The WWE Universe is about to witness history. On September 20th in Indianapolis, Indiana, two of the biggest names in wrestling will collide one last time – John Cena and Brock Lesnar. What makes this even more special is that WWE is reportedly reviving an event name fans haven’t heard in over two decades: Wrestlepalooza.
Cena’s Farewell Tour Reaches New Heights
John Cena is in the twilight of his career, with the 17-time world champion scheduled to retire at the end of 2025. Indianapolis will mark his final appearance in the city as an active competitor, and WWE clearly wants to make it unforgettable.
At SummerSlam earlier this month, Cena bid an emotional farewell after falling short against Cody Rhodes in what was billed as his final appearance at the marquee event. But the moment of gratitude was cut short when Brock Lesnar stormed back onto WWE television. Decked out in his cowboy attire, Lesnar made his intentions clear, dropping Cena with a devastating F-5. It was a chilling reminder of their decade-long rivalry and the spark for one final showdown.
WWE Revives Wrestlepalooza After 25 Years
Adding to the drama, WWE is reportedly bringing back Wrestlepalooza, an event once synonymous with ECW. First held in 1995 and last staged in 2000, the pay-per-view carried ECW’s unique brand of chaos. Now, for the first time in 25 years, WWE is dusting off the name, signaling that this will be no ordinary show.
The revival also has a strategic edge. WWE has booked the Indianapolis event to run head-to-head against AEW’s All Out pay-per-view, turning September 20 into a high-stakes night for both promotions.
A Brutal Main Event on the Horizon?
Rumors suggest that WWE isn’t planning a simple singles match between Cena and Lesnar. According to Boozer Rasslin, creative discussions have centered around a Last Man Standing stipulation. If confirmed, it would mean fans are in for a brutal, physical spectacle fitting of Wrestlepalooza’s ECW legacy.
This would be their first one-on-one encounter in nearly a decade, and with Cena’s farewell tour ticking down, WWE looks determined to let him go out swinging.
What’s Next for Cena Before Wrestlepalooza
Before he steps into the ring with Lesnar, Cena has another major test waiting. Later this month, he’s scheduled to face Logan Paul at the Clash in Paris PLE – a match that pits experience against brash new blood. Cena’s farewell run is being carefully crafted so that every stop feels significant, and his clash with Lesnar looks set to be the crown jewel.
🚨 A “Last Man Standing” stipulation has reportedly been pitched for the upcoming match between John Cena and Brock Lesnar 👀🔥
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) August 17, 2025
(Boozer Rasslin) pic.twitter.com/oMqMcUEUl8
One Final Chapter in a Legendary Rivalry
For long-time fans, Cena vs. Lesnar has always carried a special edge. From their early battles in the 2000s to Cena’s shocking squash defeat at SummerSlam 2014, every meeting has left a mark on WWE history. Wrestlepalooza 2025 might just be the exclamation point on their storied rivalry.
If this truly is John Cena’s last battle with Brock Lesnar, then September 20 in Indianapolis will be remembered not only as the return of Wrestlepalooza but also as the night two icons closed a chapter that defined an era of WWE.
