Why the Big XII's expanded partnership with WWE makes perfect sense

The Big XII and the WWE have been working together for a while and today the two parties announced the next step in their partnership with WWE programming coming to multiple markets associated with member schools.

​Starting with the August 22 episode of WWE Smackdown, the professional wrestling....errr sports entertainment company will broadcast four episodes of Smackdown in Big XII markets.

The other three shows will be on October 3 from the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio (Iowa State vs. Cincinnati); October 24 from the Mullet Arena in Tempe, Arizona (Houston vs. Arizona State); and October 31 from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah (Cincinnati vs. Utah). 

Generally, the WWE books venues from their two live anchor shows (RAW and Smackdown) well in advance and their European tour was announced in March, so this is likely the Big XII taking advantage of a unique opportunity to get some increased marketing. Expect players from at least one team to be in the audience and acknowledged on the television broadcast along with a plug for the game the next day. 

The Big XII should stand to gain something from the WWE's global reach beyond the shows in their markets. TKO, the WWE's parent company, reports that Smackdown is broadcast in over 170 countries. Two weeks ago, the promotion held a 'premium live event' (fka Pay-Per View) in Saudi Arabia and has events planned for France and Australia in the second half of 2025, 

Smackdown airs on the USA Network in the United States and internationally on Netflix. 

​Cam Skattebo received a WWE custom belt for winning Big XII MOP

As mentioned, the WWE and Big XII aren't strangers to each other. For the past couple of seasons, the WWE has presented a custom-styled championship belt to the Most Outstanding Player of the Big XII Championship Game. Two years ago, it was the Undertaker handing Owinn Ewers the belt after Texas won the game.

Last season it was Jey Uso (YEET!) and Sami Zayn presenting the belt Arizona State with Cam Skattebo hoisting the championship belt.

The championship belt presentation has become a great new tradition for the title game and something that the players clearly get excited about. It's good to see the Big XII continuing to look for ways to expand their relationship with the WWE.