The WWE SmackDown brand recently presented a special episode from Saudi Arabia, and now will present another big night in Nashville this week. WWE’s blue brand also has international episodes booked for Canada, France, and Australia this year, but the buzz just increased in a major way with an announcement on 2025 plans.
WWE and the NCAA’s Big 12 Conference first partnered in 2023 to produce custom-made championship belts for the Most Outstanding Player of championship games. Several top Superstars have appeared at games to promote the alliance.
WWE and Big 12 announced an extension to their multi-faceted partnership today. The deal will see live SmackDown episodes air from Big 12 markets the night before four conference football games in the 2025 season.
WWE SmackDown Headed To Ireland With Big 12
WWE and the Big 12 Conference will begin the new chapter of their partnership on Friday, August 22 in Dublin, Ireland. SmackDown will air live from 3Arena that night, just hours before Big 12 Football begins its 30th year with the Week 0 Saturday match-up between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Kansas State Wildcats, billed as the Aer Lingus College Football Classic from Aviva Stadium.
SmackDown on October 3 will air live from Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. This is the night before Cincinnati vs. Iowa State. The third Big 12 SmackDown will air from Mullet Arena in Tempe, Arizona on October 24. The next day, Arizona State vs. Houston will take place.
WWE® & Big 12 Conference to Bring Friday Night Smackdown to Big 12 Markets During 2025 College Football Season
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) July 9, 2025
WWE’s fourth and final Big 12 SmackDown episode will take place on Halloween, October 31, from Delta Center in Salt Lake City Utah. The next day, Utah will take on Cincinnati in college football.
The company will be in the UK for the first Big 12 SmackDown as Clash In Paris is being held one week later on August 31. The October 3 SmackDown is days after the PLE in France, and one week before Crown Jewel in Australia.