2023 WWE Crown Jewel results, recap, grades: Roman Reigns defeats LA Knight, Solo Sikoa bests John Cena
Roman Reigns remained the undisputed WWE universal champion by the skin of his teeth but it was far from the most impressive showing from The Bloodline. Reigns’ shaky victory against LA Knight at WWE Crown Jewel in Riyadh on Saturday will be overshadowed by Solo Sikoa’s sheer dominance against John Cena.
Many thought Knight could do what previous Reigns challengers could not in upsetting the long reigning titleholder. He’s beaten everyone put in front of him, but thanks to even more help than usual from Sikoa and Jimmy Uso, Knight’s bid to become a world champion was thwarted as well by The Bloodline.
Two other big moments stood out from Saturday’s event. Sikoa secured arguably a bigger win than his “Tribal Chief” Reigns. The Bloodline’s enforcer brutalized 16-time world champion Cena in a clean victory against the first-ballot Hall of Famer. Logan Paul also secured his first championship by defeating Rey Mysterio for the United States title.
CBS Sports was with you the whole way through the event, providing updates and highlights as the action goes down in the live blog below.
2023 WWE Crown Jewel results, grades
Sami Zayn vs. JD McDonagh: The Crown Jewel kickoff show was a chance for Zayn to take out his Judgement Day-related frustrations on the group’s lackey. Zayn was in control for most of the match: from the traditional exchange of match opening holds to the big move finale. McDonagh beatdown Zayn just long enough for the fan-favorite to rally support from the crowd. The final sequence saw Zayn get his knees up on a moonsault from McDonagh, hit the exploder suplex in the corner, a Helluva Kick and a Blue Thunder Bomb for good measure. McDonagh was sporting a deep red bruise on his torso during the match. The match was fine for what it was and it was mostly filler to get Zayn on the show. Zayn def. McDonagh via pinfall. Grade: C+
World Heavyweight Championship — Seth Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre: The Riyadh crowd was primarily behind McIntyre despite his brooding attitude in the lead-up to Crown Jewel. McIntyre’s strength was on display early as he tossed around and chopped down the champion. Rollins tried to use speed to his advantage, but his suicide dive was countered with a belly-to-belly suplex ringside that hurt his back. McIntyre bullied and belittled Rollins, spurring renewed fire from the underdog champion that was quickly snuffed out. Rollins finally found his footing with a blitz of offense culminating in a springboard swanton and springboard moonsault combination.
Rollins’ comeback spurred the mid-match exchange of big moves and counters, including McIntyre rolling into a nice suplex after absorbing a superplex from the champ. McIntyre followed with a Future Shock DDT that Rollins barely kicked out of. A second suicide dive found the mark for Rollins as he continued to sell the damage done to his back. The selling alluded to the next exchange as McIntyre drove Rollins’ back into the steel steps with a spine buster and a side slam onto the ring apron.
McIntyre’s mocking of the champion was rewarded with a slap to the face. McIntyre retaliated with a clothesline, but Rollins rolled up and over McIntyre’s shoulder into a stunning Pedigree that nearly got the job done. Rollins endured a combination of moves targeting his back and hit his trademark Stomp. McIntyre somehow kicked out, dodged a Phoenix Splash and hit a nasty Claymore kick. Rollins got his shoulder up with a fraction of a second left, eliciting a large reaction from the crowd. The finish came after Rollins dodged a second Claymore, hit another Pedigree and Stomp for the pinfall. Rollins def. McIntyre via pinfall to retain the world heavyweight championship. Grade: B+
Damian Priest tried to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase post-match but was ambushed by Sami Zayn who ran off with the briefcase. Backstage, Rhea Ripley gave McIntyre an I told you so expression after he refuted Judgement Day’s offer to help him. The opening match was a great one. Rollins and McIntyre put on an interesting match and clearly have chemistry. The crowd was really into it but the finish felt a touch anti-climatic. I can’t put my finger on why. The post-match angle was intriguing with Zayn stealing Priest’s briefcase. It’ll also be interesting to see if the outcome spurs McIntyre to align with Judgement Day.
Women’s World Championship — Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Nia Jax vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Zoey Stark vs. Raquel Rodriguez: Jax immediately booked it out of the ring knowing that she had issues with every superstar in the match. A chaotic brawl broke out as was expected with so many participants. Jax found a gap to enter the fray and takeover but was soon removed by the other four superstars. Ripley cleared out the ring, leading to a seismic collision with Jax. The physically imposing Jax got the better of Ripley and drilled her with a leg drop. The next step in the fatal five-way was a showcase moment with each competitor getting the chance to show off.
Baszler had the most amusing moment of the match. The UFC veteran locked Ripley and Rodriguez into ankle locks with her own legs while choking out Jax. Stark broke up the triple submission attempt, which unfortunately culminated in her getting the worst end of a Tower of Doom superplex. Stark got her revenge on the field with a springboard dive that took out Ripley, Baszler and Rodriguez. A springboard dropkick and K-360 to Ripley nearly scored Stark the upset, but Jax broke the pinfall. Rodriguez planted Jax with a massive Texana Bomb before Ripley interfered. The finish came after Ripley hit a mid-rope Riptide on Baszler, driving the poor sap into Rodriguez and Jax. The outcome was never in doubt, but the match was well put together. The spots were inspired, the action was concise and the right superstar one. Much like the opening match, this didn’t overstay its welcome. Ripley def. Jax, Baszler, Stark and Rodriguez via pinfall to retain the women’s world championship.
2023 WWE Crown Jewel results, recap, grades: Roman Reigns defeats LA Knight, Solo Sikoa bests John Cena
Roman Reigns remained the undisputed WWE universal champion by the skin of his teeth but it was far from the most impressive showing from The Bloodline. Reigns’ shaky victory against LA Knight at WWE Crown Jewel in Riyadh on Saturday will be overshadowed by Solo Sikoa’s sheer dominance against John Cena.
Many thought Knight could do what previous Reigns challengers could not in upsetting the long reigning titleholder. He’s beaten everyone put in front of him, but thanks to even more help than usual from Sikoa and Jimmy Uso, Knight’s bid to become a world champion was thwarted as well by The Bloodline.
Two other big moments stood out from Saturday’s event. Sikoa secured arguably a bigger win than his “Tribal Chief” Reigns. The Bloodline’s enforcer brutalized 16-time world champion Cena in a clean victory against the first-ballot Hall of Famer. Logan Paul also secured his first championship by defeating Rey Mysterio for the United States title.
CBS Sports was with you the whole way through the event, providing updates and highlights as the action goes down in the live blog below.
2023 WWE Crown Jewel results, grades
Sami Zayn vs. JD McDonagh: The Crown Jewel kickoff show was a chance for Zayn to take out his Judgement Day-related frustrations on the group’s lackey. Zayn was in control for most of the match: from the traditional exchange of match opening holds to the big move finale. McDonagh beatdown Zayn just long enough for the fan-favorite to rally support from the crowd. The final sequence saw Zayn get his knees up on a moonsault from McDonagh, hit the exploder suplex in the corner, a Helluva Kick and a Blue Thunder Bomb for good measure. McDonagh was sporting a deep red bruise on his torso during the match. The match was fine for what it was and it was mostly filler to get Zayn on the show. Zayn def. McDonagh via pinfall. Grade: C+
World Heavyweight Championship — Seth Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre: The Riyadh crowd was primarily behind McIntyre despite his brooding attitude in the lead-up to Crown Jewel. McIntyre’s strength was on display early as he tossed around and chopped down the champion. Rollins tried to use speed to his advantage, but his suicide dive was countered with a belly-to-belly suplex ringside that hurt his back. McIntyre bullied and belittled Rollins, spurring renewed fire from the underdog champion that was quickly snuffed out. Rollins finally found his footing with a blitz of offense culminating in a springboard swanton and springboard moonsault combination.
Rollins’ comeback spurred the mid-match exchange of big moves and counters, including McIntyre rolling into a nice suplex after absorbing a superplex from the champ. McIntyre followed with a Future Shock DDT that Rollins barely kicked out of. A second suicide dive found the mark for Rollins as he continued to sell the damage done to his back. The selling alluded to the next exchange as McIntyre drove Rollins’ back into the steel steps with a spine buster and a side slam onto the ring apron.
McIntyre’s mocking of the champion was rewarded with a slap to the face. McIntyre retaliated with a clothesline, but Rollins rolled up and over McIntyre’s shoulder into a stunning Pedigree that nearly got the job done. Rollins endured a combination of moves targeting his back and hit his trademark Stomp. McIntyre somehow kicked out, dodged a Phoenix Splash and hit a nasty Claymore kick. Rollins got his shoulder up with a fraction of a second left, eliciting a large reaction from the crowd. The finish came after Rollins dodged a second Claymore, hit another Pedigree and Stomp for the pinfall. Rollins def. McIntyre via pinfall to retain the world heavyweight championship. Grade: B+
Damian Priest tried to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase post-match but was ambushed by Sami Zayn who ran off with the briefcase. Backstage, Rhea Ripley gave McIntyre an I told you so expression after he refuted Judgement Day’s offer to help him. The opening match was a great one. Rollins and McIntyre put on an interesting match and clearly have chemistry. The crowd was really into it but the finish felt a touch anti-climatic. I can’t put my finger on why. The post-match angle was intriguing with Zayn stealing Priest’s briefcase. It’ll also be interesting to see if the outcome spurs McIntyre to align with Judgement Day.
Women’s World Championship — Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Nia Jax vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Zoey Stark vs. Raquel Rodriguez: Jax immediately booked it out of the ring knowing that she had issues with every superstar in the match. A chaotic brawl broke out as was expected with so many participants. Jax found a gap to enter the fray and takeover but was soon removed by the other four superstars. Ripley cleared out the ring, leading to a seismic collision with Jax. The physically imposing Jax got the better of Ripley and drilled her with a leg drop. The next step in the fatal five-way was a showcase moment with each competitor getting the chance to show off.
Baszler had the most amusing moment of the match. The UFC veteran locked Ripley and Rodriguez into ankle locks with her own legs while choking out Jax. Stark broke up the triple submission attempt, which unfortunately culminated in her getting the worst end of a Tower of Doom superplex. Stark got her revenge on the field with a springboard dive that took out Ripley, Baszler and Rodriguez. A springboard dropkick and K-360 to Ripley nearly scored Stark the upset, but Jax broke the pinfall. Rodriguez planted Jax with a massive Texana Bomb before Ripley interfered. The finish came after Ripley hit a mid-rope Riptide on Baszler, driving the poor sap into Rodriguez and Jax. The outcome was never in doubt, but the match was well put together. The spots were inspired, the action was concise and the right superstar one. Much like the opening match, this didn’t overstay its welcome. Ripley def. Jax, Baszler, Stark and Rodriguez via pinfall to retain the women’s world championship. Grade: B
John Cena vs. Solo Sikoa: The live audience was amped for Cena, singing along to his theme song. Cena understood the dangers present and immediately pushed the pace. Cena stifled Sikoa with technical holds before aggressively targeting the hand that Sikoa used for the Samoan Spike. The gameplan was clearly to disarm Sikoa’s most dangerous weapon. A headbutt by Sikoa turned the tide. The Bloodline’s enforcer started wearing down Cena while selling the damage to his lead hand. Cena avoided catastrophe by dodging the Samoan Spike on two separate occasions. He countered the second one into an STF but Sikoa rolled him into a pinfall to force the break.
Sikoa continued to wear down Cena with bludgeoning strikes and impactful slams. Cena dodged a third Samoan Spike before hitting his trademark combination of shoulder blocks and a five-knuckle shuffle. Cena lifted Sikoa for an Attitude Adjustment, but Sikoa slipped off the back and hit a Samoan Drop for the near fall. Cena subsequently hit a cross body from the top rope for his own pin attempt, drawing “you still got it” chants from the crowd. Cena even pulled out some new tricks, hitting Sikoa with a chokeslam. Sikoa slipped behind a third Attitude Adjustment and drilled Cena with Spinning Solo.
The finishing sequence came when Cena blocked a Samoan Spike and dragged Sikoa to the mat and locked up the STF. Sikoa forced the rope break and impaled Cena with a running, diving Samoan Spike. Sikoa was too busy coping with the pain in his hands to make a cover. It didn’t matter. Sikoa skewered Cena with four additional Samoan Spikes before drilling him with a dozen more on the floor. Sikoa covered Cena’s motionless body for the biggest win of his career.
Cena walked away emotionally while being showered by the fans’ adoration. A brutal, shocking finish and the biggest win of Sikoa’s career by a mile. Cena has been incredibly selfless during this run and he’s served as a launching pad for Sikoa to become a main event player. A solid match with good psychology and an absolutely fantastic finish. We’ll even give a pass to the producers for the close-up of Cena hollering directions in the final minutes. Sikoa def. Cena via pinfall. Grade: A
2023 WWE Crown Jewel results, recap, grades: Roman Reigns defeats LA Knight, Solo Sikoa bests John Cena
Roman Reigns remained the undisputed WWE universal champion by the skin of his teeth but it was far from the most impressive showing from The Bloodline. Reigns’ shaky victory against LA Knight at WWE Crown Jewel in Riyadh on Saturday will be overshadowed by Solo Sikoa’s sheer dominance against John Cena.
Many thought Knight could do what previous Reigns challengers could not in upsetting the long reigning titleholder. He’s beaten everyone put in front of him, but thanks to even more help than usual from Sikoa and Jimmy Uso, Knight’s bid to become a world champion was thwarted as well by The Bloodline.
Two other big moments stood out from Saturday’s event. Sikoa secured arguably a bigger win than his “Tribal Chief” Reigns. The Bloodline’s enforcer brutalized 16-time world champion Cena in a clean victory against the first-ballot Hall of Famer. Logan Paul also secured his first championship by defeating Rey Mysterio for the United States title.
CBS Sports was with you the whole way through the event, providing updates and highlights as the action goes down in the live blog below.
2023 WWE Crown Jewel results, grades
Sami Zayn vs. JD McDonagh: The Crown Jewel kickoff show was a chance for Zayn to take out his Judgement Day-related frustrations on the group’s lackey. Zayn was in control for most of the match: from the traditional exchange of match opening holds to the big move finale. McDonagh beatdown Zayn just long enough for the fan-favorite to rally support from the crowd. The final sequence saw Zayn get his knees up on a moonsault from McDonagh, hit the exploder suplex in the corner, a Helluva Kick and a Blue Thunder Bomb for good measure. McDonagh was sporting a deep red bruise on his torso during the match. The match was fine for what it was and it was mostly filler to get Zayn on the show. Zayn def. McDonagh via pinfall. Grade: C+
World Heavyweight Championship — Seth Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre: The Riyadh crowd was primarily behind McIntyre despite his brooding attitude in the lead-up to Crown Jewel. McIntyre’s strength was on display early as he tossed around and chopped down the champion. Rollins tried to use speed to his advantage, but his suicide dive was countered with a belly-to-belly suplex ringside that hurt his back. McIntyre bullied and belittled Rollins, spurring renewed fire from the underdog champion that was quickly snuffed out. Rollins finally found his footing with a blitz of offense culminating in a springboard swanton and springboard moonsault combination.
Rollins’ comeback spurred the mid-match exchange of big moves and counters, including McIntyre rolling into a nice suplex after absorbing a superplex from the champ. McIntyre followed with a Future Shock DDT that Rollins barely kicked out of. A second suicide dive found the mark for Rollins as he continued to sell the damage done to his back. The selling alluded to the next exchange as McIntyre drove Rollins’ back into the steel steps with a spine buster and a side slam onto the ring apron.
McIntyre’s mocking of the champion was rewarded with a slap to the face. McIntyre retaliated with a clothesline, but Rollins rolled up and over McIntyre’s shoulder into a stunning Pedigree that nearly got the job done. Rollins endured a combination of moves targeting his back and hit his trademark Stomp. McIntyre somehow kicked out, dodged a Phoenix Splash and hit a nasty Claymore kick. Rollins got his shoulder up with a fraction of a second left, eliciting a large reaction from the crowd. The finish came after Rollins dodged a second Claymore, hit another Pedigree and Stomp for the pinfall. Rollins def. McIntyre via pinfall to retain the world heavyweight championship. Grade: B+
Damian Priest tried to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase post-match but was ambushed by Sami Zayn who ran off with the briefcase. Backstage, Rhea Ripley gave McIntyre an I told you so expression after he refuted Judgement Day’s offer to help him. The opening match was a great one. Rollins and McIntyre put on an interesting match and clearly have chemistry. The crowd was really into it but the finish felt a touch anti-climatic. I can’t put my finger on why. The post-match angle was intriguing with Zayn stealing Priest’s briefcase. It’ll also be interesting to see if the outcome spurs McIntyre to align with Judgement Day.
Women’s World Championship — Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Nia Jax vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Zoey Stark vs. Raquel Rodriguez: Jax immediately booked it out of the ring knowing that she had issues with every superstar in the match. A chaotic brawl broke out as was expected with so many participants. Jax found a gap to enter the fray and takeover but was soon removed by the other four superstars. Ripley cleared out the ring, leading to a seismic collision with Jax. The physically imposing Jax got the better of Ripley and drilled her with a leg drop. The next step in the fatal five-way was a showcase moment with each competitor getting the chance to show off.
Baszler had the most amusing moment of the match. The UFC veteran locked Ripley and Rodriguez into ankle locks with her own legs while choking out Jax. Stark broke up the triple submission attempt, which unfortunately culminated in her getting the worst end of a Tower of Doom superplex. Stark got her revenge on the field with a springboard dive that took out Ripley, Baszler and Rodriguez. A springboard dropkick and K-360 to Ripley nearly scored Stark the upset, but Jax broke the pinfall. Rodriguez planted Jax with a massive Texana Bomb before Ripley interfered. The finish came after Ripley hit a mid-rope Riptide on Baszler, driving the poor sap into Rodriguez and Jax. The outcome was never in doubt, but the match was well put together. The spots were inspired, the action was concise and the right superstar one. Much like the opening match, this didn’t overstay its welcome. Ripley def. Jax, Baszler, Stark and Rodriguez via pinfall to retain the women’s world championship. Grade: B
John Cena vs. Solo Sikoa: The live audience was amped for Cena, singing along to his theme song. Cena understood the dangers present and immediately pushed the pace. Cena stifled Sikoa with technical holds before aggressively targeting the hand that Sikoa used for the Samoan Spike. The gameplan was clearly to disarm Sikoa’s most dangerous weapon. A headbutt by Sikoa turned the tide. The Bloodline’s enforcer started wearing down Cena while selling the damage to his lead hand. Cena avoided catastrophe by dodging the Samoan Spike on two separate occasions. He countered the second one into an STF but Sikoa rolled him into a pinfall to force the break.
Sikoa continued to wear down Cena with bludgeoning strikes and impactful slams. Cena dodged a third Samoan Spike before hitting his trademark combination of shoulder blocks and a five-knuckle shuffle. Cena lifted Sikoa for an Attitude Adjustment, but Sikoa slipped off the back and hit a Samoan Drop for the near fall. Cena subsequently hit a cross body from the top rope for his own pin attempt, drawing “you still got it” chants from the crowd. Cena even pulled out some new tricks, hitting Sikoa with a chokeslam. Sikoa slipped behind a third Attitude Adjustment and drilled Cena with Spinning Solo.
The finishing sequence came when Cena blocked a Samoan Spike and dragged Sikoa to the mat and locked up the STF. Sikoa forced the rope break and impaled Cena with a running, diving Samoan Spike. Sikoa was too busy coping with the pain in his hands to make a cover. It didn’t matter. Sikoa skewered Cena with four additional Samoan Spikes before drilling him with a dozen more on the floor. Sikoa covered Cena’s motionless body for the biggest win of his career.
Cena walked away emotionally while being showered by the fans’ adoration. A brutal, shocking finish and the biggest win of Sikoa’s career by a mile. Cena has been incredibly selfless during this run and he’s served as a launching pad for Sikoa to become a main event player. A solid match with good psychology and an absolutely fantastic finish. We’ll even give a pass to the producers for the close-up of Cena hollering directions in the final minutes. Sikoa def. Cena via pinfall. Grade: A
United States Championship — Rey Mysterio (c) vs. Logan Paul: Paul got to his typically over-the-top start, driving to the arena in a dune buggy. Paul got off to a decent start exchanging holds with the legendary luchador, but couldn’t keep up with Mysterio’s agility and poise. The power game is what opened up Paul’s offense against his smaller foe. Paul caught Mysterio mid-air and rolled through Mysterio’s top rope cross-body attempt. Paul slammed Mysterio into the ring post, rolled over him and hit a springboard moonsault. Paul continued to beat down Mysterio and even did his best impression of The Ultimate Warrior.
Mysterio finally found reprieve after doing a shoulder tackle that resulted in Paul crashing into the ring post and flying out of the ring. Paul hit a shaky slingshot clothesline before Mysterio responded with a cross-face. The most impressive moment of the match came when Paul hit a second rope moonsault slam on Mysterio for a near fall. Paul blocked a 619 but Mysterio found his moment with a sunset bomb and Code Red. Paul kicked out and snatched brass knuckles from one of his cronies. Paul fumbled the knuckles outside of the ring. His lackey went to grab it but was intercepted by Mysterio’s LWO pupil Santos Escobar. Escobar grabbed the knuckles but left it on the ring apron as he pursued Paul’s goon. That action, intentional or not, allowed Paul to retrieve the brass knuckles and blast Mysterio with them after eating a 619.
The match was solid and Paul always delivers at least one highlight-reel moment. Mysterio’s reign as United States champion has been rather mundane. Paul has excelled as a WWE superstar and granting him the title is just fine. It’s great marketing for the WWE if Paul is parading around his podcast and the Internet equipped with the company’s hardware. Escobar’s potential flub was a great development in his slow burn heel turn against his mentor. Paul def. Mysterio to win the United States championship. Grade: B
WWE Women’s Championship — Iyo Sky (c) vs. Bianca Belair: Belair fought with newfound aggression to match her vengeful new attitude. Belair recently returned from a three-month hiatus to pursue Iyo Sky, the woman who cashed in her briefcase on Belair moments after Belair won the WWE women’s championship at SummerSlam. Belair’s power game was on display in the early moments of the match but Sky remained competitive with speed and technical prowess. Belair landed a particularly nasty German suplex at the midway point of the match that dropped Sky on her face.
Bayley came out to support Sky but communication broke down between the Damage CTRL members. Sky accidentally struck Bayley but that did not deter her from trying to aid Sky. Belair snatched Bayley for a KOD into the announcers’ table — a repeat of what happened on SmackDown — but a returning Kairi Sane made the surprise save. Sane knocked down Belair, setting up Sky for a match-winning moonsault. Post-match, Sane drilled Belair with arguably the prettiest elbow drop in wrestling. Bayley, who previously ended Sane’s WWE career, looked shocked as Sky and Sane stood proudly in the ring together.
Everything about this clicked. Belair and Sky clearly have a lot of chemistry between Crown Jewel and their Backlash match. Sane should have never been released in the first place and she looked like a major player upon her return. A union between Sane and Sky is exactly the jolt of energy that Sky’s title reign sorely needed. It also plants the seed for a natural split from a stale Damage CTRL. Sky def. Belair via pinfall to retain the WWE women’s championship. Grade: A
WWE Women’s Championship — Iyo Sky (c) vs. Bianca Belair: Belair fought with newfound aggression to match her vengeful new attitude. Belair recently returned from a three-month hiatus to pursue Iyo Sky, the woman who cashed in her briefcase on Belair moments after Belair won the WWE women’s championship at SummerSlam. Belair’s power game was on display in the early moments of the match but Sky remained competitive with speed and technical prowess. Belair landed a particularly nasty German suplex at the midway point of the match that dropped Sky on her face.
Bayley came out to support Sky but communication broke down between the Damage CTRL members. Sky accidentally struck Bayley but that did not deter her from trying to aid Sky. Belair snatched Bayley for a KOD into the announcers’ table — a repeat of what happened on SmackDown — but a returning Kairi Sane made the surprise save. Sane knocked down Belair, setting up Sky for a match-winning moonsault. Post-match, Sane drilled Belair with arguably the prettiest elbow drop in wrestling. Bayley, who previously ended Sane’s WWE career, looked shocked as Sky and Sane stood proudly in the ring together.
Everything about this clicked. Belair and Sky clearly have a lot of chemistry between Crown Jewel and their Backlash match. Sane should have never been released in the first place and she looked like a major player upon her return. A union between Sane and Sky is exactly the jolt of energy that Sky’s title reign sorely needed. It also plants the seed for a natural split from a stale Damage CTRL. Sky def. Belair via pinfall to retain the WWE women’s championship. Grade: A
Cody Rhodes vs. Damian Priest: A brawl broke out immediately, echoing the animosity between the competitors. Rhodes repeatedly shook out his leg between moves, selling an ankle injury previously inflicted on him by Judgement Day. “The American Nightmare” struck Priest with a Disaster Kick and shoved him onto the announcers’ table with a suicide dive. Priest countered Rhodes by hitting The Reckoning — his interpretation of Cross Rhodes — onto the table. The crowd chanted, “Where’s your briefcase?” at Priest, acknowledging that Sami Zayn stole it earlier in the show. Rhodes countered The Reckoning into a Cross Rhodes, spurring interference by Finn Balor and JD McDonagh. Priest capitalized on the distraction and hit the South of Heaven chokeslam for a near fall.
The match divulged into further chaos as Dominik Mysterio made the walk wielding a steel chair. Jey Uso evened the odds by superkicking Balor, McDonagh and Mysterio before snatching the chair away. Back in the ring, Rhodes hit a Cody Cutter and Bionic Elbow, the latter a nod to his late father Dusty Rhodes. A series of counters followed suit with Rhodes gaining the upper hand. A trio of Cross Rhodes put Priest down for good. Going before the main event is often tough. The match’s length and expected outcome took a lot of edge off the heat between Rhodes and Priest. The match was fine if uninspired and the ankle played no effect. It’s probably a win Rhodes needed but not a compelling one. Rhodes def. Priest via pinfall. Grade: B-
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship — Roman Reigns (c) vs. LA Knight: Reigns immediately lunged at Knight, a different look than his typically stoic start to matches. Knight made him pay with a chain of strikes and grappling maneuvers before getting blasted with a back elbow. The superstars jostled for position — neither able to procure prolonged offense — but Knight generally hit the bigger moves. Reigns turned the tables outside and started his methodical beatdown of the challenger. The Riyadh crowd was loudly in support of Knight, waving their “YEAH!” signs as Reigns ordered them to pipe down.
Knight eventually rallied, catching Reigns with a top rope bulldog. Everything was trending in Knight’s favor until The Bloodline interfered as expected. Jimmy Uso forced the distraction, allowing Reigns to regain the upper hand. Solo Sikoa also tried to enter from the entranceway but was cut off by WWE officials. Knight hit Reigns with the BFT but Uso’s presence continued to impede him. Knight neutralized Uso by driving him through the announcers’ table but turned around and was speared through the barricade by Reigns. The champion dragged his vulnerable challenger into the ring and hit one last finisher to seal the deal. This match was more about capitalizing on Knight’s popularity than executing a meaningful change. Reigns is arguably the best big-match performer in the industry today, but the cookie-cutter approach to having The Bloodline rescue him from popular challengers is beyond stale. The booking and outcome played entirely as expected. You have to wonder why no one came to Knight’s aid. It was a great effort by Knight in his first world title match and he had the crowd in the palm of his hands. The complaints here are directed at the direction of the match, not the participants involved. Reigns def. Knight via pinfall to retain the undisputed WWE universal championship. Grade:
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