The WWE Universe witnessed a night of high-octane action and emotional storytelling at Crown Jewel, leaving fans divided in their opinions. But did the event live up to the hype? Let's dive into the ring and find out!
The Main Event: A Tale of Two Legends
John Cena, on his farewell tour, clashed with AJ Styles in a match that had the wrestling world buzzing. With a history dating back to 2016, these veterans delivered a masterpiece, earning a well-deserved Grade: A. Styles, the master of innovation, showcased his signature moves, including a breathtaking springboard 450. Cena, ever the showman, paid homage to the late Bray Wyatt with a Sister Abigail. The match culminated in a clever reversal, as Cena countered Styles' Sweet Chin Music into a Tombstone, sealing the victory with his iconic Attitude Adjustment.
But here's where it gets controversial. Some fans argue that the lack of a proper build-up to the match diminished its impact. Was this a missed opportunity to create an even more epic encounter, or did the in-ring storytelling make up for it?
Women's Tag Team Action: A Family Affair
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky faced off against Asuka and Kaira Sane in a highly anticipated tag team bout. With Ripley hailing from Australia, the crowd erupted as she entered the ring. The match showcased the women's exceptional skills, with Sane's internal struggle adding depth. Ripley and Sky emerged victorious with a well-executed finish, Grade: B. However, the match's brevity left some fans wanting more, especially considering the talent involved.
Men's Championship: A Desperate Rollins
Seth Rollins, desperate to overcome his nemesis Cody Rhodes, brought his A-game to the ring. Utilizing a Rolex watch as a weapon, Rollins finally tasted victory over Rhodes, Grade: B. This match was more about Rollins' character development, as he teetered between confidence and madness. While the storytelling was compelling, the in-ring action didn't quite reach the heights of their previous encounters.
Australian Street Fight: Family Friction
Roman Reigns and Bronson Reed battled in a street fight with a local twist. The match, Grade: C, was overshadowed by the previous night's Last Man Standing match on SmackDown. The surprise involvement of Jey Uso, accidentally spearing Reigns, led to Reed's victory. This match served to establish family tensions, but some fans felt it lacked the intensity expected from a street fight.
Women's Championship: A Squandered Opportunity?
The women's championship match between Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer ended abruptly, leaving fans disappointed. Vaquer's quick victory, Grade: C-, raised questions about the booking decision. Was this a strategic move to protect the champions' reputations, or did it undermine their credibility? The match lacked the drama and competitiveness expected from two top-tier wrestlers.
The Verdict: A Mixed Bag
Crown Jewel delivered a mixed bag of emotions and outcomes. While the Cena-Styles match was a standout, the event as a whole struggled to maintain consistency. The women's championship match, in particular, left fans craving more. Did the WWE miss an opportunity to showcase its female talent, or was the short match time a necessary narrative choice?
What's your take on Crown Jewel? Did it live up to the hype, or did it fall short of expectations? Share your thoughts and let's spark a lively discussion about the controversial moments and storytelling choices that made this event memorable.
