WWE Wrestlepalooza: Ratings and Analysis of Cena vs Lesnar, Rhodes and More

Wrestlepalooza: A Detailed Analysis of a WWE Event

The Wrestlepalooza event, WWE’s first Premium Live Event (PLE), took place on Saturday from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This event marked the beginning of a new era for WWE. The event featured several outstanding matches, including the highly anticipated encounter between John Cena and Brock Lesnar, as well as the crowning of a new Women’s World Champion. It also witnessed the return of AJ Lee, who teamed up with her husband, CM Punk.

Below, we break down each of the matches and evaluate their quality in terms of narrative, in-ring performance, and overall entertainment.

Women’s World Championship: Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer

Result: Vaquer defeated Sky by pinfall
Rating: B+ This match stood out for the excellence of both fighters. The first half was a game of strategy, with precise counterattacks. Vaquer focused on attacking Sky’s knee, which gave her an advantage. Sky responded with knee strikes and a Spanish Fly, but her knee prevented her from completing an Over The Moonsault, which Vaquer took advantage of to execute a Spinal Tap and secure the victory. A match that fans shouldn’t miss.

Tag Team Match: The Usos vs. The Vision

Result: The Vision defeated The Usos by pinfall
Rating: C The beginning of the match was slow, with the focus on the decisions of the special referee, LA Knight. Surprisingly, he allowed the use of chairs and tables. The action improved after a near fall by The Usos. Both teams applied spears before Jey Uso managed an Uso Splash. Jey suffered an injury after receiving blows with a chair, which caused a delay. Breakker performed a spear on Jey and then another on both Usos through a table, followed by a Reed Tsunami for the victory of The Vision. Despite a bumpy ending, it wasn’t a bad match, but The Usos have had better performances.

Mixed Tag Team Match: CM Punk and AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch

Result: Punk and Lee defeated Rollins and Lynch by submission
Rating: C The mixed tag team matches, focused more on entertainment, presented a challenge. The first half was dominated by Rollins and Lynch, preventing Lee from entering the ring. Punk, after a GTS to Rollins, tagged in his wife. Lee, despite the time outside the ring, proved his worth. The match included chaotic moments, including finisher attempts and Sharpshooters. The end came after a dangerous spot where Lynch threw Lee against a commentator’s table that collapsed. Lee returned to the ring and applied his Black Widow to Lynch for the submission victory. Despite lasting almost 30 minutes, it was exciting to see Lee back. The next step could be a challenge from Lee for Lynch’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship.

Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre

Result: Rhodes defeated McIntyre by pinfall
Rating: C The main event was surprisingly short, lasting just over 15 minutes, without reaching its full potential. The story focused on Rhodes’ injury, caused by a Claymore Kick from McIntyre. McIntyre injured his leg, allowing Rhodes to apply the Cross Rhodes for the victory. This match felt more like a SmackDown main event than a PLE main event.

Individual Match: John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar

Result: Lesnar defeated Cena by pinfall
Rating: C- The seventh singles match between Cena and Lesnar felt more like a prelude. Lesnar quickly dominated, applying several Suplexes. Cena tried to react with three Attitude Adjustments, but Lesnar intercepted him with six F-5s for a dominant victory. The match, lasting nine minutes, was based on Lesnar’s signature moves.

Overall Rating of WWE Wrestlepalooza: C

The match between Vaquer and Sky saved the event from being average, offering an exceptional spectacle. The rest of the matches were disappointing or served for future rivalries. Despite expectations, the event did not live up to its promise of epic moments.