John Cena’s upcoming Wrestlepalooza match has been confirmed to open the event rather than close it, marking a notable change in the card lineup. Cena, who has had a standout year in WWE including a heel turn and a WWE Title victory before dropping the championship to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam, is set to face Brock Lesnar in the event’s first match. This decision shifts the anticipated climactic showdown to an earlier time slot.
Details Shared by Pat McAfee on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show
On The Pat McAfee Show, Pat McAfee, who serves as a RAW commentator and NFL punter, revealed that the Cena versus Lesnar bout would serve as the opening match of Wrestlepalooza instead of the main event. The match follows an ongoing rivalry sparked when Lesnar attacked Cena after the recent PLE and has built anticipation heading into Wrestlepalooza.
🚨 BROCK LESNAR AND JOHN CENA WILL KICK OFF #Wrestlepalooza THIS SATURDAYpic.twitter.com/CYxPj98HBA
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia)
Speculation Surrounds Main Event and Future WWE Plans
This adjustment has led to speculation among fans and analysts about the identity of the main event match, with rumors suggesting that AJ Lee might headline, marking her first WWE match in over a decade. The unexpected reshuffling also raises questions about WWE’s strategic approach to positioning marquee matches and potential surprises set for the conclusion of Wrestlepalooza.
As Cena approaches the final stretch of his WWE career, which has been highlighted by dramatic character shifts and memorable title moments, the decision to have his match open the event suggests WWE may be reserving their biggest attraction to close out the show and sustain audience engagement.
🚨 BROCK LESNAR AND JOHN CENA WILL KICK OFF #Wrestlepalooza THIS SATURDAY
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) September 18, 2025
