WWE Introduces a New Event, Wrestlepalooza, with ESPN This Weekend. What to Know

WWE's recent 'Worlds Collide' event with AAA has set a new live viewership record, showcasing the successful partnership between the two wrestling promotions. This event, held on September 12 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, highlights WWE's growing influence and popularity, especially after acquiring the Mexican lucha libre promotion AAA. The impressive audience turnout not only reflects the excitement surrounding the crossover but also signifies a promising future for both organizations in the wrestling entertainment landscape.

John Cena's journey to landing the lead role in 'Peacemaker' is a fascinating tale of opportunity and timing. Initially, the role was offered to another wrestling icon, Dave Bautista, who turned it down, paving the way for Cena to step into the spotlight. This transition from the WWE ring to the big screen highlights Cena's versatility as an entertainer and showcases how wrestling legends can successfully cross over into mainstream media. It's a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of careers in entertainment and the unexpected paths they can take.

WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025 is set to make its debut in Indiana on September 20, marking the first major WWE event in Indianapolis since the Royal Rumble earlier this year. This inaugural premium live event promises an exciting lineup with five matchups, including two title fights. Fans are eager to witness this historic occasion, as it not only brings thrilling entertainment but also revitalizes the local sports scene.

Netflix is making waves in the sports world by entering the race for English Premier League rights, following its recent acquisitions of major sporting events like WWE's 'Monday Night Raw' and NFL's Christmas Day doubleheader. This move signifies Netflix's commitment to expanding its content offerings and tapping into the lucrative sports market, which could attract a new audience and enhance subscriber growth. With the potential to secure high-profile matches, Netflix's entry could reshape how fans consume sports entertainment.

Tatiana Maslany, the star of Marvel's 'She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,' is calling for a boycott of Disney+ and other Disney-owned platforms following the suspension of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' by ABC. This move has sparked significant conversation about the impact of corporate decisions on creative content and viewer loyalty. Maslany's stance highlights the growing frustration among artists and fans regarding corporate control in the entertainment industry.

USA Network is set to launch a new culinary series titled 'Everything On The Menu with Braun Strowman' on October 24. This exciting show features WWE superstar Braun Strowman as he explores America's diverse food scene, from beloved diner classics to high-end Michelin-starred restaurants. This series is significant as it combines entertainment with culinary exploration, appealing to both wrestling fans and food enthusiasts alike.

Dwayne Johnson's latest film, 'The Smashing Machine,' directed by Benny Safdie, has received a warm reception, including a 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. This wrestling drama is generating significant awards buzz, positioning Johnson as a potential Oscar contender for Best Actor. The film's success could mark a new era for high-profile wrestling films, with TKO President Mark Shapiro highlighting the wealth of untold stories in the wrestling world. This development is exciting for fans and the industry alike, as it could lead to more compelling narratives in the genre.

This week, movie lovers have a fantastic selection of new films hitting theaters, ranging from thrilling blockbusters to unique independent projects. As we dive into the third week of September, audiences can enjoy a variety of genres, including intriguing stories about demonic football players and heartfelt love tales that span decades. This diverse lineup ensures there's something for everyone, making it an exciting time for cinema enthusiasts to explore the latest offerings on the big screen.

ESPN's Jimmy Pitaro recently discussed the launch of ESPN Unlimited, acknowledging the challenges in acquiring all sports rights but expressing confidence in their current offerings. This matters because it highlights ESPN's strategy to adapt to changing viewer habits, especially among cord cutters, and reinforces their commitment to providing quality sports content despite limitations.

Japan's Bitter End has secured international sales for 'Sai: Disaster,' a suspense film that has been selected for the prestigious San Sebastian Film Festival's main competition. This film, directed by the talented duo Gogatsu, will also have its Asian premiere at the Busan International Film Festival. With celebrated Japanese actor Kagawa in the cast, this film is generating excitement in the film community, showcasing the growing influence of Japanese cinema on the international stage.

Tonight's TV lineup features exciting appearances from a Neighbours star and a former Leeds United player on Strictly Come Dancing, promising a night of entertainment. Additionally, viewers can catch the finale of the whimsical period drama The Count of Monte Cristo. This mix of reality and drama highlights the diverse offerings on television, making it a great evening for fans of various genres.

The San Sebastián Film Festival is set to showcase eight exciting works-in-progress, highlighting the creativity of filmmakers like Fernando Eimbcke and Jonas Bak. This event, running from September 22-24 in the Basque city, is significant as it represents the most important festival in the Spanish-speaking world, providing a platform for emerging talent and innovative projects that could shape the future of cinema.

Netflix is making significant strides in the Asia-Pacific region by expanding its Creative Asia program, which was announced during the Creative Asia conference at the Busan International Film Festival. This initiative aims to nurture local talent and enhance production standards, reflecting the company's commitment to the evolving landscape of Asian cinema. With industry leaders like Karen Park emphasizing the importance of supporting local creatives, this move not only boosts the film industry in the region but also enriches the global entertainment landscape.

21 Savage has sparked excitement on social media with his latest track, where fans believe he gave a shout-out to fellow rapper Latto through a lyric referencing cheetah print. This has generated buzz among listeners, showcasing the dynamic interactions between artists and their fans. Such moments are significant as they highlight the influence of social media in music culture and how artists can connect with each other and their audience in creative ways.

Bill Maher recently showed his support for Jimmy Kimmel during a live audience event, drawing parallels between Kimmel's suspension from ABC and Maher's own cancellation from the network years ago. His remarks resonated with the audience, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by comedians in the current media landscape. This moment is significant as it underscores the importance of free speech and the pressures that networks can exert on creative content.