As the WWE Universe gears up for the inaugural Wrestlepalooza, the top of the card is set: Cody Rhodes will defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in the main event, while the show will open with Brock Lesnar’s first match in over two years against John Cena.
A new report from Bodyslam has potentially revealed the full planned match order for tonight’s premium live event. The card, always subject to change, is reportedly scheduled as follows:
- John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar
- The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) vs. The Vision (Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed)
- Women’s World Championship Match: Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer
- Mixed Tag Team Match: AJ Lee and CM Punk vs. Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins
- Undisputed WWE Championship Match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
While Rhodes vs. McIntyre is locked in as the headliner for the launch of WWE’s five-year partnership with ESPN, this reportedly was not the company’s original plan. According to Fightful Select, the blockbuster clash between John Cena and Brock Lesnar was initially set to close the show.
The report clarifies that the change was a creative decision, directly refuting speculation it was made to accommodate Lesnar’s known preference for leaving events early.
This backstage adjustment helps explain the confusion earlier this week involving conflicting reports from ESPN’s Joe Tessitore and Pat McAfee about the main event. WWE made the championship bout official on last night’s episode of SmackDown during a chaotic contract signing.
After Rhodes labeled McIntyre a “keyboard warrior,” the challenger floored the champion with a sudden headbutt, sparking a massive brawl that saw officials swarm the ring. McIntyre eventually broke through to deliver a Claymore Kick, leaving the champion down to close the show.
With the main event now firmly established, Wrestlepalooza boasts a stacked card that also features a highly anticipated mixed tag team match pitting CM Punk and AJ Lee against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.