Wrestlepalooza 2025 was billed as WWE's marquee September premium live event, and the hype around it suggested we might be in for something historic. On paper, the lineup looked like a can't-miss night, combining legends, dream matches, and long-awaited returns. Unfortunately, when the lights went down and the bell rang, what we got instead was a predictable, uninspired event that left fans frustrated rather than fired up. The first fumble wasn't even in the ring-it was in the business model. WWE's partnership with Disney+ means fans now have to cough up $40 per event, a steep jump from the $8 monthly Peacock subscription we had before. That alone set the tone: fans already felt like they were being worked over before the first match began. Then came the headline attraction: John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar. Cena, appearing at his very first Wrestlepalooza in the middle of his farewell tour, should have been given the spotlight to shine one last time. Instead, he was squashed in just eight minutes. On ESPN's stage, with casual sports fans watching, WWE essentially handed critics the narrative they love: that wrestling is a joke. This wasn't just a loss for Cena; it was a loss for the company's credibility. The Vision-Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed-took on the reunited Usos, Jimmy and Jey. It was a serviceable 17-minute bout, but nothing more. The Vision needed the win, and they got it, but the entire match played out exactly as expected. Predictability kills momentum, and this was a prime example. One of the night's rare bright spots came outside the ropes: Stephanie McMahon was announced as the first inductee into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame class. Long overdue and fully deserved, this announcement was the one genuine feel-good moment of the night. It's telling when the loudest cheers come for an announcement, not the action. For the vacant Women's World Championship, Stephanie Vaquer faced Iyo Sky. Both are elite talents, and while the match had flashes of brilliance, Vaquer's slower pace kept it from reaching top gear. Her victory was the right move for freshness in the division, but again, there was no drama. Everyone saw it coming a mile away. The return of AJ Lee after 10 years should have been the emotional centerpiece. Teaming with her husband CM Punk against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, the story was there, the history was there, the crowd was ready. And yet the booking played it safe. AJ's team won-as everyone knew they would-but without the twists, drama, or "anything can happen" feel that makes great wrestling moments stick in memory. The WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre capped the night, but it felt like an afterthought. With minimal build and no real spark, the outcome was never in doubt. Cody retained, the crowd went home, and the sense of deflation was undeniable. SmackDown's ongoing creative struggles have bled into its big matches, and this was another casualty. At the end of the night, Wrestlepalooza 2025 will be remembered not for its highlights but for its missteps. John Cena's abrupt loss sent the wrong message, predictable finishes plagued the card, and Triple H's creative direction felt stale and uninspired. The only true high point was Stephanie McMahon's Hall of Fame announcement-everything else felt like WWE going through the motions. If this is supposed to be the premium sports-entertainment showcase, then it's time for new play-calling in the creative room, because the current game plan isn't working.

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