WWE has announced that Wrestlepalooza 2025 will mark the first broadcast of a premium live event on new partner ESPN.
With WWE PLEs set to hit the new ESPN streaming service on September 20, there will seemingly be some changes in the future as WWE partners with ESPN.
Here are five changes to WWE on ESPN that seem likely.
5. More Mainstream WWE Attention
While the typical premium live event media appearances are known to include various local outlets, wrestling media and content creators – hosting PLEs on ESPN now provides an entirely new group of professionals interested in covering WWE events.
With the ability to have WWE stars appear on ESPN studio shows for interviews or even pop by other major sporting events being broadcasted on ESPN to remind fans about upcoming PLEs, the exposure of WWE in mainstream media is certainly set to ramp up.
Bringing in new fans and lapsed fans alike, there will likely be a continued increase in interest in WWE as ESPN brings new eyes to this modern era.
With the new ESPN DTC service offering introductory promotions that include bundles with Hulu and Disney+, the potential for an entirely new audience to be exposed to WWE content through ESPN seems probable.
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4. Focus On Ads
While there is no indication there will be “more” ad breaks during WWE premium live events on ESPN, fans should not expect that there will be none either.
It was confirmed by ESPN that like linear television, both plans for the new ESPN streaming service will feature ads during live events and studio shows.
Meaning that it is highly likely that ads will not only continue for WWE premium live events but rather, could become even more of a focal point.
Possibly integrating more WWE stars into the literal campaigns – the ads during WWE PLEs could become appointment viewing similarly to the Super Bowl.
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3. Even More Pageantry
While it could be an easy leap to say that having WWE PLEs on ESPN could lead to an increased sports presentation – there is also a solid case to be made for why the aspects that make WWE unique may also be bolstered.
One of those is the pageantry of superstar entrances – including live music performances.
With the main event entrances of PLEs potentially leaving room for big name appearances by musical guests to play stars to the ring – entrances could get even bigger and bolder.
With pyrotechnics, over the top costuming and innovative camera work setting WWE apart from the other sports offerings on ESPN, it stands to reason those key unique elements will be enhanced not diminished.
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2. ESPN Crossovers
While it isn’t uncommon to see NBA or NFL stars make periodic appearances in the crowd at WWE events, it could be that big names from ESPN also show up on pre-show or post-show panels.
Not just in reference to having celebrity guests in the crowd, there could also be ESPN crossovers on-screen.
Potentially bringing in high profile former names to provide their thoughts on the events, there could be a more sports oriented feel that includes other big name athletes on the ESPN roster.
Providing an opportunity for buzzworthy crossovers, we could see Troy Aikman weighing in on Cody Rhodes and Stephen A. Smith sharing his thoughts on Roman Reigns on WWE TV.
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1. Analysis During Premium Live Events
If WWE was to lean into the sports presentation aspect on ESPN, there could be more instances of analysis during the event.
With commentators Michael Cole and Wade Barrett able to provide in-between match analysis already, there could also be an increased reliance on analysis from the likes of Joe Tessitore or Big E during the event rather than only in a post-show setting.
Like in other professional sports presented on ESPN, there are often field interviews which could lead to some compelling new work from Cathy Kelley or Jackie Redmond as they look to capture more immediate comments from the athletes.
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