September 20 is going to be a big night for professional wrestling and sports entertainment fans. The afternoon will start with AEW All Out then will move to WWE Wrestlepalooza later that evening. WWE has pushed out several PLEs in recent months, and while many have underdelivered, Wrestlepalooza has the potential to be a “can’t miss” show in many ways.
Wrestlepalooza is important both in the ring and outside of it. Outside of the ring, this is the kickoff of WWE’s new partnership with ESPN. PLEs are set to shift from Peacock over to ESPN as a part of the ESPN+ relaunch. For $29.99, fans get access to all of WWE’s PLEs and the other offerings available within the ESPN network. The perception of value in that varies depending on the customer, but there’s no arguing this is a big move for the biggest promotion in the business.
As of this piece, there are two matches announced for Wrestlepalooza. First up, John Cena will take on Brock Lesnar. Cena’s retirement run has left a lot to be desired. The last few weeks have been much better than things started. Unfortunately, this match is going to leave a bad taste in the mouths of many simply because WWE’s decision to bring back Lesnar while the Janel Grant lawsuit against WWE continues on. It’s a smack in the face of women and sexual assault victims, showing that perhaps the company culture hasn’t changed as much as some have thought.
Stephanie Vaquer versus IYO Sky is an interesting match for many. Naomi vacated the championship due to her pregnancy, so that demanded a shift in the title picture. Most expected WWE to go back to Rhea Ripley, even as fans look for other women to get a chance to shine. That doesn’t seem to be the case as Sky was slotted in to face Vaquer. With Sky’s story with Asuka and Kairi Sane developing, expect this match to be the moment that blows up the group, perhaps putting the title on Vaquer in what would be a huge shift in direction.
Expect other matches to be added to this card. One such is CM Punk and AJ Lee versus Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. This is the logical first step to take with Lee’s return and this feud for Monday Night Raw. At some point, Lynch and Lee will break off on their own angle, and that should see Lee win the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship. But before we get to that point, putting the two real-life couples against each other would be the right call.
WWE Wrestlepalooza should be a fun showcase from start to finish. WWE will want to start its partnership with ESPN off in a major way. This card is shaping up to be a success.