WWE Crown Jewel 2023 was a groundbreaking event held in Saudi Arabia, featuring some memorable moments and surprising outcomes. Roman Reigns successfully defended his title against LA Knight, but Knight proved to be a formidable opponent. Logan Paul controversially captured the United States Championship with the help of Santos Escobar. Kairi Sane made a shocking return to WWE, aiding Iyo Sky in retaining the Women’s Championship. Solo Sikoa posed a significant threat to John Cena, ultimately defeating him and potentially leading to Cena’s retirement. Rhea Ripley continued her winning streak by triumphing over Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler, Raquel Rodriguez, and Zoey Stark in a Fatal Five-Way match.
While Crown Jewel had its share of winners, there were also clear losers. Sami Zayn, who has been gaining popularity over the past year, was relegated to the Kickoff Show and should have been given a more prominent role. The Ultimate Underdog managed to steal Damian Priest’s Money in the Bank briefcase, adding an interesting twist to the night. However, Zayn still ended up on the sidelines for most of the event.
Seth Rollins has consistently delivered stellar performances at WWE’s Saudi Arabia shows, and his match against Drew McIntyre was no exception. Their bout set a new standard for Rollins’ title defenses, with McIntyre showcasing his skills without turning heel. Nonetheless, the tease of McIntyre joining The Judgment Day adds an intriguing dynamic to their future encounters.
Rhea Ripley dominated the Fatal 5-Way match, solidifying her position as a dominant force in WWE. It’s difficult to see anyone being able to defeat Ripley in the near future. Shayna Baszler suffered a defeat in the match, leaving her out of the title picture, while Nia Jax appears to be the next likely challenger for Ripley’s title.
John Cena’s journey in 2023 has been unpredictable, but his match against Solo Sikoa showcased his best work of the year. Despite being past his prime, Cena delivered a commendable performance, putting over Sikoa as a formidable competitor. This may mark Cena’s last match of the year, but a potential rematch at WrestleMania 40 could be highly anticipated.
Logan Paul’s match with Rey Mysterio demonstrated his surprising skills in the ring, as he carried Mysterio throughout the bout. As the new United States champion, Paul has the opportunity to work with young talent and further develop his in-ring abilities. His reign as champion will undoubtedly be an exciting one.
Iyo Sky and Bianca Belair’s match took an unexpected turn when Bayley and Kairi Sane got involved. While Bayley’s interference didn’t always benefit Sky, Sane’s return added a positive twist to the match. It seems that Sky has found a new ally in Sane, potentially spelling trouble for Bayley. The dynamics of the Damage CTRL group are changing, and Bayley may need to find her own path.
Damian Priest faced a significant test in his match against Cody Rhodes, but it was overshadowed by The Judgment Day’s interference. Despite this, Rhodes emerged victorious, and Priest showcased his capabilities in the ring. He will undoubtedly continue to prove himself as one of the best in the business.
Overall, WWE Crown Jewel 2023 provided thrilling moments and unexpected outcomes, leaving fans eagerly awaiting future developments in the WWE landscape.
