‘What did you expect?’ Aussie fans split wrestling world, leave USA fuming over anthem act
American viewers have turned on Australia after fans were heard booing the American national anthem during the WWE Crown Jewel Perth blockbuster on Saturday night.
Video of the 13,000 spectators at RAC Arena booing the Star Spangled Banner has gone viral with American WWE fans posting scathing messages on social media.
Perth-based performer Sophie Foster sung the American anthem from inside the ring before Hollywood star John Cena made his final wrestling appearance in Australia.
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Those at the event have reported many in the crowd started singing the Aussie national anthem over the top of the live performance.
Foster also performed Advance Australia Fair with fans blasting the roof off the stadium singing along with her.
Foster wasn’t phased by the crowd reaction and posted several messages on social media sharing her joy at being able to be involved in the event.
Many American viewers did not enjoy the show and vented their frustrations on social media.
One person commented on X: “Wow I would never boo another country anthem… stay classy Australia”.
One person posted: “They shouldn’t go back. Only go to countries that like us. We have a lot in common with Australia. It makes no sense”.
Another wrote: “That’s just so disrespectful. Like I understand we’re in a different country. But at least respect the artist. Good God it’s not that hard”.
Many others, however, questioned why the US anthem needed to be sung on foreign soil at an event where no athletes were representing their country.
Another X user wrote: “That’s honestly disrespectful from WWE. You’re hosting a show in Australia, where over 80% of the crowd are Australians, yet you choose to perform the U.S. national anthem?”
One person commented: “Well they are in Australia after all. How would the American crowd be if they attended an event in America and heard our Australian anthem”.
Another posted: “OK, I am a proud American but why the hell are we playing our national anthem on foreign soil? Maybe I’m missing something but that seems kind of rude.
“Can’t blame the crowd for booing.”
There was also plenty of drama inside the ring as Cena performed his final show on Aussie soil, finishing with a bruising match against long-time foe AJ Styles.
Cena put on a vintage show that had fans on their feet as he eventually pinned his rival to complete the 100th pay-per-view victory of his 17-year career.
The Hollywood star finished the match with a thundering “Attitude Adjustment” bomb.
Both wrestlers received a standing ovation as they embraced in the ring.
It was also a big night for Aussie wrestling with Rhea Ripley and Bronson Reed both winning their matches.
The main event — the men’s Crown Jewel championship —was won by Seth Rollins in a meteoric showdown against Cody Rhodes.
