNA are reportedly coordinating his appearances closely as part of their partnership, but all signs point to Hendry becoming an exclusive WWE Superstar in the near future.

Hendry has long been praised for his charisma, unique presentation, and ability to connect with crowds—qualities that WWE has been eager to spotlight in NXT. If this move happens as expected, Hendry could be the first big crossover success story of the WWE–TNA partnership.

TNA Invasion Of WWE NXT Reportedly In The Works

The lines between WWE NXT and TNA Wrestling continue to blur, and things may be about to explode.

On this week’s special NXT: Homecoming episode, several TNA stars took to social media during the broadcast, voicing frustration over how the company was being portrayed. Their reactions didn’t go unnoticed — commentary duo Vic Joseph and Booker T even referenced the posts throughout the night, fanning the flames of what looks to be a brewing cross-promotional conflict.

That tension is expected to carry over into next week’s show in a big way. In what could be one of the most talked-about matches of the year, NXT Champion Oba Femi is set to clash with TNA Champion Trick Williams in a rare Title vs. Title encounter.

While details of how deep this “invasion” storyline will run are still under wraps, the fact that TNA talent are being worked into WWE programming at this level is already turning heads across the industry. Fans have been clamoring for interpromotional rivalries for years, and this could be the biggest crossover WWE has embraced since its collaborations with ECW in the late ‘90s.

If the momentum continues, we could be on the verge of a full-fledged TNA presence inside NXT — and that opens the door to dream matches, shocking run-ins, and a rivalry unlike anything we’ve seen in recent WWE history.

Santino Marella voiced his frustration, writing,

“This is getting to be too much, honestly, I’m very close to … whatever, I’m just saying it’s getting to be too much.”

Mike Santana posted an emotional response, saying,

“After the week I’ve just had. To be honest, I JUST DGAF! I don’t care who shows up to #TNABoundForGlory as champion…just make sure you’re ready. All my pain becomes purpose. I don’t plan on my daughter leaving the arena heartbroken again… You’re ALL fcked. Also.To keep it real with everyone… I’m pretty sick and tired of all the “WWE/NXT has control over TNA and can do what they want”, bullshit. Think it’s about time we put it to rest and do something about…Santana will challenge for the TNA Title at TNA Bound For Glory.”

Former WWE Superstar Cedric Alexander added, “I came to @ThisIsTNA for new opportunities and to reinvent myself. I refuse to sit around and have @WWENXT talent take those opportunities! It’s time for a change!!”

Mustafa Ali echoed the sentiment, warning, “NXT celebrates its past but disrespects TNA’s future. Many will talk about it. A few will do something about it. Consider this a warning @ShawnMichaels.”

The IInspiration (formerly The IIconics in WWE), Peyton Royce and Jessica McKay, chimed in as well:

“Sick to death of @NXT running roughshod over @TNA like there are no consequences. You’re playing with fire @ShawnMichaels.”

“Wowwww, @WWENXT really thinking they can do whatever they want with @ThisIsTNA… you gotta be joking me!! #NXTHomecoming”

TNA International Champion Steve Maclin (formerly Steve Cutler) issued a direct threat, writing,

“I’m not here for nostalgia. I’m fed up. NXT remembers me. I don’t FORGET. Lines keep getting crossed and now, you’ll answer to me. #HoldTheLine”

Even Moose, who has appeared on NXT before, questioned the legality of the upcoming match. He wrote,

“Title vs Title….. Winner takes all… is that even possible @milanmiracle??? Doesn’t @carlossilva have to approve this decision? This is very frustrating. Will be watching this match very closely. I have unfinished business with both Oba and Trick @WWENXT #NXTHomecoming”

Bayley Brings Back The Hugger In WWE RAW Return, But Still At War With Herself

WWE fans got a dose of nostalgia on this week’s Monday Night RAW when Bayley made her return — and she wasn’t alone. The “Hugger” persona that first made her a fan-favorite came back in full force.

The moment unfolded after Lyra Valkyria scored a big win over Roxanne Perez, only to be ambushed by Perez and Raquel Rodriguez. Just when the numbers game looked too much, Bayley charged down to the ring to even the odds.

What made the save even more impactful was Bayley’s demeanor. Throughout recent vignettes, WWE has shown her at war with herself — haunted by past versions of her character and conflicted over the damage she’s done, especially to Valkyria. That inner struggle spilled out live on RAW, but ultimately, Bayley leaned into her most beloved side.

After clearing the ring, she stepped back into her old shoes — Bayley then cheerfully got out of the ring and hugged Joe Tessitore and Corey Graves on commentary before embracing ring announcer Alicia Taylor. She gave some love to a few fans at ringside, as well as referee Jessika Carr and a security guard before racing back up the ramp, giving high fives to everyone she could

Bayley’s return adds another intriguing wrinkle to the women’s division. Will this rekindled Hugger energy mark a true shift in her character, or is this just one chapter in her ongoing battle with identity? Either way, Valkyria couldn’t have asked for a better ally.

Despite her earlier jovial self, Bayley lashes out at Lyra Valkyria backstage. Bayley still appears to be at war with herself. Which one of these personas will win out in the end?

WWE NXT Homecoming Preview 9/16/2025

WWE NXT Homecoming live on The CW and Netflix internationally from Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida.

NXT GM Ava announced that WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton is not medically cleared to compete, so Lyra Valkyria will be taking her place in the six-woman tag team match against Fatal Influence

  • NXT North American Championship Match: Ethan Page (c) vs. Tyler Breeze
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Tatum Paxley & Izzi Dame
  • #DIY vs. Trick Williams & Carmelo Hayes
  • Stephanie Vaquer, Rhea Ripley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Fatal Influence
  • Grayson Waller Effect with guests Oba Femi & Ricky Saints

WWE Raw Preview 9/15/2025

WWE Raw will have a special start time of 7:00 pm ET/4:00 pm PT on Netflix from the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

  • CM Punk and AJ Lee will go face-to-face with Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch
  • Lyra Valkyria vs. Roxanne Perez
  • El Grande Americano vs. Dragon Lee
  • Penta vs. Kofi Kingston
  • John Cena will appear live

Andrade Quietly Exits WWE Once Again

It looks like Andrade’s second WWE run has come to an abrupt end. Over the weekend, fans noticed the former NXT Champion had been shifted to the Alumni section of WWE.com, and reports have since confirmed that he is no longer with the company.

According to Fightful Select, Andrade still had around 18 months left on his contract, but the move had apparently been in motion for at least a week. Interestingly, several talent within WWE were said to be blindsided by the news, with some admitting they had no idea he was leaving. Andrade also hadn’t been seen backstage at SmackDown in recent weeks, fueling speculation behind the scenes.

“The Takedown on SI” has reported that WWE made the call to let go of the former AEW star, and they also noted that the Mexican star’s exit was not a “mutual decision.”

Dave Meltzer also reported on “Wrestling Observer Radio” that his release was disciplinary in nature from an incident a few weeks ago.

“…all I know is it was at a TV shoot and he was told to go home and he hasn’t been used since,” Meltzer said. “I was told it was not drug-related. It was not alcohol-related. It was not marriage-related, although the marriage [to Charlotte Flair] is over. But nobody would tell me what it was. It was enough to be sent home, and when he was sent home… The feeling when he got sent home was that it must be serious, because you don’t hear about that.”

Meltzer said that when he was sent home, those in the know assumed Andrade was done, but the confirmation came on Saturday. He said he didn’t know the whole story outside of it being disciplinary but it wasn’t Andrade’s choice to leave.

A Run Cut Short

Andrade’s departure ends his second stint in WWE, which began with a surprise return in the 2024 Royal Rumble after leaving AEW. His comeback seemed promising, but ultimately, it never reached the heights of his first WWE tenure, where he captured both the NXT Championship and United States Championship.

This latest run saw Andrade hold the WWE Speed Championship for 161 days, but beyond that, major opportunities were few and far between. His last appearance came at SummerSlam, teaming with Rey Fenix in a Six-Pack TLC Match for the WWE Tag Team Titles. Fightful notes that creative originally had Andrade and Fenix penciled in to face The Wyatt Sicks at Clash at Paris, but plans were scrapped when his status with the company became uncertain.

What’s Next for El Idolo?

With Andrade now gone, the big question is where he lands next. While AEW seems like the most obvious destination, his first exit from Tony Khan’s promotion wasn’t exactly smooth. Still, sources told Fightful that “no bridge is truly burned” in AEW, leaving the door cracked open for a potential return.

On the personal side, Andrade’s run also coincided with his divorce from Charlotte Flair, which drew some headlines earlier this year.

For now, fans will be keeping a close eye on Andrade’s next move. Whether it’s AEW, a return to Mexico, or another surprise destination, the former “El Idolo” remains one of wrestling’s most gifted in-ring talents — and there’s little doubt he’ll find a spotlight again soon.

Kevin Nash Shares How His Christian Faith Has Guided Him Through Life’s Hardest Moments

On the September 12 episode of his Kliq This podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash spoke openly about his faith, revealing how his return to Christianity helped him through the painful losses of both his mother and his son, Tristen.

Nash explained that after drifting away at different points in his life, he always found peace when he turned control back over to God.

“Anytime I’m at the wheel, my life’s rough,” Nash admitted. “Anytime I hand the wheel over, my life seems perfect.”

The two-time Hall of Famer said he first reembraced his faith when his mother passed away, and once again after losing Tristen. He shared that a message written by his son before his passing strengthened his commitment to hold on to God, even in heartbreak.

“She [my mom] had a relationship with Christ again and went full circle,” Nash reflected, explaining how that same faith has carried him as well.

At 66, Nash says he refuses to let negativity take root in his life and instead focuses on living with perspective and purpose.

The former WWE Champion also pointed to how faith has transformed others in wrestling, recalling how Shawn Michaels’ decision to follow Christ changed his life and marriage. He also mentioned Sting and Lex Luger as men whose lives were deeply impacted by their own spiritual journeys.

For Nash, faith isn’t just something he speaks about — it’s what continues to guide him through grief, shape his outlook, and give him strength for the days ahead.