WWE Wrestlepalooza Highlights
WWE’s Wrestlepalooza, a revival of its Premium Live Event (PLE) series, was held on Saturday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. This event marked the first PLE under the ESPN era, showcasing one of WWE’s most notable lineups outside its major events in 2025.
Main Matches Overview
The five-match card included two championship matches and the much-anticipated in-ring return of AJ Lee. After departing WWE in 2015, Lee had returned earlier this month, teaming with her husband CM Punk to secure a submission victory against the heel duo of Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. The nearly 30-minute match was thrilling and may have set the stage for the next challenger for Lynch’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
Title Defenses and Key Victories
Cody Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in the main event. This marked Rhodes’ first title defense since his victory over John Cena at SummerSlam last month. Additionally, Stephanie Vaquer triumphed over Iyo Sky to claim the vacant Women’s World Championship, with both competitors living up to high expectations in what became the night’s best match.
John Cena’s Retirement Tour Continues
The event also featured John Cena as he continued his retirement tour. He reignited his rivalry with Brock Lesnar, who made a surprise return following SummerSlam weekend. The opening match saw Lesnar dominate Cena, hinting at a prolonged storyline between the two.
Tag Team Action and The Undertaker’s Surprise
In another notable match, Jimmy and Jey Uso reunited to face The Vision, comprised of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, with LA Knight serving as the special guest referee. The Vision emerged victorious, maintaining their status as a formidable force on “WWE Raw.” A significant highlight of the evening was The Undertaker’s announcement of Stephanie McMahon as the inaugural inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame’s class of 2026.
Match Results and Analyses
Cody Rhodes def. Drew McIntyre (16:52)
Best Spot: Rhodes dodging the Claymore Kick by the announce table. Analysis: Rhodes’ persistent head injury heightened the tension, setting up a compelling rematch for McIntyre.
AJ Lee and CM Punk def. Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins (29:15)
Best Spot: The Black Widow and Sharpshooter combination. Analysis: This match was the evening’s highlight, showcasing storytelling and in-ring skill, potentially positioning Lee for a shot at Lynch’s title.
Stephanie Vaquer def. Iyo Sky (19:41)
Best Spot: Vaquer’s corkscrew moonsault finish. Analysis: Both wrestlers exceeded high expectations, marking a fresh chapter in the championship picture.
The Vision def. The Usos (16:49)
Best Spot: Breakker’s chaotic Frankensteiner. Analysis: The Usos showed their capability despite recent solo work, while The Vision solidified their dominance.
Brock Lesnar def. John Cena (8:48)
Best Spot: Lesnar’s multiple F5s. Analysis: Lesnar’s strong return signals a likely matchup at Crown Jewel, with Cena’s retirement tour still drawing considerable interest.
