ESPN and WWE Shake Hands Over Premium Live Event
The inaugural Premium Live Event broadcasted by ESPN in partnership with WWE has successfully concluded. The card was stacked with five electrifying matches, leading to varied outcomes for the wrestlers. Let’s delve into the analysis of distinctive victories and defeats of the event. To summarise the results, highlights, and grading of all contests in WWE’s Wrestlepalooza, read ahead.
Taking a step back in his career momentum was Jey Uso. After a successful start to the year, which encompassed winning the 2025 Royal Rumble and attaining the World Heavyweight Championship, Jey Uso appears to be on a downward trend. During a tag match alongside Jimmy Uso, his brother, where they faced Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, Jey Uso found himself pinned. It’s important to recognize that losing to the formidable pair of Breakker and Reed is in no way a disgrace. However, one cannot overlook a drop in his position when compared to the previous months.
Brock Lesnar’s victory at this event, marks a high note in his career graph. Considering WWE’s premiere event on ESPN, it stands to reason that Lesnar – a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and regular feature in sports headlines – took part in this historical event. In Indianapolis, ‘The Beast’ asserted his dominance, showcasing his signature style of ruthless, quick and finisher-heavy actions, he emerged victorious in WWE’s first match of the ESPN epoch. His victory over John Cena, close to the latter’s retirement, signals Lesnar’s ongoing commitment to WWE. The event kick-started his latest comeback remarkably.
While LA Knight reaffirms his capability to headline any event, he persistently seems unable to infiltrate the upper echelon of WWE. Catching attention at Wrestlepalooza, Knight played the role of the special guest referee in a tag-teaming event involving The Usos and The Vision. Despite his solid narrative over the past weeks and a well-defined role in the storyline, it feels as if Knight is constrained to a spot beneath his potential.
Stephanie Vaquer has set a trailblazing path in her WWE journey. From her initial debut to this definitive moment where she clinches the Women’s World Championship for the first time – it is no surprise that Vaquer has a destined route to greatness. Winning against the fan-favorite IYO SKY further establishes her potential. Now that the stage is set, all eyes are on Vaquer to take this opportunity and run with it. Her history of exceptional performances affirms that the journey is destined to be an exciting one. Stephanie Vaquer has indeed made her mark.
An evaluation of the event’s results would be incomplete without acknowledging the apparent downgrade in IYO SKY’s standing. It should be noted that the quality of performance by SKY never falters. Yet similar to Jey Uso, SKY seems to be cascading down the ladder. She illustrated her excellent performance abilities in enhancing Stephanie Vaquer’s image, which reflects her selfless commitment to the sport. However, fans are growing anxious as they ponder over the possibility of her not ascending to her erstwhile peak like in 2025.
In an absolute win for AJ Lee, her return to the WWE circuit has been applauded enthusiastically by the audience. WWE’s confidence in her comeback was evident as they prominently featured her in their first ESPN venture. Her ongoing riveting feud with Becky & Seth is one of the highlights of WWE’s content this year. Delivering a strong performance in her first match since her return, along with her spouse, AJ Lee seems to be flourishing.
Drew McIntyre, while a part of the event’s chief attraction, played a rather predictable role. While many could argue that being a part of the main event in the inaugural WWE/ESPN venture is an achievement, McIntyre’s part was near apparently predestined. Wrestling against Cody Rhodes for the title, `The Scottish Warrior’ was undoubtedly an apt choice and fans could depend on him for an impassioned and gripping duel. But, the overbearing predictability of the result signifies his current position in WWE. His role was defined, and he performed accordingly.
The true winner of the night, however, was WWE. Their successful effort to consolidate their status within the mainstream through the partnership with ESPN, the biggest sports network, has been fruitful. WWE’s Wrestlepalooza not only pleased wrestling enthusiasts but also marked the onset of a new mainstream era. There certainly are legitimate apprehensions on WWE’s recent commercial operation. However, from a business angle, this alliance signifies the commencement of another cycle of mainstream prominence for WWE.