We’re coming up on one year since the launch of WWE’s Wrestlepalooza PLE, which took place in September 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The event kicked off WWE’s current 1.6 billion dollar PLE deal with ESPN. That business relationship got off to a rough start as critics panned the show, which featured John Cena getting crushed by Brock Lesnar in the opening match.
It was the first time WWE ran a PLE with the Wrestlepalooza name, and some fans thought it might also be the last
time given the lack of news about its return with the one year anniversary coming up. But just a short while ago on social media, WWE announced that Wrestlepalooza is indeed back on the calendar in 2026. It’s taking place on December 12 in Perth, Australia. Raw and SmackDown are also coming to Australia at that time.
Here is an excerpt from WWE’s full press release on the news, which reveals a new three year agreement to bring PLEs to Perth in 2027 and 2028 as well.
“WWE, in partnership with the Western Australian Government through Tourism Western Australia, today announced a new three-year agreement that will see Perth host WWE Weekend Takeovers featuring a Premium Live Event annually from 2026 through 2028, kicking off with Wrestlepalooza: Perth on Saturday, December 12, 2026.
The first WWE Weekend Takeover under the new agreement will see RAC Arena host SmackDown® on Friday, December 11, followed by Wrestlepalooza: Perth on Saturday, December 12, and Raw® on Monday, December 14.
The announcement follows the blockbuster success of WWE’s inaugural Wrestlepalooza in 2025, headlined by John Cena and Brock Lesnar, that kicked off WWE’s partnership with ESPN.
WWE’s previous events in Perth, including Elimination Chamber: Perth® in 2024 and Crown Jewel: Perth® in 2025, collectively attracted tens of thousands of visitors from outside Western Australia and generated more than AUD $58 million for the state’s economy.
In addition to the live events, Perth will also play host to a range of WWE fan experiences throughout the city, including WWE Superstores, WWE Superstar meet-and-greets, community activities and more.
Three-event combo tickets for Wrestlepalooza: Perth, SmackDown and Raw will go on general sale Thursday, September 10 at 10am AWST.”
The date December 12 stands out because it was recently rumored to be a leading candidate for running The John Cena Classic. Could that concept be coming to Australia, or does this announcement mean the date is no longer under consideration for it?
What do you make of WWE’s new deal for PLEs in Western Australia, as well as Wrestlepalooza: Perth taking place on December 12? Let me know in the comments below, Cagesiders.
