Why was 'Star-Spangled Banner' met with jeers at WWE's Crown Jewel in Australia?

At WWE's Crown Jewel in Perth, the US national anthem was met with jeers, reflecting a shift in Australian sentiment.

Updated on: Oct 11, 2025, 21:16:41 IST

By Shweta Kukreti

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The WWE's "Crown Jewel" premium live event in Perth, Australia took place early Saturday morning. The Australians, however, made it apparent that the US is now not at the top of their list of love interests.

WWE's Crown Jewel event in Perth saw Australian singer Sophie Foster jeered while performing the US national anthem. (X@ShootOrWork)

Sophie Foster, an Australian singer, played the “Star-Spangled Banner” before the start of the event, and it was loudly jeered. The video of the moment went viral on social media.

“I was at an ice hockey game in Nashville this past week and the full stadium went crazy when the star spangled banner was sang. Loved it. Lot proud Americans!” one person commented on the viral video.

“If you aren't mature enough to respect another nation's anthem then I would ask the US Gubmnt (Govt) to end all foreign aid to your country. Let's see how you cope using your own resources,” another commented.

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Trump's return to White House

The national anthem of the US has been jeered at various sporting events this year, possibly more after President Donald Trump entered office.

Soon after Trump declared his intention to make Canada the “51st state” in a trade war, the Canadian crowd in Toronto loudly jeered the song during the 4 Nations hockey tournament. Afterward, WWE announcer Pat McAfee referred to Canada as “terrible” when it was blasted at a Toronto Raptors game.

During a March game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers supporters booed the Canadian national anthem.

“Smackdown” on Friday night marked the start of WWE's week-long travel to Australia.

Following a six-year break, WWE recently returned to Australia for the "Elimination Chamber" after making its first trip there in the 1980s.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shweta Kukreti
Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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