WWE Crown Jewel Delivers Mixed Results as Predictability Undercuts Major Moments

Three new champions emerged from Riyadh, yet the event’s marquee Last Man Standing contest ranked among the tamest in recent memory. WWE Crown Jewel took place Saturday at the ANB Arena in Saudi Arabia, featuring a refreshed visual presentation with a striking green color scheme. While the commentary team called the action remotely from WWE headquarters in Stamford, their work remained sharp throughout the broadcast.

The opener set a concerning tone. The Last Man Standing match between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes never reached the brutality the stipulation demands, despite Orton sustaining a head wound. The arsenal — kendo sticks, tables, ladders, trash cans, and the announce table — went largely underutilized. A rare highlight came from referee Charles Robinson, whose expressive reaction to Orton’s low blow on Rhodes provided genuine character work. Robinson pulled double duty on the night, officiating two separate contests.

Rhodes ultimately survived by refusing to allow the ten-count, seizing victory with a punt kick to Orton. The Riyadh crowd responded with boos, signaling a heel/face dynamic that failed to resonate as intended. With Rhodes standing tall, this chapter of their rivalry should conclude.

The night’s most welcomed development arrived in the tag team division, where Penta and Je’Von Evans captured the championships. The Vision’s numbers advantage — aided by Maxxine Dupri’s interference and Bronson Reed’s power — proved insufficient when Oba Femi emerged to put Reed through a table off the entrance ramp. Despite the title change, the division remains directionally challenged, a problem exacerbated by the Creed Brothers’ departure.

Evans’ stock continues to rise, while Penta appears primed for singles gold. Bron Breakker should dismantle The Vision and move forward. As for Femi, the question persists: can he secure meaningful storyline momentum before a projected Royal Rumble victory sets up a WrestleMania 43 showdown with Roman Reigns? His entrance alone commands arena-wide participation; his television time should reflect that investment.

Momentum from the tag title celebration carried directly into another championship shift. Chelsea Green defeated Liv Morgan to become the inaugural Women’s Crown Jewel Champion, with Corey Graves delivering standout commentary dissecting both competitors’ motivations. Green’s victory speech was interrupted by Morgan’s ambush, creating the opening for Tiffany Stratton to cash in her Money in the Bank contract and capture the WWE Women’s Championship. The crowd reaction was muted at best.

The segment bore Michael Hayes’ creative fingerprints. The swerve felt hollow, particularly given Stratton executed an identical cash-in on Nia Jax two years prior. Stratton departed with both titles, though Green’s Crown Jewel victory technically stands. SmackDown will reveal whether audiences reject this as one of the least inspired successful cash-ins in modern WWE history — Austin Theory’s notorious 2022 attempt notwithstanding. Repeating the same performer with identical motivations from her first MITB reign smacks of creative stagnation.

Stratton becomes the first woman to cash in successfully twice. Behind the scenes, Fightful reports talent learned the planned MITB winner merely two days before the ladder match, leaving many stunned. WWE’s upcoming “Unreal” documentary series may shed light on the decision-making surrounding Green’s abbreviated reign and Stratton’s repeat coronation.

The main event salvaged the evening. Sami Zayn and Roman Reigns produced the night’s finest work, with Zayn pushing the Undisputed WWE Champion to his limit — even turning the Tribal Chief’s own arsenal against him. Reigns remained a step ahead throughout a contest that felled two referees: the first via Superman Punch, the replacement via Helluva Kick from a frustrated Zayn who couldn’t secure the decisive three-count.

A spectacular near-fall saw Reigns kick out of the Helluva Kick while coiled for a Spear. The champion ultimately prevailed cleanly with that same Spear. As Triple H presented Reigns with the title and Tribal Chief ring, Zayn interrupted to demand a handshake. The two embraced, Reigns acknowledging his “Honorary Uce” as the show faded.

With WWE now barreling toward Survivor Series: WarGames, anticipation builds for a potential William Regal appearance — his iconic “WARGAMES” delivery remains a fan favorite. In the wake of Stratton’s latest cash-in, next week’s analysis will examine which superstars flourished or floundered following their main roster debuts.

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