World Wrestling Entertainment is moving its premium live events to ESPN several months ahead of schedule, ending its run on NBCUniversal’s Peacock earlier than anticipated. The switch will begin on 20 September with a new show titled “Wrestlepalooza,” according to statements from both companies reported on Wednesday. “Wrestlepalooza” will be broadcast live at 7 p.m. Eastern from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The card is set to feature John Cena in what is billed as his final match in the city, alongside appearances by Cody Rhodes, World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch, CM Punk and Drew McIntyre. Accelerating the timetable brings forward a five-year agreement that had been expected to start in 2026, giving Disney-owned ESPN exclusive U.S. streaming rights to WWE’s slate of premium events, including Crown Jewel and Survivor Series later this year. The content bolsters ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer streaming platform, which launches this week, and helps maintain the network’s relationship with TKO Group after UFC rights migrate to Paramount+ at year-end.
A NEW ERA BEGINS ‼️ Wrestlepalooza will mark WWE's first Premium Live Event on ESPN 🔥 🗓️ Saturday, Sept. 20 | 7 PM ET | Indianapolis, IN https://t.co/1p20PhqAUE
"Wrestlepalooza is expected to be a big one for WWE. John Cena is headlining the event, which will also feature Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, CM Punk and Drew McIntyre in major matches. This will officially mark Cena’s last time wrestling in Indy." Via @DEADLINE https://t.co/f1WWAQJ4tk https://t.co/lS8ZFLiZOY
WWE leaving Peacock earlier than expected— ESPN bowing 'Wrestlepalooza' on September 20 https://t.co/rf1WWCf7oy