Why Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena Opens Wrestlepalooza

WWE has chosen to kick off the Wrestlepalooza premium live event with a high-profile match between Brock Lesnar and John Cena, airing on ESPN. This Brock Lesnar Wrestlepalooza match serves to spotlight WWE’s transition to its new broadcast platform while also advancing Cena’s farewell tour narrative. The decision has drawn attention for its potential impact on wrestling fans and the competitive landscape of wrestling entertainment.

Hosts Discuss the Significance of Lesnar vs. Cena as the Event Opener

On Busted Open Radio, hosts Bully Ray and Dave LaGreca analyzed why WWE placed this match first on the card, with Bully Ray viewing it as a historic moment for the company’s ESPN debut. Bully Ray noted,

“Trivia question. What’s the first match we’ve ever saw on ESPN? Brock Lesnar and John Cena,”

highlighting that WWE is leading its ESPN presence with its two biggest stars. He likened the choice to how a major sports network might launch with iconic franchises like the New York Yankees or Dallas Cowboys. Bully further suggested this move is intended to counterprogram AEW All Out, which is expected to air simultaneously, asking,

“Now wrestling fans, what are they watching?… Are they watching the main event of All Out, or are they watching the two of the absolute biggest names on the planet… kicking off the night on ESPN?”

Predictions Clash Over Who Will Win the Opening Match

The hosts disagreed over the likely result of the bout. Bully Ray supported a John Cena victory, believing WWE will want to start its ESPN era positively. He argued,

“I think John wins. I think that first show on ESPN is about putting smiles on people’s faces,”

emphasizing that an upbeat beginning would avoid alienating viewers. Conversely, Dave LaGreca favored a surprise win for Brock Lesnar, reasoning that an unexpected outcome would generate significant buzz. He explained,

“If you have something happen, like the shock and surprise of Brock Lesnar beating John Cena, I think that’s going to make people say, ‘Holy shit. Like what just happened?’ Let’s give them a cliffhanger. Let’s give them a reason to keep tuning in.”

Debate Over Cena’s Farewell Tour Purpose and Impact on Younger Talent

The discussion expanded into the broader purpose of Cena’s final matches, with contrasting views on how his run should influence WWE talent development. Bully Ray criticized the repeated pairing of Cena with veteran Lesnar, seeing it as a missed chance to elevate newer wrestlers. He questioned,

“What good does it do any other talent in the WWE if these two guys are married to each other until John’s final match appearance?”

and proposed using Cena’s remaining dates to boost emerging stars without requiring them to defeat him, stating,

“They don’t have to beat John to get the rub. They were in the ring with him.”

On the other hand, Dave LaGreca described Cena’s farewell tour as more of a celebration than a passing of the torch. He pointed out,

“I don’t think John Cena is putting a younger talent over,”

adding that the true transition moment had already occurred at SummerSlam for Cody Rhodes and that Cena’s current tour is essentially his victory lap.

Implications for WWE and the Future of Wrestlepalooza

WWE’s decision to open Wrestlepalooza with a Brock Lesnar Wrestlepalooza match against John Cena marks a significant moment for the company’s new era on ESPN. The match is positioned not only as a star-studded kickoff but also as a critical event during Cena’s farewell run. Depending on the winner, the bout could set the tone for WWE’s broadcast future or fuel speculation and excitement for upcoming programming. Meanwhile, the differing opinions on Cena’s retirement tour underline an ongoing tension between honoring established stars and promoting rising talents within WWE’s evolving landscape.