Bobby Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar

Background: On the October 10 episode of Raw, Bobby Lashley listed off the names of previous wrestlers he had defeated, which included Brock Lesnar, who he faced only once and defeated at the Royal Rumble in January. Lesnar, in his first appearance since SummerSlam in July, then made a surprise return and attacked Lashley. This ultimately cost Lashley his United States Championship in a title defense that occurred right after the confrontation. Following this, in a backstage segment, Lashley challenged Lesnar to face him on the following week’s episode. The following week, the two then brawled which ended after Lashley put Lesnar through the commentators table. Later that night, a match between the two was announced for Crown Jewel.

Previous PPV matches: This is a second PPV match between these twoi men, Bobby Lashley won the previous match at the Royal Rumble event this year.

Crown Jewel PPV Record: Bobby Lashley is 0-3, Brock Lesnar is 1-1.

Match: There’s a huge pop for Lesnar. Lashley attacks Brock as he makes his entrance, pushing him into ring steps and then hits a couple of spears. Lesnar sells a knee injury from here. Bobby hits a spear through the barricade and then a fourth spear for a near fall. Brock counters a hurt lock attempt with a German suplex. Brock hits 2 more German suplexes and an F5 for a near fall. Bobby counters a second F5 attempt, clotheslines Brock out of the ring and rams Leanar into the ringpost. Brock counters a spear but Lashley hits a spinebuster. The crowd are definitely on the side of Lesnar in this one. Lashley applies the hurt lock but Brock manages to kick off the top turnbuckle, putting Bobby on his back and pinning him for the 3!

Result: Brock Lesnar wins by pinfall.

Review: This was a good way to kick off the show. Two heavweights who didn’t have a standard match. The crowd were behind Lesnar all the way to his victory and even boo’d Lashley at times. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a third and final match between these two men. Lashley was made to look strong in this but in the end it was Brock who got the win, even if it did look like a fluke.

Rating: 7/10

Alexa Bliss & Asuka (c) vs. Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky) – Women’s Tag Team Championship match

Background: After being absent for a few weeks due to an attack by Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, and Iyo Sky), Alexa Bliss and Asuka made their return on the October 31 episode of Raw. That night, they challenged Sky and Kai to a match for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship and defeated them to win the title. The next day, a championship rematch was scheduled for Crown Jewel.

Previous PPV matches: This is a first time PPV tag team match between these two teams.

Crown Jewel PPV Record: All four girls wrestle at Crown Jewel for the first time tonight.

Match: Alexa and Dakota kick things off for their teams. There’s some nice chain wrestling between the two in a back and forth start. Asuka and Iyo have a fast back and forth before Alexa tags back in. The champions hit a double hip attack but the challengers take back control with some double teaming on Asuka. Lots of quick tags from Damage CTRL until Asuka fights back and makes the hot tag to Bliss. Alexa hits code red on Sky for a near fall. Asuka hits a big German suplex on Dakota for a near fall. Dakota hits running boot on Asuka for a near fall of her own. Bliss goes to the top but as the referee is distracted with Asuka and Iyo, Nikki Cross appears, hits Alexa with a DDT off the top which allows Kai to pin Bliss for the three!

Result: Damage CTRL win the women’s tag team championships by pinfall.

Review: This was a really fun match. It had a great pace to it and it was the best I’ve seen Alexa Bliss in a long time. I do suspect that Alexa and Asuka won the belts so we could have a title switch at this event. Nikki Cross getting involved was very interesting, I wonder if she will start a programme with Alecxa Bliss off the back off this. The pre-match interview involving Alexa and Bray Wyatt’s logo was also very interesting. Dakota and Iyo win the belts back tonight in a good match. It was nice seeing Dakota and Iyo in matching gear tonight, even if it was the Saudi gear.

Rating: 7.5/10

Drew McIntyre vs. Karrion Kross – Steel Cage match

Background: At Extreme Rules, Karrion Kross defeated Drew McIntyre in a Strap match after Kross’ wife, Scarlett, incapacitated McIntyre with pepper spray. On the following episode of SmackDown, Kross was scheduled to compete in a fatal four-way match to determine the number one contender for the Intercontinental Championship. However, before SmackDown went on air, Kross was involved in a car accident (kayfabe) and was attacked by McIntyre while receiving help, rendering him unable to compete. The following week, McIntyre announced that he would be facing Kross in a Steel Cage match at Crown Jewel.

Previous PPV matches: This is a second PPV match between these two men, Karrion Kross won the previous encounter at Extreme Rules.

Crown Jewel PPV Record: Drew McIntyre is 0-2, Karrion Kross wrestles at this event for the first time tonight.

Match: There are drones in the sky creating images of egg timers and swords for each man respectively. It’s a back and forth start to the match. Kross is the first man to try and escape the cage. Kross takes the advantage to the glee of Scarlett. Drew soon fights back, launching Karrion into the side of the cage and then hitting a Michinoku Driver for a near fall. Drew hits a belly to belly off the top and then looks for a claymore but Kross hits him with a running knee for a 2 count. Karrion locks on the Kross Jacket but Drew fights out. Kross hots a nice side suplex and looks for a Kross Hammer but Drew avoids it and hits a futureshock DDT. McIntyre gets distracted by Scarlett which allows Kross to lock on the Kross Jacket and then hit a Kross Hammer. Kross climbs the cage but Drew goes up with him and hits a suplex off the top of the cage! McIntyre looks to exit the cage through the door but Scarlett sprays something in his eyes and then sprays the outside referee too! The two men fight it out and Drew hits a version of the claymore. Scarlett locks the cage door stopping Drew from getting out. Drew climbs the cage so Kross crawls to the door, Scarlett opens the door as quick as she can but she’s too late, McIntyre drops down to win the match.

Result: Drew McIntyre wins by escaping the cage.

Review: This was another good match tonight. I liked the various spots with Scarlett, it was a creative finish that I haven’t seen before. I superplex was a nice spot too. Drew wins this one which makes me think we might get a rubber match. I don’t think this hurts Kross’ momentum too much, he should play a big part on the roster going forward.

Rating: 7/10

The OC (AJ Styles, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) vs. The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damien Priest & Dominik Mysterio)

Background: On the October 10 episode of Raw, The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio, and Rhea Ripley) called out AJ Styles to join their stable, as Styles and Bálor used to be teammates in the Bullet Club in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Styles came out to seemingly accept the offer, however, he rejected the offer and introduced the returning Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson as backup, making their return to WWE after both were released in April 2020, thus reforming The O.C.. A brawl then ensued between the two teams. The following week, The Judgment Day confronted The O.C. and challenged them to a six-man tag team match at Crown Jewel, which the latter accepted.

Previous PPV matches: This is a first time six man tag team match between these two teams.

Crown Jewel PPV Record: AJ Styles is 2-1, Gallows & Anderson are 1-0, Finn Balor is 0-1, Damien Priest and Dominik Mysterio wrestle at Crown Jewel for the first time tonight.

Match: Finn Balor and Karl Anderson kick off the match with Anderson getting the better of his opponent. They both tag in the biggest members of their teams, Luke Gallows and Damien Priest. Rhea Ripley watches on from the outside. AJ Styles and Dominik Mysterio tag in and the OC take control with all three members laying into Dominik. Judgment Day take control with some double teaming on Anderson and make lots of quick tags to keep Karl Anderson away from his corner. Finn takes out AJ on the outside but Anderson finally tags in Luke Gallows. Gallows lays into Mysterio until Priest saves Dominik from a magic killer. AJ Styles tags in and picks up the pace. All hell breaks loose with all six men. Rhea Ripley then gets involved, taking out AJ on the outside. Balor hits a shotgun dropkick on Styles and then the coup de gras for the win. 

Result: The Judgment Day win by pinfall.

Review: This was a fun six man tag team match. It’s funny how unpopular Diminik Mysterio is and how much joy the crowd get in seeing him take a beating. The Judgment Day have a lot of momentum right now, they’re getting a lot of wins. I like them actually, they have a lot of chemistry. I’m not sure where they fit in thr grand scheme of things but I can see Finn Balor getting involed with Edge again with Rhea Ripley and Beth Phoenix by their sides, probably in a mixed tag. Good match tonight though.

Rating: 6.5/10

Braun Strowman vs. Omos

Background: During Braun Strowman’s match on the October 14 episode of SmackDown, Omos and his manager MVP of the Raw brand appeared in the crowd. After Strowman won the match, MVP explained that they took issue with Strowman’s claim of calling himself the “Monster of all Monsters” and claimed that Strowman would look normal sized if he stood next to Omos. The following week, Strowman called out Omos to confront him. MVP came out instead and Strowman stated that he wanted to challenge Omos at Crown Jewel; MVP then accepted on his behalf, however, Omos then came out and towered over Strowman before shoving him out of the ring. The match was officially confirmed on the October 24 episode of Raw.

Previous PPV matches: This is a first time match between these two men.

Crown Jewel PPV Record: Braun Strowman is 0-2, Omos is 0-1.

Match: There is no MVP in the corner of Omos after Strowman took him out on Smackdown last night. The match starts with a classic test of strength, a test that Omos wins. Omos takes control from here, nailing Braun with a running boot. Omos talking plenty of smack in this match. Strowman looks to slam Omos but can’t get him up, Omos responds with a slam of his own. Omos throws Strowman around the ring, dominating the smaller man. Braun hits some right hands and then clotheslines Omos out of the ring. Strowman then looks for the Strowman express but Omos floors him. Braun avoids a splash in the corner and hits a running power slam for the win! A match dominated by Omos is won by Braun Strowman!

Result: Braun Strowman wins by pinfall.

Review: This match was ok. It wasn’t terrible but it was what you’d expect from two giant men. It was certainally a spectacle but you’d expect a better match from either of these guys against smaller men. Braun getting the win was a little bit of a surprise as this would have been a good match for Omos to win but with Strowman returning recently it would have slowed his momentum a lot if he would have lost.

Rating: 5.5/10

The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) (c) vs. The Brawling Brutes (Ridge Holland & Butch) – Smackdown Tag Team Championship match

Background: On the October 14 episode of SmackDown, Sheamus and Solo Sikoa competed in a fatal four-way match to earn an opportunity at the Intercontinental Championship. During the match, Bloodline members Sami Zayn and Jey Uso interferred on Sikoa’s behalf. The Brawling Brutes (Ridge Holland and Butch) then came out to defend their stablemate, Sheamus, and a brawl broke out between the two teams. The following week, The Bloodline attacked and injured Sheamus. After defeating Zayn and Sikoa on the October 28 episode, Holland and Butch earned a match against The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship at Crown Jewel.

Previous PPV matches: This is a first time tag team match between these two teams on PPV.

Crown Jewel PPV Record: All four men wrestle at Crown Jewel for the first time tonight.

Match: Jey Uso has a bandage down his arm, believing that he has a broken wrist going into this match. Butch and Jimmy Uso kick off the match with Butch taking the early advantage. The Usos look to take a count out but Butch takes them out and makes sure that doesn’t happen. A cheap shot from Jey Uso gives his team the advantage and they start to make quick tags, keeping Butch away from Ridge Holland. Butch hits a tornado DDT and tags in Holland who picks up the pace. Ridge hits ten beats of the bodhrun on Jey, well 9 of them. Butch tags in and hits a standing moonsault on Jey for a near fall. All four men go at it, Jey hits a superkick on Butch and Jimmy looks for a splash but Butch counters. Jey makes a blind tag and hits another superkick before both Usos come off the top with splashes. Ridge saves the match, breaking up the pinfall attempt. Ridge hits white noise on Jey for a near fall. Ridge hits a slam on Jey for another near fall. All four men go at it again which ends with The Usos hitting a 1D on Butch off the top for the three.

Result: The Usos retain the tag team championships by pinfall.

Review: This was a decent enough match. It had a good pace to it and there were a few good spots. I liked the 1D off the top on Butch. Ridge Holland doesn’t feel polished yet but he’s improved a lot. I can see The Usos keeping hold of the title until Wrestlemania where I’d like to see them drop to Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. It’d be cool to see them defend against Logan and Jake Paul along the way.

Rating: 6/10

Bianca Belair (c) vs. Bayley – Last Woman Standing match for the Raw Women’s Championship

Background: At Extreme Rules, Bianca Belair defeated Bayley in a Ladder match to retain the Raw Women’s Championship. On the October 24 episode of Raw, Bayley defeated Belair in a non-title match thanks to a distraction by Nikki A.S.H., who returned to her previous persona of Nikki Cross. Due to this, Bayley earned another title match against Belair, which was scheduled for Crown Jewel and stipulated as a Last Woman Standing match.

Previous PPV matches: Bianca has won all three of these two girls previous PPV matcches.

Crown Jewel PPV Record: Bianca is 0-1 at Crown Jewel, Bayley wrestles at this event for the first time tonight.

Match: It’s a back and forth start to the match. Bayley grabs a kendo stick from under the ring but a Bianca avoids the attack. Bayley grabs a chair but again Belair avoids the attack. It has been all Bianca in the early stages of this match. Bayley takes control, sits Bianca on a chair outside the ring and then hits her with a flying clothesline. The girls fight on the ramp until Bayley slips off the ramp and sells an ankle injury but she was faking it. Bayley goes to work with the chair and the a kendo stick but can’t keep Bianca down for a 10 count. Belair hits a spinebuster on the ring steps. Bayley heads up the ramp but Bianca attacks her with a kendo stick. Bayley hits a Bayley to belly on the stage. Bayley throws Bianca in a flight case but Belair explodes out of it.

Bayley disappears and then comes back in a golf cart but it goes pretty slowly and Bianca avoids it. Belair then bears the hell out of Bayley on top of the golf cart before driving it with Bayley on top down to the ring. Bianca throws Bayley off it, looking to put Bayley through a table but the table doesn’t break and Bayley bounces off it. Bianca then powerbombs Bayley through the table for good measure. Bayley beats the ten count. Bianca sandwiches Bayley in chairs, heads to the top for a 450 splash but Bayley moves and Bianca eats steel. Bianca hits a KOD on set up chair and then sandwiches Bayley in a ladder. Bianca pushes the ladder under the bottom turnbuckle and Bayley is trapped, unable to beat the 10 count!

Result: Binaca Belair wins, retaining the Raw Women’s Championship.

Review: This was a really fun match. Bianca very rarely has a bad match, she bring s such a good babyface enrgy. Bayley, who in my opinion is one of the three greatest women wrestlers of all time (with Charlotte and Becky Lynch) puts on a great performance too. I think this may be the end of this rivarly, I’m not sure there’s any coming back for Bayley after this. I could see Bianca moving on to a rivalry with Rhea Ripley whilst Bayley will probably participate in War Games.

Rating: 8/10

Roman Reigns (c) vs. Logan Paul – Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match

Background: After Roman Reigns appeared on Logan Paul’s podcast Impaulsive, the social media influencer then trash-talked Reigns after the latter left the set. This led to a social media exchange, resulting in Paul appearing on the September 16 episode of SmackDown where he confronted The Bloodline to invite Reigns to a press conference in Las Vegas the following day. At the conference, WWE executive Triple H announced that Reigns would defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Paul in the main event of Crown Jewel, marking only Paul’s third match in WWE. During the Crown Jewel press conference the day before the event, it was confirmed that while Reigns would have The Bloodline in his corner (except Sami Zayn), Paul would be backed by his brother Jake Paul.

Previous PPV matches: This is a first time PPV match between these two men.

Crown Jewel PPV Record: Roman Reigns is 2-0, Logan Paul wrestles at this event for the first time tonight.

Match: Both men make their entrances alone, besides Paul Heyman who joins the champion. It’s a cagey start to the match as both men jockey for position. Logan Paul surprises Reigns with a takedown and foreman’s carry. Reigns soon takes control, hitting Paul with strikes and throws. Paul fights back at every opportunity and clotheslines Reigns out of the ring. Logan hits a “buckshot lariat” for a two count. Reigns takes control with a big uppercut and keeps Logan grounded from there, talking smack about YouTubers as he does. Logan hits a gut wrench suplex, a big clothesline and a blockbuster as he fires up. Logan then hits his version of a Superman punch before heading to the top and hitting a cross body and then a standing moonsault for a two count. Logan tunes up the band but Reigns counters the superkick with a urunage for a near fall.

Logan hits a big right hand and then a Superman pinch for a near fall. Logan lays Reigns down on the Arab announce table and then goes to the top rope and hits a frog splash through the table! The Usos come out to check on Reigns and take out Logan entourage who are sat in the front row. Jake Paul then makes his way out and he lays out both Usos. Logan rolls Reigns into the ring and hits him with a frog splash for a near fall. Solo Sikoa then makes his way out to the ring but referees split up Solo and Jake Paul before they can get into it. Logan Paul dives out of the ring, taking out The Usos. Reigns his Logan with a Superman punch as he re-enters the ring and a spear for the win.

Result: Roman Reigns wins by pinfall.

Review: This was a really fun match. I think it’s fair to say that Logan Paul has exceeded expectations in his matches so far in WWE. I liked all of the outside involvement, even Jake Paul who could easily slot in as a tag team partner for Logan. I am surprised that Logan got so much offence in. He really dominated for periods and was made to look very strong against Reigns. But there could only be one winner at the end of the day and that was Roman Reigns. In all honesty, this was the perfect main event for this show, I have no problems with Logan Paul main eventing Saudi. I do wonder where this puts Logan Paul for the future. I’d like to see him team with Jake against The Usos at some point. Your guess is as good as mine as to who will be next to step up to Roman Reigns before Wrestlemania season.

Rating: 7.5/10