WWE Smackdown coming to ASU's Mullett Arena as part of Big 12 partnership
The stop is part of an expanded partnership between the professional entertainment giant and the Big 12, and was announced at the second of two media days on July 9 at The Star in Frisco, the headquarters of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.
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Wrestler Big E (real name Ettore Ewen), who played college football at Iowa, appeared at the media day to discuss the partnership.
The move will bring a live Smackdown telecast to four Big 12 markets on the eve of a football game.
The first SmackDown will be held on Aug. 22 at 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, a day before the 30th year of Big 12 Football kicks off with a Week 0 matchup between the Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas State Wildcats in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on Aug. 23 at Aviva Stadium.
Other dates include:
Oct. 3 - SmackDown at Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio (Iowa State at Cincinnati on Oct. 4)
Oct. 24 - SmackDown at Mullet Arena in Tempe, Arizona (Houston at Arizona State on Oct. 25)
Oct. 31 - SmackDown at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah (Cincinnati at Utah on Nov. 1)
Big E was asked who he thought might emerge on top of the Big 12. He had two teams to keep an eye on.
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"A pick for the Big 12, that's difficult," he said. "Last year ASU was picked dead last. I would have Utah and Arizona State up there; it's hard to say. I might go ASU."
When it came to ASU, Big E said he was "on the bandwagon" and was a Kenny Dillingham fan.
"I love the high energy. I love the passion he has."
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: WWE Smackdown coming to Mullett Arena as part of Big 12 partnership
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