WWE kicked off its historic 2025 Crown Jewel event in Perth, Western Australia, with a unique and unexpected celebration that paid tribute to Aussie culture: a spirited shoey party led by stars Rhea Ripley, Grayson Waller, IYO SKY, and Michael Cole. The kickoff show ignited the Australian crowd with homegrown energy and camaraderie before the night’s major matches, setting the tone for an unforgettable night at the RAC Arena.
Shoey Celebration: A Nod to Aussie Tradition
Known as the art of drinking from a shoe, the shoey is a popular Australian tradition that WWE embraced with enthusiasm during the Crown Jewel kickoff show. Grayson Waller energized the fans when he burst onto the stage, immediately capturing their attention with his Aussie charm and lightning-fast pace. Moments later, Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY joined the festivities, along with longtime WWE commentator Michael Cole, turning the celebration into a full-blown party that had the crowd roaring. The group’s collective shoeys showcased WWE’s connection to the event’s host country and energized the arena with cheers.
This lively, culturally significant moment was a reminder that WWE not only brought world-class wrestling but also respected and celebrated regional traditions, creating a shared experience between the performers and the passionate Perth audience.
Setting the Stage for Crown Jewel Perth
The 2025 Crown Jewel marks WWE’s first-ever event outside Saudi Arabia for this series and takes place on October 11 at the RAC Arena in Perth. The event features a stacked card from both Raw and SmackDown brands, headlined by the unification clash between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. Alongside this main event are compelling contests including:
- WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton vs. Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer
- A high-profile Australian Street Fight between Roman Reigns and Bronson Reed
- Tag team matches featuring fan favorites, including Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY vs. Asuka and Kairi Sane[1][2].
Ripley and SKY’s involvement in the kickoff shoey celebration symbolized their enthusiasm for the night ahead, as they prepared to showcase their talents against Japanese legends Asuka and Kairi Sane in what promises to be one of the evening’s highlights.
Seth Rollins’ Surprising Walkout Adds Drama
The kickoff show didn’t just deliver festive fun—it also saw a tense and dramatic moment with World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins. Following a confrontation with Bronson Reed, Rollins took the microphone to address his upcoming match against Cody Rhodes but left the arena shocked by walking off stage silently, refusing to engage with the crowd or deliver a promo[4][5].
Fans erupted in boos as Rollins turned his back and exited, with many chanting “Na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye,” signaling the crowd’s disappointment. Paul Heyman, present ringside, attempted to salvage the situation by proclaiming confidence in Rollins’ championship aspirations, but the moment left an uneasy atmosphere heading into the pay-per-view main event.
According to a WWE insider, “Rollins’ walkout wasn’t just a heat-seeking moment; backstage sources say he’s wrestling with the pressure of facing Cody again, who has consistently outperformed him. This may be his way to throw fans and opponents off balance before the big showdown.”
A Night of Wrestling, Culture, and High Stakes
WWE Crown Jewel 2025 carries significance beyond the squared circle. As the first Crown Jewel event outside Saudi Arabia, held on Australian soil, it reflects WWE’s global expansion efforts while honoring local traditions—both in celebration and storytelling.
The kickoff show’s mix of cultural moments like the shoey party with Ripley, Waller, SKY, and Cole — alongside high-drama segments such as the Rollins walkout — demonstrated WWE’s ability to blend entertainment with wrestling skill, heightening anticipation for the main card.
Fans can stream Crown Jewel live on ESPN App in the U.S. and Netflix internationally, with expert breakdowns available before and after the event[2][6].
Behind the Scenes: WWE’s Aussie Strategy
Sources close to WWE’s creative team reveal that the shoey celebration was a planned gesture to win over the Australian audience. “WWE wanted to bring something authentic that resonates deeply in Perth,” said a company spokesperson. “Having stars like Grayson Waller, who has Australian roots, lead the charge was strategic, making the crowd feel connected from the moment the kick-off began.”
Rhea Ripley’s enthusiasm for representing Australia has also been a strong focus in recent weeks. “We’ve all seen how the home crowd feeds on the energy, and Rhea’s been fired up to make sure her presence not only in the ring but in moments like these feels real and heartfelt for the fans,” the source added.
Looking Ahead
With the Crown Jewel main show promising electric encounters and the kickoff show already making waves with memorable moments, WWE is poised to deliver a one-of-a-kind event. The shoey celebration at the start was not just a gimmick but a testament to WWE’s evolving approach—embracing local culture, spotlighting rising stars, and delivering unexpected entertainment that enriches the fan experience worldwide.
Whether it’s the high-stakes matchups or the festive vibe kicking off the night, Crown Jewel 2025 in Perth is shaping up to be an unmissable WWE event that honors both the sport and its global community.
The WWE Crown Jewel 2025 event streams live Saturday, October 11, at 8 a.m. ET/5 a.m. PT on the ESPN App in the U.S. and via Netflix internationally.