The Friday night before a major WWE Premium Live Event is always electric—and the October 10, 2025 episode of SmackDown promises to be a blockbuster as it’s the go-home show ahead of WWE Crown Jewel: Perth. With just 24 hours before superstars collide for gold and glory in Australia, the blue brand is set to deliver key matches, dramatic build-ups, and last-minute twists that could change the course of Sunday’s headline bouts.
What’s at Stake: The Go-Home Buzz
With the Crown Jewel event marking WWE’s first major Saudi-sponsored show outside Riyadh—this time in Perth, Australia—the stakes couldn’t be higher for both Raw and SmackDown’s top talent[2]. The SmackDown roster, in particular, is under pressure to deliver compelling TV that sends fans rushing to their screens for the Crown Jewel stream. “There’s a real sense that this is more than just a go-home show—it’s a chance to convert casual viewers into pay-per-view buyers,” a WWE production insider revealed. “Everyone backstage knows the eyes of the wrestling world are on this episode.”
Confirmed Matches and Segment Previews
While the exact SmackDown match card is being closely guarded, reliable sources indicate several key confrontations are locked in for the October 10 broadcast:
- Cody Rhodes Appearance: With Rhodes set to battle Seth Rollins for the Crown Jewel Championship in a rare champion vs. champion showdown, expect “The American Nightmare” to cut a fiery promo addressing his rivalry with Rollins and the high-stakes environment in Perth[1]. Sources close to Rhodes suggest he’s determined to prove that SmackDown’s top title is the true measure of WWE’s elite, despite his repeated victories over Rollins on Raw in recent months[1].
- Tiffany Stratton vs. Stephanie Vaquer Final Showdown: The women’s division is heating up as WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton faces off against Raw’s Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer at Crown Jewel[3]. SmackDown is expected to host a contract signing or heated segment between the two, following a chaotic encounter last Friday that saw interference from Women’s U.S. Champion Giulia and manager Kiana James[3]. “The women’s locker room is buzzing—Stratton hasn’t been beaten in a major singles match all year, and Vaquer is looking to make her first WWE title defense count,” a backstage source noted.
- The Bloodline’s Final Push: With Roman Reigns scheduled for an Australian Street Fight against Bronson Reed at Crown Jewel, The Bloodline is likely to make their presence felt on SmackDown. Speculation is high that Reigns will deliver a message, potentially with Paul Heyman at his side, to intimidate Reed before their brutal encounter.
- John Cena’s Last SmackDown Before Crown Jewel: As part of his retirement tour, John Cena is expected to appear, building anticipation for his match against AJ Styles in Perth[2]. The segment could also pay homage to Cena’s storied career and his final international pay-per-view appearance as an in-ring competitor[2].
How to Watch and Start Time
U.S. fans can catch SmackDown live on Fox at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. For international viewers, WWE’s global streaming partner will carry the show live, with exact times varying by region. Crown Jewel itself will stream on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 8 a.m. ET/5 a.m. PT in the U.S. via the ESPN App and on Netflix worldwide[4].
Predictions and Expert Analysis
With the Crown Jewel card boasting two champion-vs-champion main events, all eyes are on SmackDown’s top stars to deliver unforgettable moments. CBS Sports wrestling analyst Shakiel Mahjouri predicts Seth Rollins will defeat Cody Rhodes in their Crown Jewel clash, given the “ceremonial” nature of the match and Rhodes’ recent dominance over Rollins[1]. However, Rhodes’ momentum and connection with the WWE Universe make him a dangerous underdog heading into Perth.
In the women’s division, Tiffany Stratton’s undefeated streak in 2025 makes her the favorite, but Stephanie Vaquer’s recent upset victory for the Women’s World Title—and her alliance with Giulia and Kiana James—adds a wildcard factor[3]. “Stratton is WWE’s breakout star of the year, but Vaquer knows this is her chance to shock the world,” a member of the women’s roster told us.
Last-Minute Angles and Potential Surprises
Go-home shows are famous for last-minute swerves, and WWE creative is reportedly considering several surprises to spike interest ahead of Crown Jewel. CM Punk, who has teased involvement in the Rhodes-Rollins feud, could make a surprise appearance to add further chaos[1]. Similarly, the lingering tension between The Bloodline and Bronson Reed could explode in a backstage brawl or impromptu match.
Internally, there’s also talk of a major return or debut to capitalize on the Crown Jewel spotlight. While details remain speculative, WWE’s track record suggests anything is possible on the final SmackDown before a Premium Live Event.
Why This SmackDown Matters
With the global wrestling audience tuning in, the October 10 SmackDown isn’t just a stopgap—it’s a crucial chapter in WWE’s ongoing storytelling. The blue brand’s ability to build anticipation, deliver in-ring action, and set the stage for Crown Jewel’s cross-brand battles will be closely scrutinized by fans and insiders alike.
“This is about momentum,” a longtime WWE producer explained. “You want your audience to leave Friday night desperate to see what happens on Saturday. That’s the magic of a great go-home show—you don’t just sell the event, you sell the emotion.”
Final Thoughts: What to Watch For
- Champion vs. Champion Tension: Will Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins come face-to-face, or will their rivalry escalate beyond the mic?
- Women’s Division Fireworks: Can Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer keep their animosity contained, or will outside interference once again dominate the scene?
- The Bloodline’s Power Play: How will Roman Reigns assert his dominance before stepping into an Australian Street Fight?
- John Cena’s Emotional Farewell: Will Cena address his impending retirement and set the stage for one last classic with AJ Styles?
- Surprise Appearances: Keep an eye out for unexpected returns or debuts as WWE goes all-in for Crown Jewel.
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Conclusion
The October 10, 2025 edition of SmackDown is poised to be a must-watch for any WWE fan. With the Crown Jewel card stacked and emotions running high, the blue brand has every opportunity to deliver a memorable night of sports entertainment. Tune in for high-stakes promos, intense rivalries, and the final push before one of WWE’s biggest events of the year—because when the red and blue brands collide, anything can happen.