The REAL WWE SmackDown Dublin Early Start Time: Why Fans MUST Arrive Before 8 PM

The excitement for WWE's first-ever televised SmackDown from Dublin, Ireland, is reaching a fever pitch, but confusion over the "early start time" is a major concern for fans planning to attend the 3Arena event on Friday, August 22, 2025. This landmark show brings a unique schedule due to its live broadcast nature and the global shift in WWE programming, meaning the traditional 8:00 PM main show start is only one part of the equation.

For the live audience in Dublin, the phrase "early start time" refers to the pre-show tapings and dark matches that begin well before the main broadcast goes live at 8:00 PM local time, offering a full, action-packed experience that starts as early as 6:00 PM. Understanding the difference between the 'Doors Open' time, the 'In-Arena Action' start, and the 'Televised Show' start is essential to avoid missing any of the historic wrestling action.

WWE SmackDown Dublin, Ireland: Event & Broadcast Profile (August 22, 2025)

The upcoming WWE event is a historic moment for Irish wrestling fans, marking the first time the company has ever broadcast a live episode of SmackDown from the capital. This profile provides all the essential details for the event at the 3Arena.

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• Event: WWE Friday Night SmackDown Live Televised Event
• Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
• Venue: 3Arena, Dublin, Ireland
• Significance: First-ever televised SmackDown from Dublin; Part of the UK, Ireland & France Tour on the Road to Clash in Paris.
• Local Time Zone: Irish Standard Time (IST) / Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
• Televised Broadcast Network (US): USA Network (at 8:00 PM ET)
• Global Streaming (Post-2024): Netflix (Note: The August 2025 date falls under the new global broadcast deal, impacting international start times)
• Key Irish Superstar: Becky Lynch (The Man), a major draw for the local crowd.
• Anticipated Attendance: Sold Out (The event sold out hours after tickets went on sale, confirming massive demand).

The Critical Breakdown of the Dublin Start Time

The main reason for the confusion around the "early start time" is the need to accommodate the live US broadcast window while maximizing the experience for the European audience. The official start time for the televised show is 8:00 PM IST, but the action for the live crowd begins much earlier.

1. Doors Open Time: 6:00 PM IST

This is the earliest time you can enter the 3Arena. Arriving at 6:00 PM allows you to navigate security, find your seats, purchase merchandise, and grab concessions without the rush. For major televised events like SmackDown, it is highly recommended to be in your seat by 7:00 PM at the latest to catch all the pre-show entertainment.

2. In-Arena Early Start Time (Pre-Show Taping): ~6:30 PM – 7:30 PM IST

This is the crucial "early start time" for the live audience. WWE frequently tapes content for their other platforms before the main live broadcast begins. In Dublin, this is expected to include:

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• Dark Matches: Non-televised matches featuring talent from the main roster or developmental talent to warm up the crowd.
• WWE Speed Taping: The taping of matches for WWE Speed, the short-form show exclusive to X (formerly Twitter). This show requires a dedicated taping slot, often starting around 6:30 PM or 7:00 PM.
• Main Event Matches: While less common for SmackDown, some house show matches may be taped for international distribution.

Fans who arrive just before 8:00 PM will miss this entire segment of exclusive, in-arena wrestling action. The 7:30 PM start time mentioned in some forums likely refers to the beginning of the live dark match or pre-show segment.

3. Televised Main Show Start Time: 8:00 PM IST

The two-hour live broadcast of Friday Night SmackDown officially begins at 8:00 PM local Dublin time. This is the moment the show goes live on USA Network in the United States and begins its broadcast/streaming run globally. The show is expected to run until approximately 10:00 PM IST.

The 8:00 PM start time in Dublin is significantly earlier than the traditional 1:00 AM or 2:00 AM start time that UK and Irish fans have become accustomed to for live US broadcasts. This earlier slot is a major benefit of WWE's international touring and the new global broadcast landscape, offering a prime-time slot for the local market.

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Global Broadcast Start Times for WWE SmackDown Dublin

The live broadcast from the 3Arena will air at different times around the world. Here is a breakdown of the key international start times for the main show (8:00 PM IST):

• United States (Eastern Time - ET): 3:00 PM ET
• United States (Pacific Time - PT): 12:00 PM PT
• United Kingdom (GMT/BST): 8:00 PM BST (Same as Dublin/IST)
• Central European Time (CET): 9:00 PM CET (e.g., Paris, Berlin)
• India Standard Time (IST): 12:30 AM (Saturday, August 23)
• Australia (AEST): 5:00 AM (Saturday, August 23)

The earlier broadcast time for the UK and Ireland is a direct result of WWE's strategy to make their product more accessible to their substantial international fanbase, eliminating the need for fans to stay up late into the night. This is a significant change from the historic late-night viewing schedule, making the event a true prime-time spectacle for the Irish audience.

Key Entities and Storylines to Watch in Dublin

The Dublin event is a crucial stop on the Road to Clash in Paris, meaning major storylines and championship defenses are likely to take place. Fans in the 3Arena can expect appearances from the brand's top stars and pivotal moments in the lead-up to the Premium Live Event.

The most anticipated appearance will undoubtedly be that of Becky Lynch, the "Irish Lass Kicker," who is a women's wrestling icon and a former Women's Intercontinental Champion. Her presence in her home country for a televised show is a massive draw.

Other major entities expected to feature prominently on the SmackDown brand include:

• Cody Rhodes (The American Nightmare)
• Drew McIntyre (The Scottish Warrior)
• Roman Reigns (The Tribal Chief) and The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Jacob Fatu)
• Bayley (WWE Women's Champion)
• Gunther (World Heavyweight Championship Contender)
• AJ Styles and LA Knight
• Kevin Owens and Randy Orton

The live crowd will be looking for major confrontations, potentially involving Cody Rhodes and his ongoing rivalries, or a major title defense to solidify the card for the upcoming Clash in Paris. The electric atmosphere in the 3Arena is guaranteed to be a highlight of the European tour.

In summary, the "early start time" for WWE SmackDown in Dublin is not the 8:00 PM televised start, but the crucial 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM window where exclusive, untelevised action takes place. To get the full WWE experience and ensure you don't miss a single moment of the historic Friday Night SmackDown, make sure you are in your seat well before the 8:00 PM bell time.