At the WWE Wrestlepalooza event on September 20, 2025, held at the Indiana Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, CM Punk made a startling return, instantly dominating the night’s narrative. The event, streamed live on ESPN in the United States and Netflix internationally, showcased Punk’s comeback along with high-profile matches, including a WWE Title defense by Cody Rhodes.
The focus of the evening revolved around CM Punk WWE Wrestlepalooza moments, delivering intense action that engrossed fans, while emphasizing the ever-evolving landscape of sports entertainment.
A Historic Opening Highlighting WWE’s Cultural Influence
The show began with a patriotic “Then, Now, Together, Forever” multimedia presentation narrated by Paul Levesque (Triple H), featuring iconic moments from WWE’s past intertwined with ESPN’s history. Footage spanned from vintage clips of legendary wrestlers like “Macho Man” Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan to more recent crossover appearances by athletes such as Logan Paul and Dennis Rodman.
Levesque’s voiceover underscored the blurred lines between scripted drama and real competition in WWE as he declared,
“Wrestling isn’t a metaphor for the national condition; it’s a reflection of it, as are all games we play.”
He further stated,
“Sports is entertainment; it always has been and always will be.”
This retrospective positioned WWE as a cultural phenomenon deeply embedded in sports and entertainment history, setting the tone for the electric evening ahead.
Triple H Welcomes Fans into WWE’s New Era
Standing center ring amidst commercial logos, Triple H energized the fans, proclaiming the night would reveal
Image of: CM Punk
“the final form of sports and entertainment.”
His welcome message also embraced both seasoned viewers and newcomers, as he said,
“If tonight is your first night, let me welcome you to WWE. Let me welcome you to ESPN, let me welcome you to Wrestlepalooza!”
Despite the enthusiasm, some skepticism surrounds WWE’s partnership with ESPN as there is uncertainty if this new broadcasting platform can significantly broaden WWE’s audience beyond its loyal fanbase.
Commentary Team Reunites with Pat McAfee’s Surprise Appearance
Michael Cole and Wade Barrett were joined at ringside by a surprise returnee, Pat McAfee, whose inclusion was met with visible excitement from the commentary team. Cole joked about McAfee, telling him to “keep his clothes on”, highlighting their playful camaraderie and McAfee’s magnetic presence as a former wrestler and commentator.
Brock Lesnar Dominates John Cena in Intense Opening Bout
The event’s first major match featured Brock Lesnar in monstrous shape confronting John Cena in their first one-on-one bout in over a decade. The crowd’s reaction was mixed, with chants reflecting divided loyalties and sentiments about Lesnar’s controversial presence.
Lesnar’s physicality overwhelmed Cena from the start, delivering powerful suplexes and multiple F5 finishing moves, culminating in a decisive 14-minute victory. Cole noted the brutal nature of Lesnar’s offense, remarking,
“Isn’t a retirement tour supposed to be a celebration?”
as Lesnar relentlessly crushed Cena’s efforts.
Post-match, Lesnar further attacked Cena and a referee, affirming his menacing role in WWE’s landscape. The match built momentum for future storylines, possibly positioning Lesnar against Roman Reigns or rising star Bron Breakker.
The Usos Battle Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker with High Stakes
The tag team showdown paired The Usos with the formidable duo of Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker, managed by Paul Heyman. L.A. Knight officiated the match, asserting confidence in his ability to maintain order despite the volatile competition.
The match was marked by aggressive tactics, including chair shots and intense physical exchanges. Commentary highlighted Heyman’s influence in sharpening Breakker’s ferocious style:
“Paul Heyman’s really cultivated this lunatic streak in Breakker and laser-focused it in order to maximize it for the destruction of his opponents.”
A key moment involved a severe chair bounce-back injury to Jey Uso, causing significant bleeding, raising concerns over his welfare. Breakker sustained a knee injury during risky maneuvers but continued fighting. Ultimately, Reed and Breakker secured the victory in a 16-minute bout, with ringside medics attending to injuries.
Intense Battle for the Vacant Women’s World Championship
The match for the vacant Women’s World Championship featured Iyo Sky facing Stephanie Vaquer in a gripping contest. Both competitors traded submission holds and high-impact moves, engaging the audience with near falls and dramatic moments.
Vaquer’s persistence paid off as she overcame Sky’s offense, executing her signature Devil’s Kiss and finishing with a top-rope spiral tap for the pinfall. The crowd’s enthusiasm for Vaquer culminated in heartfelt celebrations, including personal moments with her family at ringside. The victory marked a significant milestone:
“A new era has dawned on Monday Night Raw,”
signaled by the commentators.
A.J. Lee and CM Punk Take on Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins in Fiery Mixed Tag Match
The evening’s most anticipated mixed tag team match brought A.J. Lee and CM Punk against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, blending technical wrestling with intense storytelling. Fans chanted loudly for Punk as he faced off against longtime rival Rollins, while the female competitors exchanged landmark moves emblematic of their storied careers.
The match featured dramatic near-falls, submission attempts like Lee’s signature Black Widow and Punk’s sharpshooter, alongside moments of chaotic interference. The back-and-forth contest showcased the wrestlers’ chemistry and rivalry, delivering a 30-minute spectacle that elicited fervent crowd engagement.
Despite its thrilling pace, the commentary suggested a slightly disjointed finish due to choreographed sequences and comedic elements, with Cole calling Becky and Seth’s antics
“a master class by Lynch and Rollins.”
Undertaker’s Surprise Appearance and Hall of Fame Announcement
Legendary wrestler Undertaker made a nostalgic return riding a motorcycle, sitting beside Stephanie McMahon ringside and reminiscing with playful banter. The moment turned poignant when Undertaker announced Stephanie’s upcoming induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, leading to an emotional reaction on her part, blending entertainment with heartfelt tribute.
Cody Rhodes Retains WWE Title After Intense Clash with Drew McIntyre
In the night’s main event, Cody Rhodes successfully defended his WWE Undisputed Title against Drew McIntyre in a match defined by physical storytelling and resilience. Both competitors endured brutal offense, with Cody showing signs of injury and concussion effects but demonstrating determination to prevail.
Drew’s aggressive tactics included headbutts and using the environment to his advantage, but a misstep at ringside led to an ankle injury that disrupted his momentum. Cody capitalized, landing decisive moves like the Cody Cutter and Crossroads submission to earn a hard-fought 17-minute victory.
Commentators acknowledged the match as a compelling narrative where every maneuver added to the unfolding drama, underscoring Cody’s grit amid adversity and the evolving rivalry with McIntyre.
Looking Ahead: Wrestlepalooza’s Impact and WWE’s Future Prospects
The return of CM Punk at Wrestlepalooza underscored WWE’s potential to reignite fan passion amid turbulent changes in the industry. While the event celebrated heritage and innovation, it also exposed ongoing challenges in expanding WWE’s reach through new platforms like ESPN and Netflix.
High-stakes matches like Lesnar vs. Cena and the Women’s World Championship battle highlighted the depth of talent shaping WWE’s future narratives. With emerging stars like Bron Breakker gaining prominence and established names like Cody Rhodes holding the spotlight, Wrestlepalooza set the stage for intensified rivalries and unexpected twists in the months to come.
Wrestlepalooza remains a pivotal moment for WWE as it strives to balance tradition with modern entertainment demands, hoping to captivate longtime fans and engage newcomers through compelling stories and unforgettable performances.
Michael Jones is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, dedicated to covering the WWE Raw Men’s Division.
With one year of experience in pro wrestling journalism, he provides fans with up-to-date coverage of major matches, superstar rivalries, and evolving storylines from Monday Night Raw.
Michael’s reporting dives into the personalities, promos, and pivotal moments that define the Raw brand, offering insights into character arcs, backstage developments, and pay-per-view buildup.
He brings a fresh, detail-oriented perspective to his writing, aiming to inform, entertain, and connect readers to the energy and excitement of WWE’s flagship show.
Whether it's a rising contender or a veteran champion, Michael highlights the key figures driving the Raw men’s division forward.
