WWE fans attending SmackDown in London this week will experience a historic first as the wrestling giant screens a World Cup match live on the jumbotron at The O2 Arena. The England vs. Ghana group stage game, kicking off at 9pm, will be shown for free to all ticketholders after the show concludes.
Earlier Start Time to Accommodate Football
SmackDown has been moved to an earlier start time of 6pm to ensure the show finishes before the football begins. This adjustment came after fans expressed concerns about missing the Three Lions' crucial second group match. The screening, sponsored by Budweiser, marks the first time a football match has ever been shown on the big screen at The O2.
According to WWE officials, the move aims to provide a unique atmosphere for fans, blending the energy of a live wrestling event with the excitement of a World Cup viewing party. Wrestling fans, particularly British audiences, are known for their rowdy chants that often have a football flavour, making the crossover a natural fit.
Big Matches Announced for SmackDown
The taped episode, which will air on Netflix in its usual Friday night slot, features several high-profile matches. The UK's own Paige, who returned at WrestleMania to win the tag titles with Brie Bella, will face rising star Jacy Jayne. Hometown hero Nathan Frazer will take on masked luchador Rey Fenix, and former United States Champion Giulia will battle manager-turned-rival Kiana James.
Fans are also hoping for the long-awaited SmackDown debut of English star Blake Monroe, who has been teased in vignettes for weeks. 'WWE and SmackDown audiences have never seen anything like me,' Monroe promised in an exclusive chat with Metro last month. 'They've never seen a woman as versatile as me.' When asked about a potential debut date, she teased: 'We do have this European tour coming up, so maybe, let's see…'
England's World Cup Prospects
England are currently on track to qualify from Group L after a dominant 4-2 victory over Croatia last week. A win against Ghana on Wednesday could see them secure passage to the knockout stages with two wins from two games, even before their final group match against Panama on June 27.
Tickets for Raw and SmackDown on June 22 and 23 at London's O2 are still available. The historic World Cup viewing party adds extra value for fans attending SmackDown, offering a unique blend of sports entertainment and live football.
