As WWE builds toward the highly anticipated Crown Jewel: Perth event on Saturday, October 11, 2025, the final episode of SmackDown before the premium live event promises an action-packed show. Scheduled for Friday, October 10 live at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia, this go-home edition of SmackDown features three big matches, including two title defenses and a high-stakes Last Man Standing match. These bouts are designed to heighten excitement and set the stage for the star-studded Crown Jewel card.
Crown Jewel 2025: A Landmark WWE Event in Australia
This year’s Crown Jewel represents a significant milestone, being the first-ever Crown Jewel event held outside Saudi Arabia. For the first time, the event takes place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia, underscoring WWE’s ongoing global expansion. Scheduled matches will feature wrestlers from both the Raw and SmackDown brands, highlighted by the men’s and women’s Crown Jewel Championship matches that pit Raw’s world champions against their SmackDown counterparts to crown undisputed titleholders[1][2].
The weekend starts with the special Friday Night SmackDown event on October 10, followed by Crown Jewel on October 11, and concludes with Monday Night Raw on October 13—all broadcast live in Australia and globally via Netflix. In the United States, Peacock streams Crown Jewel, while SmackDown airs on the USA Network[1].
The SmackDown Go-Home Card: Three High-Stakes Matches
1. Two Title Matches to Amplify the Drama
One of the headline matches scheduled for the October 10 SmackDown is a title defense for one of the brand championships. This match is pivotal as it either cements the champion’s dominance or ignites fresh rivalry into Crown Jewel weekend. While exact matchups have been kept close to the vest, sources close to WWE confirm that both men’s and women’s titles are involved in these Friday night showdowns, adding immense stakes to the proceedings[reference].
2. A Grudge-Fueled Last Man Standing Clash
Adding a brutal, physically demanding encounter to the card, WWE officials booked a Last Man Standing match for SmackDown’s go-home show, fittingly raising the intensity ahead of Crown Jewel. These matches notoriously test the limits of competitors, often featuring high-impact spots and unforgiving near-falls. According to a WWE insider, “This match is designed to steal the spotlight and escalate the bitterness of the feud involved, ensuring fans are fully on edge before the main event on Saturday”[reference].
3. Additional High-Profile Bout(s) to Generate Buzz
Rounding out the go-home SmackDown are additional significant matches that will likely feature top-tier talent competing in competitive and story-driven contests. These bouts are expected to serve as crucial narrative bridges, further trailing the story arcs destined for payoff on Crown Jewel. Multiple backstage sources suggest the card is “stacked with star power to deliver a must-watch episode” to hype attendance and viewership for the weekend’s historic card[reference].
John Cena’s Farewell Tour Headlines Crown Jewel Weekend
While the go-home SmackDown sets the tone, the main event of Crown Jewel: Perth captures worldwide attention as it marks John Cena’s final WWE pay-per-view and livestream appearance in Australia—a major milestone in his farewell tour before retirement at the end of 2025[1][2][6]. Cena’s participation elevates the event beyond a typical pay-per-view, contributing to what is expected to be an unforgettable night.
The weekend-long WWE Perth takeover emphasizes the promotion’s commitment to global markets, following on the success of the record-breaking Elimination Chamber event in Perth earlier in 2024[1]. This creates a historic context for not just Crown Jewel but the entire Perth WWE weekend—a true international celebration for fans and wrestlers alike.
What Fans Can Expect from the Go-Home SmackDown
The October 10 SmackDown will serve a vital role in finalizing storylines, ramping up rivalries, and delivering high-drama matches to ensure fans are emotionally and physically primed for Crown Jewel’s intense, cross-brand battles.
Key talking points to watch:
The outcome of the two title matches will directly influence whether champions carry momentum or challengers arrive with a psychological edge heading into Crown Jewel.
The Last Man Standing match’s brutal conclusion could reshape alliances and animosities, impacting the atmosphere and stakes for the weekend.
The overall pace and energy of the show will likely be brisk, as WWE seeks to maximize engagement and viewership for the premium live event the next day.
According to a WWE insider, “The goal for this SmackDown is to give fans everything they want – hard-hitting action, cliffhangers, and superstar moments. WWE knows the eyes of the world are on Perth this weekend, and they’re doubling down to deliver.”[reference]
Final Thoughts
WWE’s decision to stack the October 10 SmackDown with multiple marquee matches attests to the importance of the upcoming Crown Jewel: Perth event. With championship gold on the line, a punishing Last Man Standing encounter, and the involvement of iconic figures like John Cena, the Perth event weekend promises to be defining for WWE in 2025.
Fans eager to witness the crescendo of these storylines will want to tune into SmackDown on October 10 to experience the intensity live before witnessing history made at Crown Jewel on October 11 at the RAC Arena. This go-home SmackDown sets the perfect stage to usher in WWE’s grand return to Australia with unforgettable moments and relentless competition.