Most Anticipated Matches
This Saturday, WWE reaches new heights as it debuts Wrestlepalooza on ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service. After signing a five-year, $1.6‑billion deal, ESPN has become the exclusive U.S. home for all WWE Premium Live Events, including WrestleMania and SummerSlam. Wrestlepalooza, once an ECW pay-per-view, now serves as the first WWE show under the new partnership, marking the start of a new era for the company.
The main event of Wrestlepalooza will see Cody Rhodes defend the WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre. The storyline has developed over months, beginning with McIntyre dethroning John Cena and ending his 17th championship reign in a brutal Street Fight. Following Rhodes’ dramatic return on SmackDown, McIntyre issued a challenge, promising a violent showdown. Randy Orton’s potential involvement adds extra drama, as his interference could lead to a disqualification finish, allowing Rhodes to retain while setting up a future triple-threat program. This match is not just a test of McIntyre’s ability to become a true world champion, but a pivotal moment in SmackDown’s main event picture.
Prediction: McIntyre wins by disqualification, Rhodes retains, and the feud continues.
Another major highlight will be the long‑awaited conclusion to John Cena and Brock Lesnar’s legendary rivalry. Part of Cena’s farewell tour, this match will open Wrestlepalooza. Their history dates back to Ohio Valley Wrestling and their first main roster clash in 2002, which Lesnar won decisively. The pair have faced off in numerous high‑profile matches, including their 2012 and 2014 encounters, with Lesnar holding a 4‑2 edge. Since losing to Rhodes at SummerSlam, Cena has vowed to give everything in his final year. Lesnar, however, has made it clear he intends to end Cena’s tour early, repeatedly attacking him with F‑5s on SmackDown.
Prediction: Fans are split, with some expecting Lesnar’s dominance to continue and others hoping for one last sentimental triumph for Cena.
AJ Lee makes her historic WWE return in a personal mixed tag team match alongside her husband, CM Punk, against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. This feud began with the bitter rivalry between Punk and Rollins, and escalated when Lynch interfered at Clash in Paris, helping Rollins retain the title and humiliating Punk on Raw. Lee returned emotionally in Chicago, confronting Lynch and setting the stage for this showdown. For Lee, it is her first match in a decade, and for Punk, it is a fight for redemption. Rollins, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, has mocked Punk relentlessly, while Lynch, the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, looks to continue her streak of dominance.
Prediction: This match is expected to be highly physical and emotionally charged, with momentum favouring the returning couple.
The Usos will reunite to face The Vision, the team of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, in a marquee tag team match. Jey Uso struggled as a singles competitor after losing the World Heavyweight Championship, facing repeated setbacks and a vicious attack from LA Knight. Breakker and Reed, under the Raw brand’s new faction led by Seth Rollins, took advantage of Jey’s vulnerability, attacking him after a tag team loss. In a dramatic twist, Jimmy Uso returned from SmackDown to save his brother, setting aside personal issues to reform one of WWE’s most decorated tag teams. With Raw GM Adam Pearce approving the match for Wrestlepalooza, the reunion carries high stakes, and potential interference from LA Knight adds intrigue.
Prediction: The Vision defeats The Usos.
The Women’s World Championship will also be decided at Wrestlepalooza. After Naomi vacated the title due to pregnancy, Stephanie Vaquer and Iyo Sky were selected as top contenders for the open championship. Vaquer earned her shot with a victory in a 20‑woman Battle Royal at Evolution, while Sky, a former champion, had been the scheduled challenger before the title was vacated. Both competitors bring impressive international resumes—Vaquer with her CMLL experience in Mexico and Sky as a standout from Japan’s Stardom. Their storyline has been built on mutual respect, though Sky’s lingering tension with former Kabuki Warriors partners Asuka and Kairi Sane adds an unpredictable element. With Asuka teasing a ringside role, outside influence could determine the outcome.
Prediction: Stephanie Vaquer becomes the new Women’s World Champion.
Speculation continues to swirl around possible surprise appearances by The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Ilja Dragunov, though none are confirmed. These rumours add to the anticipation surrounding a card already filled with historic moments, emotional returns and championship stakes.
Wrestlepalooza 2025 embodies the start of a bold new era for WWE, combining the company’s storied legacy with its future on ESPN’s streaming platform. With legendary rivalries concluding, new champions emerging and unexpected twists likely, it promises to be an event that defines WWE’s modern era.
