Tag: Wrestlepalooza

The Undertaker Surprises Stephanie McMahon At Wrestlepalooza With 2026 WWE Hall of Fame Announcement

The Undertaker surprised Stephanie McMahon announcing her as the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026

At Wrestlepalooza on September 20, 2025, The Undertaker, sporting his “American Badass” persona, appeared at Wrestlepalooza on his motorcycle. The Undertaker pulled up ringside, taking a seat next to McMahon. The Undertaker and McMahon started riffing on their long-standing friendship. He asked McMahon, “Are you ready?” evoking the spirit of D-Generation X and her husband, Triple H. The Undertaker proceeded to announce that McMahon would be the first person inducted into next year’s Hall of Fame class.

McMahon has not worked for WWE in an official capacity since 2023, when it was announced she would be leaving her role as co-CEO of WWE as Vince McMahon returned to the fold and later negotiated the merger with Endeavor to create TKO. She has since appeared in sporadic appearances, mostly those of a broadcasting or guest attending role, though she started her “What’s Your Story?” podcast on ESPN+ in partnership with WWE and Fanatics earlier this year. 

The 2026 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony takes place during the week of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas

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 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

Report: AJ Lee Set For WWE Return, Possible Tag Match With CM Punk At WrestlePalooza

It looks like the long-awaited return of AJ Lee is finally on the horizon. Nearly a decade after her WWE retirement, the former Divas Champion is rumored to be lacing up the boots again—this time teaming with her husband, CM Punk, at the upcoming WrestlePalooza event.

According to Fightful Select, WWE has penciled in Lee’s comeback for September 20, when the company launches its first premium live event on ESPN’s new streaming platform. Sources indicate her on-screen return is “imminent.”

Speculation caught fire this past weekend at Clash in Paris when Becky Lynch got involved in Seth Rollins’ World Heavyweight Championship match, delivering a low blow to Punk. Things escalated further on Raw, where Punk warned Lynch she’d “regret putting her hands on him.” That storyline direction points strongly toward a mixed tag showdown: Punk and Lee vs. Rollins and Lynch at WrestlePalooza.

Wrestling journalist Bryan Alvarez also backed up the report, noting WWE has indeed been planning the match. Fightful added that creative pitches for AJ’s return have been floating around for some time. Punk himself hinted at something brewing when he teased GM Adam Pearce on Raw about this week’s SmackDown being in Chicago—the couple’s hometown.

Perhaps the biggest note: insiders stress that Lee’s comeback might not be a one-time deal. WWE reportedly has bigger hopes for her beyond WrestlePalooza. While many on the roster haven’t seen AJ since her 2015 exit, there’s no bad blood between her and the company, and word is several of today’s top female stars—who grew up as AJ fans—are thrilled about the possibility of finally sharing the ring with her.

If the reports hold true, WrestlePalooza could mark one of the most talked-about WWE returns in years.

WWE Confirms Premium Live Events Jumping to ESPN’s New Streaming Service Sooner Than Expected – WrestlePalooza In Indianapolis Set as First Show 9/20/2025

WWE’s deal with ESPN is kicking in way earlier than fans thought. Instead of waiting until 2026, WWE announced this week that its Premium Live Events (PLEs) will move to ESPN’s brand-new direct-to-consumer streaming service immediately following Clash in Paris. That event, set for August 31, will mark the final WWE PLE airing on Peacock in the United States.

The shift comes after WWE reportedly hit its PLE quota with Peacock. According to Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline, the extra day of SummerSlam plus shows like Evolution helped WWE fulfill its contractual obligations ahead of schedule. What isn’t clear yet is where the massive WWE library—including decades of pay-per-views, documentaries, and specials—will end up once the Peacock deal fully wraps.

Starting August 21, fans can subscribe to ESPN’s DTC platform, with WWE events included under the “Unlimited Plan.” Select shows will also simulcast on ESPN’s linear TV channels, giving PLEs more visibility outside of just streaming.

And WWE isn’t wasting any time launching the new era. The company confirmed WrestlePalooza for September 20 at Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Not only is this the long-rumored counter to AEW’s All Out weekend, but it also marks the very first WWE PLE to air exclusively on ESPN’s streaming service.

For fans, this raises plenty of questions about accessibility, costs, and how the ESPN subscription tiers will affect viewing. But one thing is certain: WWE is making another big play to expand its reach, and ESPN is putting wrestling front-and-center as it launches its next big digital project.

ESPN provided further information on its DTC service page outlining the subscription packages.

WWE Planning “Wrestlepalooza” PLE Opposite AEW’s All Out — Could Air on ESPN

WWE looks to be stirring the pot in a big way this fall. According to multiple reports, the company is gearing up for a brand-new premium live event called Wrestlepalooza, set for Saturday, September 20 — the very same night AEW runs its annual All Out show from Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena.

If the name sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Wrestlepalooza was originally used by ECW for a series of events between 1995 and 2000. WWE now appears ready to dust it off for what could be a high-profile night of wrestling head-to-head competition.

The September 20 show is expected to take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, with Gainbridge Fieldhouse (a regular WWE stop) being the likely venue. Rumors have swirled for weeks that the event could feature a blockbuster clash between John Cena and Brock Lesnar, which would instantly make Wrestlepalooza one of the most talked-about cards of the year.

What makes this even more intriguing is where the event might air. PWInsider reports there has been serious industry chatter that WWE could broadcast Wrestlepalooza on ESPN. That would serve as a major preview for the promotion’s new partnership with the network, which officially kicks off in April 2026.

Interestingly, WWE currently has no PLE locked in for Peacock during September, which could open the door for this show to stand on its own as a special attraction. As of now, both WWE and ESPN are keeping quiet on the matter, but word is that an official announcement is coming soon.

If confirmed, Wrestlepalooza would not only bring back a piece of ECW nostalgia but also set the stage for another chapter in the WWE vs. AEW scheduling wars. With AEW’s All Out traditionally being one of its biggest events of the year, WWE planting a PLE with possible Cena vs. Lesnar on the same night could be a deliberate shot across the bow.

Stay tuned — this one could shake up the wrestling calendar in a major way.