For WWE fans, October 2025 is shaping up to be nothing short of electric. In the midst of a global tour and a high-profile pay-per-view looming on the horizon, the company’s superstars are making headlines both inside and outside the ring. But it’s not just the action that’s grabbing attention—missteps and breakout moments are sparking conversations far beyond the squared circle.
Cody Rhodes, known to millions as "The American Nightmare," stands atop WWE’s mountain as the Undisputed WWE Champion. This marks his second reign as the face of the company, a role he’s embraced since returning to WWE. According to coverage from multiple wrestling outlets, Rhodes cemented his legacy by dethroning none other than John Cena at SummerSlam on August 3, 2025. That victory didn’t just earn him the gold—it signaled a new era for WWE’s flagship title.
But Rhodes didn’t rest on his laurels. His first title defense came at the inaugural Wrestlepalooza Premium Live Event (PLE) on September 20, where he retained his championship against Drew McIntyre in the night’s main event. Interestingly, this defense was delayed due to Rhodes’ commitments with the filming of Street Fighter, a testament to his growing profile both in and out of wrestling. As Wrestlepalooza wrapped, Rhodes’ star seemed brighter than ever.
Rhodes’ accolades don’t end there. In November 2024, he became the first-ever WWE Crown Jewel Champion, a title that has quickly become one of the company’s most coveted prizes. Now, as WWE gears up for its seventh Crown Jewel PLE, Rhodes is set to defend that championship once again. His opponent? None other than Seth Rollins, the World Heavyweight Champion representing RAW. The two will clash on October 11, 2025, at Perth’s RAC Arena, an event that’s already generating global buzz.
Yet, even as anticipation builds for the big event, an unexpected blunder has fans talking. During the Iowa State vs. Cincinnati college football game broadcast on ESPN2 over the October 4-5 weekend, announcer Roy Philpott was tasked with promoting WWE Crown Jewel. But instead of hyping Cody Rhodes, Philpott mistakenly referred to him as "Cory Rhodes." The slip didn’t go unnoticed. Social media lit up with reactions, with one clip going viral as fans laughed off the gaffe. As one amused user posted, “ESPN called him ‘Cory Rhodes’” followed by a string of laughing emojis. The moment was a reminder that even the biggest brands can fumble the details when worlds collide.
Despite this minor mishap, the WWE-ESPN partnership continues to draw attention, especially as both companies look to expand their reach with premium events and broader coverage. The Crown Jewel VII card itself is stacked, promising a night of high-stakes drama. Alongside the headline match between Rhodes and Rollins, fans can look forward to AJ Styles facing John Cena—a bout sure to draw from years of shared history and rivalry. Tag team fans will see Asuka and Kairi Sane take on IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley, a matchup with plenty of personal animosity after recent events on WWE programming.
Other marquee matches include a Last Man Standing contest between Damian Priest and Aleister Black, and a Women’s Crown Jewel Championship showdown pitting RAW’s Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer against SmackDown’s Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton. The diversity and depth of the card reflect WWE’s ongoing commitment to showcasing its deep roster and creating must-see moments for fans around the globe.
WWE’s Australian tour doesn’t stop at Crown Jewel. The company will host its go-home SmackDown from RAC Arena on October 10, setting the stage for the weekend’s main event. After Crown Jewel, Monday’s post-PLE RAW will also take place at the same venue, keeping the action concentrated in Perth. The tour then moves to Melbourne, where a non-televised Supershow will be held on October 15 at the iconic Rod Laver Arena. It’s a whirlwind schedule that underscores WWE’s global ambitions and the enduring popularity of its product in Australia and beyond.
While Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins prepare for their high-profile clash, another superstar is quietly building momentum in the women’s division. Kairi Sane, who returned to WWE programming in 2023 and joined the faction Damage CTRL, has been at the center of a compelling storyline involving Asuka, IYO SKY, and Rhea Ripley. The angle has seen both Asuka and Sane “misted” by their opponents—an old-school wrestling tactic that never fails to draw a reaction from the crowd.
On a recent episode of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, wrestling veteran Bully Ray weighed in on Sane’s potential, offering high praise for her current run. “I’m liking this story. It’s a good little soap opera. Obviously, Rhea included, too. Asuka is playing her part very, very well. Kairi [is] doing a great job. Kairi could be the shining star in this whole thing. Kairi, she could be the Jey Uso of this story. The breakout star of this story.” According to Bully Ray, Sane’s role could mirror the rise of Jey Uso on WWE RAW, where a supporting player became a fan favorite and a central figure in the main event scene.
Sane’s journey has been anything but straightforward. She and Asuka are former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, a partnership that brought both success and drama. Her most recent match came on the September 15 episode of WWE RAW, where she fell to Stephanie Vaquer—a result that only adds fuel to the fire heading into Crown Jewel. With Sane and Asuka set to face IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley in Perth, the storyline is poised for another dramatic twist.
As WWE’s Crown Jewel VII approaches, the company finds itself at a unique crossroads: balancing the global spotlight with the unpredictability of live entertainment. Whether it’s announcers getting names mixed up on national television or under-the-radar stars like Kairi Sane poised for breakout moments, it’s clear that WWE’s appeal lies as much in its surprises as its scripted showdowns. Fans around the world are watching—and waiting—to see who will seize the moment when the bell rings in Perth.
With the championship gold on the line, rising stars in the wings, and even a few on-air blunders to keep things interesting, WWE’s October Down Under promises to be unforgettable for fans and wrestlers alike.
