WWE Updates: Wrestlepalooza Match Official Announced; SmackDown Introduces New Segment

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WWE wrestlepalooza set for ESPN App with Championship Showdowns

LOS ANGELES – The stage is set for a weekend of high-stakes wrestling action as WWE prepares for Wrestlepalooza, its first premium live event hosted exclusively on ESPN+. The event will be headlined by a WWE Championship match and will feature several other notable contests.

The WWE Championship will be on the line saturday, September 20th, as current champion Cody Rhodes defends his title against Drew McIntyre. This match was made official after Rhodes returned to action on SmackDown, confronting and defeating McIntyre after months away from television. rhodes’ hiatus was necessitated by filming commitments for the upcoming movie Street Fighter, and his return was marked by a fiery confrontation with McIntyre following the latter’s match against Randy orton.

Beyond the championship bout, Wrestlepalooza boasts a stacked card:

Match	Participants
WWE Championship	Cody Rhodes (c) vs.Drew McIntyre
John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar	John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar
Women’s World Championship	IYO SKY (c) vs. Stephanie Vaquer
Tag Team Match	CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch
Tag Team Match	Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker vs. The Usos

Did you know? WWE’s move to host Wrestlepalooza exclusively on ESPN+ marks a notable strategic shift in how the company delivers premium content to fans.

Prior to Wrestlepalooza, Sami Zayn will defend his United States Championship against Carmelo Hayes on Friday, September 19th in a SmackDown showdown. Rhodes is also scheduled to appear on the September 19th episode of SmackDown, adding further anticipation to the event.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the ongoing storyline between Rhodes and McIntyre. Their intense rivalry, coupled with Rhodes’ recent return from filming, has created a compelling narrative leading into Wrestlepalooza.

Looking Ahead: The evolution of WWE’s content strategy, notably its partnership with ESPN+, is a key indicator of the future of professional wrestling broadcasting. will this model expand to include other premier events?

RELATED: https://www.wrestleinc.com/news/wwe-nxt-homecoming-match-changed/

Are you excited to see John Cena and Brock Lesnar face off? Wich match on the Wrestlepalooza card are you most anticipating?

How might the “Last Man Standing” stipulation impact Roman reigns’ reliance on Bloodline interference at wrestlepalooza?

Wrestlepalooza: The Match is Set!

After weeks of speculation, WWE has officially announced the main event for Wrestlepalooza! Roman Reigns will defend his Undisputed WWE Global Championship against Cody Rhodes in a rematch from WrestleMania. This highly anticipated clash promises to be a brutal encounter, wiht both Superstars bringing their A-game.

* Key Details: The match is billed as a “Last Man Standing” match, adding a new layer of intensity.

* Road to Wrestlepalooza: Cody Rhodes earned this opportunity by winning a grueling tournament, defeating top contenders like Drew McIntyre and seth Rollins.

* Fan Reaction: Social media is ablaze with excitement, with #Wrestlepalooza and #RomanVsCody trending worldwide. Ticket pre-sales have already broken records.

* Potential Interference: The presence of The Bloodline remains a significant concern. will Solo Sikoa or Jimmy Uso attempt to interfere on Reigns’ behalf?

SmackDownS New Segment: “The Power Hour”

smackdown has unveiled a brand new segment titled “The Power Hour,” debuting next week.This hour-long block will feature a combination of in-ring action, backstage interviews, and exclusive content.

* Format: “The Power Hour” will be hosted by Paul Heyman, adding a layer of intrigue and unpredictability.

* Initial focus: The segment will initially focus on the build-up to Wrestlepalooza, providing exclusive insights into the Reigns-Rhodes rivalry.

* Potential Alex Reeds: rumors suggest appearances from current champions and rising stars, including Bianca Belair and Gunther.

* Impact on Ratings: WWE hopes “The Power Hour” will boost smackdown’s ratings and attract a wider audience.

Wrestlepalooza Card – Confirmed Matches (as of 9/16/2025)

Here’s a look at the confirmed matches for Wrestlepalooza:

1. Undisputed WWE universal Championship – Last Man Standing: Roman Reigns (c) vs.Cody rhodes
2. WWE Women’s Championship: Iyo Sky (c) vs. Becky Lynch
3. WWE Intercontinental Championship: Gunther (c) vs. Randy Orton
4. United States Championship: Logan Paul (c) vs. Kevin Owens
5. Tag Team Championship: The Judgment Day (Finn Balor & Damian Priest) (c) vs. The New Day
6. Singles Match: Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre

Analyzing the Reigns-Rhodes Rematch

The rematch between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes is a strategic move by WWE. Their WrestleMania encounter, while epic, left fans wanting more. A “Last Man Standing” stipulation adds a dramatic element, forcing both competitors to push their limits.

* Rhodes’ Strategy: Cody will likely focus on exploiting Reigns’ vulnerabilities and utilizing his superior athleticism.

* Reigns’ Advantage: Roman’s strength, experience, and the potential for Bloodline interference give him a significant edge.

* Ancient Context: Rhodes’ journey to Wrestlemania and the initial loss to Reigns created a compelling narrative. This rematch builds on that foundation.

* LSI Keywords: WWE Championship, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Wrestlemania, Bloodline, Last Man Standing, WWE News, Pro Wrestling.

“The Power Hour” – A Potential Game Changer for smackdown?

The introduction of “The Power Hour” is a bold move by SmackDown. Paul Heyman’s involvement is especially intriguing. his ability to generate heat and deliver captivating promos could elevate the segment to new heights.

* Heyman’s Role: Expect Heyman to play mind games with the Superstars and manipulate situations to his advantage.

* Long-Term Potential: If accomplished,”The Power Hour” could become a staple of SmackDown programming,providing a consistent platform for storytelling and character advancement.

* Competition: SmackDown faces stiff competition from Monday Night Raw.”The Power hour” is designed to differentiate the show and attract viewers.

* LSI keywords: SmackDown, Paul heyman, WWE Segment, Wrestling News, WWE Programming, Pro Wrestling Analysis.