Brock Lesnar is set to face John Cena at WWE’s upcoming premium live event (PLE) on September 20th in Indianapolis, Indiana, marking a significant moment for fans eager to see the two wrestling icons clash. This match, identified as a major headliner, is scheduled to go head-to-head with All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) All Out, which will take place on the same day in Toronto, Canada.
Lesnar’s Return and Cena’s Upcoming Matchups
Brock Lesnar made his return to WWE at SummerSlam by launching an attack on John Cena, who had just lost the WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes. Lesnar’s reentrance came after fans witnessed him last at SummerSlam 2023, with his absence from the 2024 Royal Rumble linked to the Vince McMahon sexual abuse lawsuit investigation. This complicated context contributed to a notably tense reaction from fans online upon Lesnar’s return.
John Cena’s August schedule brought some surprises, especially after Logan Paul challenged him to a match at Clash In Paris on August 31st, leaving many wondering how a Lesnar match would eventually fit into Cena’s plans. It appears WWE has deliberately planned to delay the Lesnar encounter to maximize its impact at the September event.
WWE and AEW Arrange a Direct Pay-Per-View Competition
WWE has scheduled a main roster premium live event on the same day as AEW’s All Out, setting up a rare direct competition between the two wrestling promotions. While WWE’s developmental NXT brand has previously gone head-to-head with AEW’s shows, this marks the first time a main WWE roster PLE will compete with one of Tony Khan’s flagship AEW pay-per-views.
Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio confirmed that WWE’s current plan is to have Brock Lesnar face John Cena as the main event in Indianapolis.
“It is – it could change – but the main event of this show is Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena, so it’s a big one. That’s why Brock’s not in Paris, because of this. They wanted him for this show, not the Paris show, and that’s where Logan Paul got the gig.”
—Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
Context and Consequences of the Lesnar vs. Cena Match
Lesnar’s absence from Clash In Paris was evidently strategic, showcasing WWE’s intent to reserve this marquee matchup for their September event rather than an earlier date. By positioning this bout directly opposite AEW’s All Out, WWE seems determined to draw maximum attention from wrestling fans during a crucial period in the industry’s calendar.
The Lesnar vs. John Cena match carries additional weight in light of Brock Lesnar’s controversial return and the shifting dynamics in WWE’s roster and storylines. Cena continues to juggle high-profile rivalries, making his eventual collision with Lesnar a key focal point for WWE’s late-year programming.
Additional Wrestling Industry Updates
Recent developments in wrestling also include a WWE star sidelined by an ACL tear, expected to miss several months of action, impacting WWE’s upcoming showcards. AEW has seen a long-term collaborator end their six-year partnership with the company, marking another shift in its evolving roster.
Meanwhile, speculation surrounds Rhea Ripley, with some analysts suggesting she could main event WrestleMania in an unexpected scenario alongside a major WWE star. In other news, an ex-WWE champion has captured a title again since leaving the company, signaling noteworthy career progressions post-WWE.
WWE confirmed the surprising exit of Karrion Kross and Scarlett, further adding to the company’s roster changes. Additionally, discussions continue about the timing of Brock Lesnar’s WWE return, which some experts consider poorly timed given the backdrop of controversy.
On the AEW side, owner Tony Khan has revealed plans for a golf-themed episode of AEW Dynamite, indicating a creative effort to blend wrestling with other entertainment elements.
Impact and Future Outlook of the September Wrestling Events
The September 20th date, with WWE’s Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena match running opposite AEW’s All Out, sets the stage for a tense showdown between wrestling’s two biggest promotions. The outcome of this scheduling conflict could influence viewership numbers, fan engagement, and promotional strategies moving forward for both WWE and AEW. Fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely, aware that this clash might shape the competitive landscape of professional wrestling for the remainder of the year.
