WWE Crown Jewel 2023: Five Takeaways That Set the Stage for What’s Next
WWE’s Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia delivered a night of electrifying action and surprising twists, setting the stage for exciting storylines to unfold in the weeks and months ahead. From Solo Sikoa’s stunning victory to Kevin Owens’ chaotic brawl with Randy Orton, here are five key takeaways from the spectacle:
Solo Sikoa: A Title Contender Emerges
In a jaw-dropping moment, Solo Sikoa emerged victorious against Roman Reigns, scoring a clean pin on "The Tribal Chief" to further solidify his position within The Bloodline. This decisive win marks only the third time in four years that Reigns has tasted defeat, making it a monumental accomplishment for Sikoa. His victory elevates both his and The Bloodline’s credibility, hinting at a highly anticipated rematch against Reigns and company at Survivor Series.
Following in the footsteps of Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes, who also achieved significant victories over Reigns, Sikoa’s success suggests a promising trajectory for a major push in 2024.
Kevin Owens Injects Anarchy into ORTON Grudge Match
The highly anticipated grudge match between Kevin Owens and Randy Orton didn’t exactly ignite the arena as predicted. While Orton’s nonchalant entrance and relaxed demeanor seemingly disregarded the intensity of the rivalry, Owens answered the call. He blindsided Orton with a brutal steel chair attack, igniting a wild brawl that forced the match to be disqualified. Owens’ aggressiveness ultimately triumphed, driving Orton through a table near the production area, leaving fans grasping for more in the wake of the chaotic spectacle.
Nick Aldis Holds Back as Pearce Pays the Price
Amidst the chaos ignited by Owens and Orton, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce attempted to intervene, finding himself on the receiving end of an RKO from Randy Orton. The incident, showcasing Pearce’s disregard for authority, highlights the power dynamics within the ring. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, observing from a distance, decided against intervening, a decision that may have consequences in the future.
Could Aldis step into the role as Pearce’s advocate, culminating in a brand war confrontation at Survivor Series?
Disappointing Champion vs Champion
Triple H’s concept of a champion-versus-champion match at Crown Jewel, pitting WWE Champion Roman Reigns against Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes, resonated with the spirit of a major sporting event.
However, the prevailing sentiment following the match is that it was overshadowed by distractions and outside interference from the likes of Liv Morgan, Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, Raquel Rodriguez, and Dominik Mysterio.
While Liv Morgan’s win against Jax was undoubtedly significant, a cleaner victory would have left a more lasting impact. The match lacked the gravitas expected from such a marquee encounter.
Cody Rhodes: Undisputed King
Despite the lack of a title clash, Cody Rhodes’ hard-fought victory over Gunther solidified his status as WWE’s undisputed champion. This clean victory radiated dominance, silencing any doubts surrounding his reign as the top star in WWE. Gunther’s display of sportsmanship post-match further accentuated the sincerity of Rhodes’ victory.
What did you think of WWE Crown Jewel? Share your thoughts in the comments below!