John Cena and Brock Lesnar are scheduled to face off once more at WWE Wrestlepalooza on September 20, with their match slated to open the event. This Brock Lesnar Wrestlepalooza Match marks a significant moment as Lesnar recently returned to WWE after two years away, reigniting a long-standing rivalry with Cena.
Lesnar’s comeback took place during Night 2 of SummerSlam at MetLife Arena, where Cena had just lost his Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes. As Cena celebrated with the crowd, Lesnar’s music erupted, drawing an intense reaction and immediately setting the tone for their renewed feud.
An Intense Rivalry Rekindled at SummerSlam
Despite Cena’s celebration of becoming a 17-time world champion, hearing Lesnar’s entrance triggered visible displeasure. Lesnar, one of the few wrestlers to consistently get the upper hand against Cena, entered the ring and swiftly executed an F-5 on his longtime adversary. This chilling moment underscored their fierce history and suggested more confrontations to come.
During his absence, Brock Lesnar’s name surfaced in a lawsuit related to WWE, filed by Janel Grant, which accused former WWE chairman Vince McMahon of sexual misconduct and trafficking. Nonetheless, Lesnar’s return focused attention on his wrestling capabilities and forthcoming matches rather than the controversy.

Wrestlepalooza to Stream Live on ESPN as Part of New Partnership
The upcoming Wrestlepalooza pay-per-view event will be the first WWE premium live event to stream on ESPN in the United States, following a recently signed five-year partnership between the sports network and WWE. According to ESPN’s Instagram update, the news of Cena and Lesnar opening the show was confirmed by WWE commentator Pat McAfee.
Wrestlepalooza promises a stacked card alongside the Lesnar-Cena opening bout. The Usos, Jimmy and Jey Uso, are set to challenge Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker of The Vision in a tag team match. Additionally, CM Punk and AJ Lee will take on Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch in a mixed tag team contest. Iyo Sky and Stephanie Vaquer will compete for the vacant Women’s World Championship, while Cody Rhodes will defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre.
Controversy and Excitement Surround Lesnar’s Return
Brock Lesnar’s comeback has sparked debate within the wrestling community and among fans, with ESPN clarifying its position on the former champion’s return. Lesnar’s presence adds an element of unpredictability and star power to the event, emphasizing the significance of this Wrestlepalooza matchup as a major highlight of the night.
Additional Storylines Building Momentum at Wrestlepalooza
Other major storylines include Seth Rollins, who has openly stated his commitment to pushing forward despite controversy, and a top WWE star who broke character to reflect honestly on John Cena’s heel turn. Meanwhile, a WWE legend recently revealed feelings of disgust over their wrestling career, providing a somber perspective on the industry.
The event will also see a notable WWE legend teasing a return after a violent assault at the Clash in Paris pay-per-view. Paul Heyman has broken his silence regarding AJ Lee’s surprising WWE comeback following a decade away. The Undertaker’s possible return to face a younger star is also generating buzz among WWE creative teams.
CM Punk has publicly addressed speculation about adopting a heel role on WWE programming, while Rey Mysterio has clarified rumors about his daughter Aalyah potentially joining WWE, aiming to quell uncertainty regarding her wrestling future.
Impact of Lesnar vs. Cena as a Wrestlepalooza Opener
Opening Wrestlepalooza with the clash between Brock Lesnar and John Cena heightens the event’s anticipation and underscores WWE’s strategy to bring high-profile rivalries to the forefront. This match not only rekindles one of WWE’s most notable feuds but also establishes the tone for a night filled with championship opportunities and evolving storylines. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this encounter influences the championship landscape leading into the rest of the year.
