ESPN, WWE officially kicked-off partnership with first-ever Wrestlepalooza Premium Live Event

Pat McAfee

A fan watching ESPN’s “Road to Wrestlepalooza” show featuring The Miz

Artist creating WWE Superstars mural

Big E (left) and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton (right)

Brock Lesnar

John Cena

Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes

Peter Rosenberg, ESPN Radio personality, on the ESPN set

Joe Tessitore (left) and Big E

Cody Rhodes (left), Glenn Jacobs, ESPN VP, Production (right)

ESPN and WWE officially kicked-off their new partnership on September 20 with the first-ever Wrestlepalooza Premium Live Event in Indianapolis, Ind. The star-studded show — highlighted by an epic encounter between John Cena and Brock Lesnar — streamed exclusively in the U.S. on the ESPN App.

ESPN’s Wrestlepalooza production team, led by Vice President Glenn Jacobs and his dedicated staff, quickly mobilized to make ESPN’s surrounding coverage of Wrestlepalooza memorable. From SportsCenter in Indy and on-site pre-event shows, to WWE Superstar appearances all across ESPN programming, the depth and strength of ESPN’s coverage was on full display.

“The tremendous coverage surrounding Wrestlepalooza was a direct result of the effort made by so many talented members of our staff,” said Burke Magnus, ESPN President of Content. “In short order, our team aligned and operated with great skill and passion as we launched an exciting new WWE Premium Live Event. We appreciate our valued partners at WWE who delivered a spectacular night of action.”

The photos captured by ESPN Images above highlight the frenetic, fan-centric atmosphere of Wrestlepalooza on ESPN.