'B Level PLE' - Fans Call Out Triple H For WWE Wrestlepalooza 'Lies' & Drew McIntyre Loss

Triple H's comments before Wrestlepalooza suggested expecting the unexpected, with many envisioning similar twists and turns that have occured at WrestleMania. The company's chief content officer told ESPN before the PLE: "Expect spectacle, expect surprises, expect to have a lot of fun, and ESPN is going to deliver."

While the PLE itself was fine with some great matches, including Stephanie Vaquer defeating Iyo Sky to become the new Women's World Champion, the lack of surprises was telling. Perhaps the only shock on the night was The Undertaker's appearance to announce that Stephanie McMahon would be entering the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame.

There were many who believed a Randy Orton heel turn could be on the cards because of his absence from the matchcard and possible unspoken issues with Cody Rhodes. The Viper did not appear after the main event, which saw the American Nightmare successfully defend his WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre.

Fans had already hit out at John Cena's battle with Brock Lesnar, which many deem to be an uninspiring take on their 2014 SummerSlam squash match. It feels as though many of WWE's audience are beginning to become unsurprised when they hear Triple H promote an event with such claims.

One fan gave their verdict on the booking:

"Triple H is a liar. No surprises. No returns. Just a B Level PLE."

Another stated:

"WHERE WAS THE SURPRISE…? Triple H SCAMMED everyone. Only the women’s title match and mixed tag team was good."

One fan wrote:

"I’m still waiting for those surprises Triple H talked about for."

Another added:

"Lesnar defeated John Cena, Drew McIntyre got beat so clean it made him look weak… No Randy Orton, No Surprise, Triple H what was this man."

The biggest spectacle regarding the event was its debut on ESPN following the promotion's five-year deal to stream PLE's on ESPN's new streaming app. But there were some exciting outcomes, such as AJ Lee starring in her return match as she picked up the victory in her mixed tag match with CM Punk against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins.

Fans Feel For Drew McIntyre After Wrestlepalooza Loss

Drew McIntyre was one of the biggest losers on the night, beaten by Cody Rhodes in the main event as he eyed becoming a three-time world champion. The Scottish Warrior hasn't been handed a significant world title run since back during the COVID-19 pandemic when he put the company on his back.

The Scot fell short of dethroning Rhodes, which some had anticipated, after their WWE Championship match was booked as the main event. A knee 'injury' sustained partly because of the match official helped the champion eventually come out victorious, hitting a Super Cody Cutter before a Cross Rhodes for the clean win.

Fans couldn't help but sympathise with McIntyre because of the work he's put in during the feud. One wrote:

"Drew McIntyre was building up this feud on his own every week while Cody Rhodes was out shooting for his film. Drew McIntyre should not have lost clean. I feel so bad for Drew, man."

Another added:

"Feeling bad for Drew."

One wrote:

"Very unfair on him."

Another questioned McIntyre extending his deal with WWE:

"I still don't understand WHY Drew keeps singing his contract. Alright money money but bro you are just getting used to get nothing."

McIntyre will likely use the referee as an excuse for missing out on the gold yet again, but many believe his constant hard work should be rewarded with a world title reign. But he will now exit the title picture as Rhodes moves onto a champion versus champion match with World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins at Crown Jewel in Perth.