WWE Crown Jewel
Mohammed Abdu Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga) (w/Tonga Loa) vs. Roman Reigns, Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso in a Six-Man Tag Team Match. Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline came out to a strong heel reaction. Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso made their entrance together to a great reaction and a big firework display. Jey Uso came out last receiving his own entrance as the fans treated him like a superstar receiving an awesome reaction. This felt like a big match from the ring entrance and start of the match.
Tonga started quickly rocking Jey with strikes. Jey responded rocking Tonga with an enzugiri in the corner. Jey and Jimmy connected with a double elbow to Tonga for a near fall. The Usos rocked Fatu with stereo strikes. The Usos went for a double superkick on Sikoa who rolled outside the ring. Sikoa and The Bloodline regrouped outside the ring. Reigns asked Jey for a tag. Jey instead tagged Jimmy into the match. I liked how Jey was hesitant towards Reigns.
The Bloodline took advantage. Fatu connected with a back senton to Jimmy. Fatu rocked Jimmy with a corner hip attack. Tonga went for a Stinger Splash but Jimmy moved out of the way. Jey tagged in rocking Tonga with Uso Punches. Jey rocked Tonga with a corner hip attack for two. Jey went for a Samoan Drop. Tonga broke free raking Jey in the eyes. Fatu planted Jey with a popup Samoan Drop. Tonga connected with a slingshot senton. Jey responded nailing Tonga with a lariat.
The crowd went wild as Reigns wanted the tag. Jey tagged Reigns into the match to a big reaction. Reigns and Sikoa exchanged strikes. Reigns took control planting Sikoa with a Rock Bottom. Reigns called for a Superman Punch but Sikoa blocked. Reigns avoided a Samoan Drop nailing Sikoa with a Superman Punch. Reigns called for a Spear but Sikoa blocked. Sikoa rocked Reigns with a Samoan Spike. Sikoa went for a cover on Reigns but Jimmy made the save at the last moment.
Jimmy nailed Tonga with a superkick. Jimmy delivered a superkick but Fatu no-sold it. Fatu nailed Jimmy with his superkick. Fatu planted Jimmy with an elevated DDT. Jey connected with a pair of superkicks sending Fatu out of the ring. Jey went for a tope but Fatu caught him with a head butt.
Reigns nailed Sikoa with a Superman Punch. Reigns launched Tonga who tried to cause a distraction. The referee took bump from Reigns launching Tonga. Reigns nailed Loa with a Superman Punch. Reigns went for a Superman Punch but Fatu caught him with a head butt. Fatu rocked Reigns with a corkscrew elbow. Fatu connected with a springboard Moonsault. Fatu connected with a tope onto The Usos on the floor. Sikoa rocked Reigns with a pair of Samoan Spikes. Sikoa covered Reigns for the win in 16:35.
[Amin’s Thoughts] — This was your standard but fun Bloodline formula match. You get the long heat segment where the heels control the match. We got the usual referee bump which wasn’t needed for this match. The match peaked and did was needed in the closing moments. The new Bloodline needed the win to progress this story forward leading to big WarGames match at Survivor Series. They could’ve easily had Jimmy Uso take the pin for the OG Bloodline. I really liked how Reigns took the pin for his team. They made Sikoa win feel more impactful with him pinning Reigns. Overall, a good match and way to move forward the OG Bloodline vs. New Bloodline program. (⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2)
—The Bloodline continued to attack Reigns and The Usos after the match. The Bloodline went to deliver a Triple Powerbomb to Reigns but Jey made the save. The Bloodline had the numbers advantage on Jey. The Bloodline went to wrap a chair around Jey. The fans went wild as Sami Zayn came out to make the save. Zayn teased hugging Sikoa. Zayn instead launched Sikoa with an Exploder Suplex. Reigns and The Usos helped clear The Bloodline from the ring.
Reigns, Sami, Jey and Jimmy Uso were all standing in opposite corners. Sikoa was standing in the middle. Reigns went for a Superman Punch. The same time Zayn accidentally nailed Reigns with a Helluva Kick. Sikoa left the ring. Jimmy argued with Zayn. Jey told Jimmy to stop arguing. Zayn left the ring. Reigns and The Usos were inside the ring. They recreated the same camera shot of Cody/Reigns from WrestleMania 39 with Reigns and Zayn.
[Amin’s Thoughts] — I really liked the post-match angle as they setting everything in place for a WarGames match between The OG Bloodline vs. New Bloodline. Zayn accidentally nailing Reigns was a nice touch to add more tension. They need to build more drama and give explanation to why Reigns and Zayn should team together after all the history in The Bloodline. This is gonna be good and fun to see how the OG Bloodline reunite together.
Joe Tessitore had a sit-down interview with WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther. Tessitore asked Gunther what makes Cody Rhodes different from all his challengers. Gunther noted how Cody had the support from everyone. Gunther spoke about beating Randy Orton last time in Saudi Arabia. Gunther said he’s gonna beat Cody via sleeper hold. Gunther said he’s gonna show why Cody is a secondary champion. Tessitore asked Gunther if he was calling his shot in the match. Gunther said he was. This was good.
The lovely Cathy Kelley had a sit-down interview with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Kelley asked Cody about Gunther’s rise to champion. Cody spoke about eliminating Gunther twice in the Royal Rumble. Kelley asked Cody about Gunther calling him a secondary champion. Cody said Gunther has the skill to get under people’s skin. Cody said the WWE Title carries the company. Cody said he’s doesn’t want to be that champion who devalues the top championship. Kelley told Cody she’s looking forward to the match and congratulated Cody on his last seven months as champion.
Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill (c) vs. Damage CTRL (Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane) vs. Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson vs. Chelsea Green & Piper Niven in a Fatal-4-Way for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. Iyo and Sane made their entrance first to a nice reaction. Legend and Jackson were next. Green and Niven followed next. Belair and Jade made their entrance to strong reaction as champions. The pairing of Belair and Jade makes them feel like a superteam.
Belair and Iyo started the match with a great counter exchange. Belair caught Iyo with a stalling suplex. Iyo responded catching Belair with a popup Hurricanrana. Iyo rocked Belair with a dropkick. Green tagged herself into the match. Iyo nailed Green with a Shote. Belair planted Green with a Spinebuster. Belair followed hitting a handspring Moonsault on Green for two. Belair and Jade launched Green onto Niven. Jade showed her power pressing Green over her head. Jade launched Green into Legend’s hands. Jackson connected with an assisted senton to Green but Niven made the save.
Sane nailed Jackson with a flying forearm. Sane rocked Jackson with a spear. Sane went to launch Iyo who missed her timing on the ropes. Iyo rocked Jackson with a missile dropkick. Niven tagged into the matching catching Iyo with a running crossbody. Niven planted Sane with a Powerbomb. Belair caught Niven with a flying Blockbuster. Legend rocked Belair with a pump kick. Jade and Legend exchanged big strikes. Jade rocked Legend with a pump kick. Niven caught Jade and Legend with a double flying crossbody.
Green teased a dive from the ropes but hesitated. Green leaped off the ring apron into Niven’s arms. Sane delivered a flying InSane Elbow to Green and Niven on the floor. Iyo followed with a flying Moonsault onto Green and Niven on the floor. Jackson leaped on Legend’s shoulders hitting a dive onto everyone on the floor. Jade planted Green with Jaded but Iyo and Sane made the save.
Inside the ring, Sane rocked Belair with a spinning back first. Iyo planted Belair with a German Suplex. Iyo launched Sane delivering a popup InSane Elbow to Belair. Jackson caught Iyo with a missile dropkick. Legend and Jackson delivered a combo Powerbomb to Sane. Niven planted Legend with a Michinoku Driver. Green caught Jackson with a Codebreaker. Green went for an UnPrettier but broke free. Niven didn’t notice as she crushed Green with a Vader Bomb. Belair and Jade delivered a Doomsday Device to Niven. Belair pinned Niven for the win to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles in 12:00.
[Amin’s Thoughts] — A fun action packed match with everyone hitting big moves getting the chance to shine. Green was really entertaining as she came off looking like a star. Good to see Legend and Jackson getting a run as a team on the WWE main roster. I thought they might’ve went for a title change as a way to protect Belair and Jade without taking a pin. A good win for Belair and Jade continuing to showcase them as dominant champions. (⭐️⭐️⭐️1/4)
Seth Rollins vs. Bronson Reed. Rollins made his entrance receiving a great reaction. The fans sang along to Rollins theme song. Reed made his entrance receiving a strong heel reaction. Rollins wasted no time attacking Reed as he was making his entrance. Reed and Rollins brawled on the entrance ramp. They made their way ringside. Rollins caught Reed with a tope outside the ring. Rollins went for a running charge but Reed caught him. Reed launched Rollins over the timekeeper’s area.
Reed tossed Rollins into the ring. The match got officially underway. Reed rocked Rollins with a corner splash. Reed climbed the ropes. Reed crushed Rollins with a Tsunami Splash. Reed didn’t cover Rollins. Reed climbed the ropes. Reed went for a second Tsunami Splash. Rollins rolled out of the way. Rollins caught Reed with a Curb Stomp. Rollins covered Reed for a two count.
Rollins went for a Pedigree but Reed blocked. Rollins went for a body slam but Reed fell onto him for two. Reed went for a Powerbomb but Rollins countered into a DDT. Rollins made a comeback hitting a flying clothesline but couldn’t get Reed off his feet. Rollins shoved Reed off the ropes. Rollins connected with a Frog Splash for a near fall. Reed responded catching Rollins with a running splash. Reed planted Reed with a Powerbomb for two. Reed planted Rollins with a Death Valley Driver for two. Reed connected with a Superplex onto Rollins for two.
Reed talked smacked in Rollins’ face. Rollins slapped Reed across the face. Bronson rocked Rollins with a lariat. Reed called for a Tsunami Splash but Rollins rolled to the floor. Reed sent Rollins crashing into the announcers table. Reed grabbed the ring steps. Rollins countered with a chop block. Reed fell onto the ring steps. Rollins followed hitting a Curb Stomp to Reed onto the ring steps. Reed got to his feet. Rollins caught Reed entering the ring with a second Curb Stomp. Rollins climbed the ropes delivering a Super Curb Stomp. Rollins covered Reed for the win at 12:00.
—Rollins celebrated his win outside the ring. Reed got back up on his feet. Reed had some blood coming down his eye. Rollins had a stunned look on his face. Reed and Rollins had a stare down. Reed pointed his finger telling Rollins he wanted more. They are clearly leading to another match.
[Amin’s Thoughts] — A very solid well worked match between Reed and Rollins. People aren’t gonna be happy because Rollins got the win over Reed who has been gaining momentum. Reed getting the win over a former World Champion in Rollins would’ve helped him much more. It took Rollins hitting three Curb Stomps including a Super Curb Stomp to get the win over Reed. They made Reed look strong getting up and wanting Rollins to challenge him more in the post-match. They are clearly leading to a rematch. Overall, a very strong match that wanted me to see a rematch. (⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2)
WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax vs. WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan for the Women’s Crown Jewel Championship. Jax got a fine heel reaction. The fans reacted better for Liv who’s also a heel champion. Jax took control early rocking Liv with a head butt. Jax connected with a corner splash. Liv avoided a second splash catching Jax with a chop block. Liv battled back working over Jax legs. Liv planted Jax with a Tornado DDT for two. Jax responded catching Liv with a popup Samoan Drop for two. Jax went for a charge but Liv moved out of the way.
Liv went for a leaping double stomp but Jax caught her. Jax planted Liv with a Super Samoan Drop for two. Jax went for a second Avalanche Samoan Drop. Liv countered catching Jax with a corner Sunset Bomb. Ms. Money in the Bank Tiffany Stratton ran down. Tiffany teased a cash-in but Jax stopped her. Jax told Tiffany to leave. Liv caught Jax with a Crucifix Bomb. Jax fell onto Liv on the landing. Liv maintained control rolling Jax for a near fall.
Tiffany watched from ringside and made her way ringside again. Liv called for ObLivion but Jax countered into a uranage slam for two. Tiffany teased a cash-in. Raquel Rodriguez appeared yanking the Money in the Bank briefcase. Jax grabbed hold of Rodriguez. Liv took advantage catching Jax with a flying Codebreaker for two. Dominik Mysterio was also ringside.
Liv and Rodriquez went after Tiffany. Jax appeared rocking Liv and Rodriguez with a running splash. Jax connected with a sliding leg drop to Liv. Jax called for the Annihilator. Rodriguez showed the Money in the Bank briefcase into the ring. Dominik distracted the referee. Rodriguez kicked Jax off the ropes. Liv took advantage catching Jax with ObLivion for the win in 8:15.
—Liv Morgan smiled holding up the WWE Women’s World Championship. Paul “Triple H” Levesque came out. Levesque presented Liv with the Women’s Crown Jewel Champion. Levesque held up Liv’s hand. There was a huge firework display. Liv and Levesque shared a hug.
[Amin’s Thoughts] — The actual match itself was fine for the time given. They worked off both Liv and Jax’s strengths. Jax played the dominant champion. Liv is a heel champion but was fun seeing her playing babyface against Jax. Nice to Liv get the win here as she’s been fun to watch as champion. I’m a big fan of Tiffany Stratton and she will be a huge star in WWE. This is a big problem in WWE when it comes to the Money in the Bank. The repetitive none tease cash-in is getting real lame and it actually brings down the excitement of the actual match. You would think seeing a Champion vs. Champion match would feel like a big deal. This one actually didn’t. The problem this was a championship for the country and fans of Saudi Arabia. This championship doesn’t mean much. (⭐️⭐️1/2)
Kevin Owens vs. Randy Orton. Owens made his entrance to a strong heel reaction. Owens was wearing a Cowboy Bob Orton t-shirt. Orton received a huge babyface reaction from the crowd. The fans sang along to Orton’s theme song. Owens whacked Orton with a chair before the match began. Owens and Orton exchanged strikes outside the ring. Orton backdropped Owens onto the announcers table. Owens battled back whacking Orton with a chair.
The WWE referee grabbed the chair from Owens hand. Owens gave the referee a Stone Cold Stunner. Orton responded whacking Owens with a chair. WWE officials made their way ringside trying to stop both Owens and Orton. RAW GM Adam Pearce and SmackDown GM Nick Aldis came out. Orton gave Pearce an RKO. Owens and Orton brawled into the crowd. Owens whacked Orton with a briefcase. Owens climbed into the stands. Owens leaped off an equipment crate delivering a flying elbow sending Orton crashing through a table. No Match.
[Amin’s Thoughts] — It was a little disappointing not seeing Owens and Orton having an actual match on the show. They made up with a pretty good brawl between Owens and Orton. Owens attacking Orton before the actual match plays into his new onscreen character. WWE does have the Survivor Series PLE show coming up. I could see this leading to both Owens and Orton getting an Undisputed WWE Title match against Cody Rhodes at Survivor Series.
LA Knight (c) vs. Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes in a Triple Threat Match for the WWE United States Title. Carmelo made his entrance first to a strong heel reaction. Andrade made his entrance next to a strong reaction. LA Knight made his entrance receiving a huge babyface reaction. Knight watched as Andrade and Carmelo began exchanging strikes. Knight rocked Andrade and Carmelo with strikes. Andrade and Carmelo responded rocking Knight with a double superkick.
Carmelo rocked Andrade with a springboard clothesline.Knight pulled Carmelo to the floor slamming him onto the announcers table. Knight planted Carmelo with a DDT but Andrade made the save. Andrade caught Carmelo with a nice looking inverted Spanish Fly. Andrade climbed the ropes delivering a beautiful Flying Moonsault onto Knight which looked awesome. Carmelo caught Andrade with a Tope Con Hilo to the floor.
Knight went for BFT but Carmelo landed on his feet. Andrade nailed Knight with a spinning back elbow. Carmelo caught Andrade with a Codebreaker onto Knight. Carmelo planted Andrade with a popup Cutter onto Knight for a double two count. Andrade responded catching Carmelo with a Canadian Destroyer. Andrade climbed the ropes hitting a Double Moonsault onto Knight but Carmelo made the save. Andrade caught Carmelo with a Super Fallaway Slam for two.
Knight connected with a springboard double LA Elbow Drop to Andrade and Carmelo for a double two count. Knight went for a springboard the ropes but lost his balance. Knight somehow managed to maintain control launching Andrade with a Super Overhead German Suplex. Carmelo connected with Nothing But Net to Knight but Andrade made the save. The finish was awesome. Carmelo went for La Mistica on Andrade. Knight intercepted catching Carmelo with BFT for the win to retain the WWE United States Title in 9:10.
[Amin’s Thoughts] — A very fun non-stop action packed match. The closing moments looked great with Knight catching Carmelo flash with the BFT for the win. They had a chance to go with a title change but ended up keeping the belt on Knight which is fine. Overall, a really good match. (⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2)
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther for the Men’s Crown Jewel Championship. Gunther made his entrance first receiving a strong heel reaction. Cody Rhodes made his entrance receiving an awesome babyface reaction. Cody received a huge firework display. Mike Rome did the ring introductions. This felt like a special match between Cody and Gunther between WWE’s two top champions.
Cody and Gunther began with some chain wrestling having a feeling out process. Cody went for a Cross Rhodes but Gunther broke free. Gunther went for a Sleeper Hold but Cody quickly broke free. Gunther went for a signature chop but Cody blocked. Cody called for a Bionic Elbow but Gunther countered with a huge chop. Cody responded with a dropdown punch. Cody went for dive but Gunther intercepted into a Sleeper Hold. Cody broke free sending Gunther out of the ring.
Cody went for a dive but Gunther caught him on the landing. Gunther took control running Cody into the ring apron. Gunther took control planting Cody with a scoop slam on the floor. The fans sang the Ole Song. Gunther mocked the crowd doing the wave. Cody battled back planting Gunther with a release suplex. Cody made a comeback delivering a Superplex to Gunther. Cody rocked Gunther with a Bionic Elbow. Cody follows hitting a Cody Cutter for two.
Cody went for a Disaster Kick but Gunther countered into a Boston Crab. Gunther went for a Sleeper Hold but Cody grabbed the ropes. Gunther sent Cody flying with a German Suplex. Gunther went for a Sleeper Hold. Cody broke free hitting a pair of jaw breakers. Cody caught Gunther with a Cross Rhodes for a double down. Gunther rocked Cody with a wicked Woo Dropkick. Gunther hit a Powerbomb for two.
Gunther mocked Cody with some slaps in the corner. This led to Cody and Gunther having an awesome strike exchange. Gunther rocked Cody with a lariat coming off the ropes. Gunther went for a second running lariat. Cody countered catching Gunther with a Cross Rhodes for two. Cody went for a Super Cody Cutter but Gunther countered in a Sleeper Hold. Cody reversed catching Gunther in a reverse rollup for the flash win at 23:00.
[Amin’s Thoughts] — A very good classic old-school professional wrestling match. I really liked the story with Gunther trying to call his shot constantly going for the sleeper hold. The finish worked with Cody using a reverse rollup to get the will while protecting Gunther at the same time. The difference compared to Liv/Jax is that Cody and Gunther are presented as top level champions so this felt like the bigger match. I would like to see WWE rerun Cody and Gunther match down the good. This was great and the best match on the show. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
—Cody and Gunther had a stare down after the match. Gunther offered a handshake which Cody accepted. Gunther had some words for Cody which we didn’t hear. Gunther left the ring. Paul “Triple H” Levesque entered the ring with some Saudi Government officials. Levesque presented Cody with the Men’s Crown Jewel Championship. Cody and Lévesque shared some words. Levesque and Saudi Government officials raised Cody’s hand. There was a firework display. Women’s Crown Jewel Champion Liv Morgan came out to celebrate as well. Levesque held up both Cody and Liv’s hand. There was another firework display. Cody and Liv celebrated inside the ring. The show ended.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: WWE Crown Jewel was a solid B level PLE. We had a great main event between Cody and Gunther. The rest of the matches on the show were good to reaching great but nothing more. This show was mostly a pitstop on the way to Survivor Series. Overall, a solid show if you decide to watch it. This was also a show that you really didn’t miss anything if you skipped.
