The WWE Universe was on the edge of their seats as Crown Jewel, the seventh edition, unfolded in Perth, Australia, and what a night it turned out to be! But did it live up to the hype? Let's dive in and find out.
John Cena vs. AJ Styles: A Love Letter to Wrestling
The night kicked off with a bang as two legends, Cena and Styles, collided in a singles match that had the fans on their feet. With no prior build-up, the match could have been a gamble, but these veterans delivered a masterpiece. Cena, at 48, proved he still has the moves, escaping his infamous '5 Moves of Doom' reputation. Styles, ever the showman, wore his Total Nonstop Action gear and brought back memories of the Bullet Club. The match was a tribute to their careers, with moves honoring former opponents. Cena's Sister Abigail, a salute to Bray Wyatt, and Styles' springboard 450 were highlights. The conclusion was a nod to their WrestleMania 23 encounter, with Cena hitting the Attitude Adjustment for the win. Grade: A. A fitting end to a legendary rivalry.
Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky vs. Asuka & Kairi Sane: Family Feud
This tag team match had a tough act to follow, but it kept the momentum going. The story here was about friendship and loyalty. Sky, isolated by her former friends Asuka and Sane, built anticipation for Ripley's entrance. The Australian crowd erupted as Ripley entered, and the match delivered. Sane's struggle between loyalty to Asuka and her friendship with Sky added depth. The finish protected Asuka, with Sane sacrificing herself. Ripley and Sky's win set the stage for future rivalries. Grade: B. A fun match with a great narrative.
Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins: The Undisputed Showdown
The men's championship match was a rollercoaster. Rollins, desperate to beat Rhodes, showcased his determination. The Rolex watch, a gift from Rhodes, became a symbol of Rollins' struggle. As the match intensified, Rollins teetered between confidence and madness. He pulled out all the stops, including a Rock Bottom, but Rhodes fought back. In a controversial move, Rollins used the watch to knock out Rhodes and secured the win with Curb Stomps. Rollins winning by any means necessary established him as the top heel. Grade: B. A solid match, but the storytelling took center stage.
Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed: Family Turmoil
This Australian Street Fight had potential but fell short. The introduction of a rugby ball and cricket bat added local flavor, but the match lacked the intensity expected from a street fight. The previous night's Last Man Standing match on SmackDown set a high bar, making this encounter seem tame. The action picked up with Bron Breakker's involvement, but a misstep by Jey Uso led to Reigns' defeat. The focus on family friction was evident, but the match lacked the heat expected after Reed's previous win over Reigns. Grade: C. A decent match, but it could have been more explosive.
Stephanie Vaquer vs. Tiffany Stratton: A Squandered Opportunity
The women's championship match was a disappointment. Champion vs. champion matches are meant to be epic, but this one fell flat. Vaquer's quick victory over Stratton in just 10 minutes did little to showcase their skills. Stratton's athleticism was on display early, but the match ended abruptly. The lack of drama and near falls made it underwhelming. Compared to their competitive matches on Raw and SmackDown, this one missed the mark. Grade: C-. The women deserved a longer, more competitive match.
Overall Event Grade: B
Crown Jewel had its highs and lows. The Cena-Styles match was a standout, earning its place in WWE history. Rollins' victory over Rhodes and the women's tag match added to the excitement. However, the brief women's championship match and the tame street fight held the event back. But here's where it gets controversial: was the event's success solely due to the Cena-Styles showdown? Could WWE have done more to elevate other matches? And this is the part most people miss: the storytelling in wrestling is an art, and sometimes, it's the subtle details that make all the difference. What's your take on Crown Jewel? Did it deliver on all fronts, or were there missed opportunities?
