• ESPN Comments On WWE Counterprogramming AEW PPVs
During the Wrestlepalooza media call, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select asked ESPN executives about WWE counterprogramming AEW PPVs.
ESPN’s Matt Kenny explained that the network works directly with WWE to coordinate scheduling. He noted that many of WWE’s dates were already in place before concerns about counterprogramming came up.
Kenny added that ESPN was targeting a major WWE event in September and welcomed the idea of competition, though he acknowledged that college football was also a significant factor in the scheduling process.
He emphasized that ESPN’s goal is to give wrestling fans the best possible experience through ESPN Unlimited, the network’s expanded streaming offering.
JT Lasker also addressed the challenge of football competition, revealing that ESPN Unlimited will feature a multiview option, allowing fans to watch multiple broadcasts at once and keep up with everything happening live.
Also Read: WWE Plans To Hit AEW Hard In 2026
• ESPN Comments On WWE Bringing Back Brock Lesnar Despite Legal Issues
WWE’s ESPN era will kick off this Saturday with the Wrestlepalooza premium live event. During the media call for this PLE, Jon Alba asked ESPN executives about Brock Lesnar’s WWE return and The Beast’s involvement in Wrestlepalooza despite being named in Vince McMahon’s active lawsuit against Janel Grant.
ESPN executives noted that WWE controls their storylines and wrestlers, and that ESPN has not requested WWE to bring in any talent.
Below is the match-card for Wrestlepalooza:
– Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena
– AJ Lee & CM Punk vs. Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch & World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins
– Undisputed WWE Championship Match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
– Vacant Women’s World Championship Match: IYO SKY vs. Stephanie Vaquer
– The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) vs. The Vision (Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed)
NOTE: Joe Tessitore has confirmed that the final match between Lesnar and Cena will be the main event of this PLE.
