WWE and ESPN Kick Off Wrestlepalooza: Strong Card, Predictable Outcomes by NWO Sparrow

Quick Wrestlepalooza Match Ratings

Brock Lesnar vs John Cena — 5/10

The Usos vs The Vision — 7/10

Stephanie Vaquer vs Iyo Sky — 8/10

CM Punk & AJ Lee vs Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins — 10/10

Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre — 7/10

WWE x ESPN Wrestlepalooza Review: A Debut with More Star Power Than Purpose

The debut of WWE on ESPN was billed as a historic moment, the beginning of a new era that would blend the worlds of sports entertainment and mainstream sports media like never before. Wrestlepalooza was presented as the stage for this bold step, with a stacked card and some of the biggest names in the business. On paper, it looked like a night that could redefine how we experience WWE. In practice, however, it felt more like a polished continuation of what we already know. The production was crisp, the atmosphere was electric, and the star power was undeniable, but the sense of unpredictability and risk that makes a new era feel fresh was missing.

That is not to say Wrestlepalooza was a failure. The matches delivered solid action, the crowd was invested, and the partnership with ESPN gave the show a presentation upgrade that made it feel grander than the typical Premium Live Event. Yet when the dust settled, it was hard to shake the feeling that the outcomes were too safe. For those of us who have followed the product closely, there was little shock in how the night unfolded. I personally scored a perfect 5-0 in my predictions, and while that speaks to my familiarity with WWE booking patterns, it also highlights how predictable the event was.

The night should be remembered for its energy and its landmark significance as the start of the ESPN era, but it will not go down as one of the most groundbreaking WWE shows. It was an important step, but it leaned on established formulas instead of delivering the kind of jaw-dropping surprises that could have truly marked a new beginning.

Brock Lesnar def. John Cena (5/10)

This match was entertaining but familiar. It felt more like a stop on John Cena’s retirement tour than something fresh. Lesnar dominated with his trademark brutality, and while Cena made his comebacks, the result was never in doubt. Brock caught Cena in the F5 for the win, leaving a sea of broken-hearted kids in the crowd. The real intrigue now lies in what comes next. Who will Cena face on his farewell run, and who steps up to challenge Brock Lesnar next?

The Usos vs The Vision ( Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker) (7/10)

This was a strong match that showcased the talent of all four men. Jey Uso bleeding heavily late in the match added confusion and concern, but the in-ring action delivered. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed picked up the win, and while the outcome pushes The Vision forward, it will be interesting to see how both teams develop from here. The chemistry was there, and this felt like a promising step for the division.

Stephanie Vaquer vs Iyo Sky (Vacant Women’s World Heavyweight Championship) (8/10)

Two of the best women in the world tore the house down. Stephanie Vaquer had Iyo Sky’s number for much of the match, but Sky’s charisma and resilience kept things competitive. The finish was spectacular, with Vaquer hitting a flawless spinal tap moonsault to secure the win and become the new Women’s World Heavyweight Champion. This was a highlight of the night and a strong sign that the division can thrive in this new era.

CM Punk & AJ Lee vs Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins (10/10)

The match of the night without question. This mixed tag team bout delivered everything fans could have hoped for. The slow build to AJ Lee finally entering the match paid off beautifully, and when she hit a curb stomp on Seth Rollins, the crowd erupted. AJ picked up the win for her team, and the emotion on CM Punk’s face as he celebrated with his wife made the moment even more special. In the middle of the show, The Undertaker appeared to announce Stephanie McMahon as the first inductee into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame, creating a heartfelt moment that balanced the chaos of the evening.

Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre (WWE Championship) (7/10)

This was everything it needed to be, though it stayed within safe boundaries. McIntyre controlled much of the match, targeting Rhodes and building toward his signature offense. The selling of Drew’s injured leg, which stopped him from hitting the Claymore, was smart storytelling, but the result was predictable. Cody retaining the title in his first major defense was expected, yet the rivalry feels like it has more to give. Hopefully, this was just the opening chapter of a longer feud.

In the end, Wrestlepalooza was a good show, but it lacked the edge to feel like the seismic shift fans were promised. The ESPN production and presentation gave the event a premium feel, but the booking choices played it safe. It was more about star power than purpose, and while that made for a solid night of entertainment, it did not fully deliver the sense of entering a new era.

For WWE and ESPN, this was a foundation. It established the partnership and gave fans reason to be excited about what comes next. Now the challenge is to build on it with storytelling and surprises that truly break the mold. If WWE wants fans to feel like they are living through something historic, the outcomes must start to match the presentation.

Wrestlepalooza was history in the making, but history is only remembered when it changes the game. The action was there, the energy was there, and the significance was undeniable, but WWE must take more risks in the ESPN era. If they do, then this debut will be seen as the first step toward something extraordinary. If not, it will be remembered as a polished event that played things too safe. Furthemore i scored a clean 5-0 prediction victory for the event you can check out my predictions here.

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