At the Gainsbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, WWE held the inaugural Wrestlepalooza premium live event on September 20, 2025, bringing back the ECW name under the WWE banner. The event featured notable moments including Brock Lesnar’s first wrestling match in over two years and a highly anticipated Women’s World Championship bout where Stephanie Vaquer emerged victorious, capturing her first world title in WWE.
A Tough Challenge Awaits John Cena in His Final Appearances
John Cena faced a decisive defeat against Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza 2025, marking a difficult moment for the soon-to-retire star. Despite the overwhelming loss, Cena’s career has been defined by overcoming adversity, and this final setback sets the stage for a compelling narrative as he strives to defend his legacy.
Following the match, Cena appeared dejected while leaving the ring area, signaling the emotional toll the defeat had on him. Though it remains uncertain whether he will seek revenge against Lesnar or focus on new opponents, this period is expected to highlight Cena’s resilience as he confronts one last major obstacle in his WWE career.
Stephanie Vaquer Achieves First WWE Women’s World Championship
The match between Stephanie Vaquer and Iyo Sky for the vacant Women’s World Championship stood out as a highlight of the evening, delivering an intense contest filled with high-risk maneuvers and strong storytelling. The audience was deeply engaged, witnessing Vaquer secure the championship after executing a breathtaking corkscrew move from the top rope, overcoming Sky to claim her first world title in WWE.
Since joining WWE last year, Vaquer has made a significant impact with her in-ring skills and commanding presence, quickly becoming a fan favorite and a key figure in the women’s division. Her championship win at Wrestlepalooza represents a major milestone in her career and signals her rising status within WWE.
Mixed Tag Team Match Featuring AJ Lee’s Long-Awaited Return Delivers Excitement
The mixed tag team bout pitting CM Punk and AJ Lee against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch offered a thrilling and entertaining contest. This event marked AJ Lee’s first WWE match in a decade, and her performance kept pace with active competitors, demonstrating her enduring skill despite the long hiatus.
The rival teams engaged in a dynamic battle, where Rollins and Lynch played effective villainous roles, and the match saw intense exchanges and strategic moments. AJ Lee ultimately secured victory for her team by forcing Lynch to submit to her signature Black Widow hold. Although the match experienced some lengthy stretches and minor disorganization, it fulfilled the high expectations of the crowd.
Stephanie McMahon Receives Surprise Announcement for WWE Hall of Fame Induction
Stephanie McMahon was unexpectedly honored with the announcement of her induction into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame during the Wrestlepalooza event. A legendary figure in WWE both behind the scenes and as an on-screen personality, McMahon’s contributions have been influential throughout the promotion.
The Undertaker made a surprising ringside entrance, approaching McMahon as she watched the event from the audience. In a memorable moment, he informed her of her Hall of Fame induction, providing a heartfelt recognition of her legacy within WWE. This announcement resonated with attendees and added an emotional highlight to the evening.
Impact and Future Prospects Following Wrestlepalooza 2025
Wrestlepalooza 2025 not only celebrated the return of the ECW brand but also set new story arcs and milestones within WWE. Stephanie Vaquer’s acquisition of the Women’s World Championship positions her as a leading figure in the women’s division, likely setting up future rivalries and title defenses. John Cena’s severe loss to Brock Lesnar adds tension to his farewell tour, opening potential for dramatic rematches or fresh challenges.
The success of AJ Lee’s comeback match offers encouragement for future appearances, and Stephanie McMahon’s Hall of Fame induction highlights WWE’s appreciation for both in-ring and corporate leadership roles. Collectively, these developments generate anticipation for upcoming events as WWE builds toward another compelling year of storytelling and competition.
