The legendary WrestlePalooza is back—this time as a WWE premium live event headlined by John Cena, airing on ESPN Unlimited starting September 20, 2025.
Background Context: WrestlePalooza Returns with a Bang
WrestlePalooza, a storied ECW event from the ’90s, is resurrected by WWE for the first time since 2000. The rebooted WWE WrestlePalooza 2025 will be held on September 20 at Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It marks the first WWE main-roster live event to air on ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service, ESPN Unlimited.
The move ushers in a new era in WWE’s broadcasting strategy and television footprint.
WrestlePalooza 2025 Lineup: A Star-Studded Return
A dream lineup has been teed for WrestlePalooza:
- John Cena, making one of his final in-ring appearances in Indianapolis.
- Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion.
- Seth Rollins, World Heavyweight Champion.
- Becky Lynch, Women’s Intercontinental Champion.
- CM Punk and Drew McIntyre also confirmed for the card.
Tickets go on sale August 22 with presales on August 21, and exclusive VIP “Priority Pass” packages are available through On Location.
ESPN Deal: WWE’s Next-Gen Streaming Move
WWE and ESPN fast-tracked their partnership, originally planned for 2026, to debut with WrestlePalooza in 2025. Now, all WWE’s Premium Live Events (PLEs)—including WrestleMania, Crown Jewel, and Survivor Series—will broadcast on ESPN’s DTC platform, ESPN Unlimited, making it the exclusive U.S. home for these events.
Subscription options:
- ESPN Unlimited: $29.99/month or $299.99/year.
- Bundle option: ESPN Unlimited + Disney+ + Hulu (first year $29.99/month).
- Select live TV subscribers (Hulu Live, FuboTV, Verizon Fios, etc.) gain access at no extra cost; YouTube TV access is in the works.
Peacock’s PLE era ends with Clash in Paris on August 31, 2025. However, WWE’s NXT special events and library content remain on Peacock for now.
Why This Partnership Is a Game-Changer
Mainstream Legitimacy:
Champ Seth Rollins told ESPN’s Get Up that airing WWE on ESPN enhances wrestling’s legitimacy in sports media. Growing up watching SportsCenter, it’s a full-circle moment.
Strategic Timing:
WrestlePalooza runs head-to-head with AEW’s All Out (same night), signaling WWE’s aggressiveness in the broadcast war.
Broader Access, Better Reach:
Launching earlier than expected gives fans a consolidated platform and improved access to PLEs; routine events like Clash in Paris wrap up the Peacock deal, while flagship specials move to ESPN.
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What’s Next for WWE PLEs?
| Event | Date | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| WrestlePalooza (Indianapolis) | Sept 20, 2025 | ESPN Unlimited (new app) |
| Crown Jewel | Oct 11, 2025 | ESPN Unlimited |
| Survivor Series (WarGames) | Nov 29, 2025 | ESPN Unlimited & Netflix (Intl) |
| Clash in Paris | Aug 31, 2025 | Peacock (final PLE there) |
| Saturday Night’s Main Event | Starting Nov 1 | Peacock |
- Survivor Series: WarGames will also be available on Netflix internationally, reflecting WWE’s growing global distribution. ([turn0search34])
- Saturday Night’s Main Event continues on Peacock despite the PLE shift; the rest of WWE’s library rights across platforms remain in transition. ([turn0news14], [turn0search35])
Final Thoughts — A New Era Dawns
WrestlePalooza’s return is more than nostalgia—it signals WWE stepping into the heart of sports media. With big names, a high-profile streaming shift, and an aggressive programming strategy, WWE and ESPN are launching a new chapter for wrestling.
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