WWE Crown Jewel 2023 is in the books and now we look back at each match and assign a grade. So, let us see what the scores looked like from Saudi Arabia.
WWE Crown Jewel 2023 Report Card: Grades Are In From Saudi Arabia
Sami Zayn vs. JD McDonagh
It felt like most of WWE Crown Jewel 2023 was put together in quick fashion. Therefore, the pre-show match did not make a ton of sense.
Not too long ago, Sami Zayn would be imprisoned or killed for entering Saudi Arabia. Clearly, times have changed as the country tries to appear civil.
Zayn won, but the big takeaway was the nasty mark by the hip of JD McDonagh. Hopefully, the potential Judgement Day member is alright. Grade: B-
Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley vs. Nia Jax vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Zoey Stark
When WWE first started running shows in Saudi Arabia, women were not allowed to appear. Slowly, they began appearing at the announce desk and then in matches.
Now, WWE is brining in plenty of women as they are featured in several bouts. During this match, everyone ganged-up on Nia Jax; which is nothing new.
Shayna Baszler had one of the coolest spots at WWE Crown Jewel 2023 as she locked three opponents in different finishers at the same time. Rhea Ripley kept her title and it makes sense as she is levels above everyone else. Grade: B
Cody Rhodes vs. Damian Priest
Damian Priest started the show almost cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase. If it was not for Sami Zayn, then he could have left with another belt.
Rhodes probably could have sold his bad knee more. At the same time, Priest should have targeted the vulnerable spot.
Rhodes won and it might create more problems within The Judgement Day. As for Rhodes, I am not sure what he does next before the Royal Rumble. Grade: B
United States Championship: Rey Mysterio vs. Logan Paul
Talk about a cringeworthy match. Logan Paul likes to take huge bumps and Rey Mysterio is very injury prone.
There were several spots were Mysterio looked frustrated and you cannot blame him after nearly landing on his head. Even Logan’s moves looked choppy, despite be eye-catching, and that cost the match some points.
There were plenty of cool spots, which was expected. Logan Paul walked out of WWE Crown Jewel 2023 the new United States Champion and I do not think any real pro wrestling fans liked the outcome. Grade: B
WWE Women’s Championship: Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair
Bianca Belair was the face entering the match, but she seemed to be getting more boos that Iyo Sky. That tells us WWE needs to turn Belair heel and maybe even make Sky a face.
This match was months in the making. An unfortunate injury caused Belair to be removed from WWE TV for a good chunk of time.
Kairi Sane returning to WWE was known, but it is great to see her back. As for Damage Control, maybe Sky leaves since Bayley had zero clue what happened. Grade: B
John Cena vs. Solo Sikoa
John Cena was part of the first Saudi Arabia show years ago. Then, he refused to appear due to concerns about how the people were being treated.
He made the trip and took on The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa. When they stood in the ring at WWE Crown Jewel 2023, all I could think about was Cena vs. Umaga from the 2007 Royal Rumble.
I do not understand why Solo hit his finisher countless times and then added a few punches before scoring the three count. Cena continues his streak of not winning a singles match in five years and by the look on his face, this could have been his last trip overseas. Grade: B
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns vs. LA Knight
It is crazy to think a year ago LA Knight was a manager. Now, he has organically become one of the top faces.
Roman Reigns leaving WWE Crown Jewel 2023 seemed like a safe bet. Still, LA Knight kept fans believing and I liked the constant trash-talk to Reigns.
I have nothing against Reigns remaining champion as LA Knight finally got that huge spot fans have been chirping about. Reigns probably takes off for the next two months, preparing for WrestleMania 40 season. Grade: B+
World Heavyweight Championship: Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre
A big question for most of the year has been the status of Drew McIntyre. As of last word, he is yet to re-sign with WWE and he could land somewhere else in a matter of months.
You want to open the main card of WWE Crown Jewel 2023 on high note and they picked the right match. It went back and forth, with McIntyre seeming to be the fan favorite.
I hope these two meet again as the match was better than the storyline. Perhaps, McIntyre will be a heel as WWE has teased it for months. Grade: A-
So, how did your grades compare to our WWE Crown Jewel 2023 report card?
