[wondrous music playing]
[narrator] Imagine a reality…
with soaring potential.
A passageway…
to opportunity.
Designed with equal parts power…
[growls]
…and beauty.
A reality…
-[warriors grunting, screaming] -…where champions battle champions
for the honor of the Crown Jewel.
Imagine no more.
-[crowd cheering] -[music turns dramatic]
[Graves] This is what it's all about.
[crowd] Yeah!
[Graves] The moments.
[Seth laughing]
[Graves] The emotion.
[narrator] Tonight…
from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia…
winning isn't just a potential reality…
[crowd cheering]
…it's the only reality.
[Triple H] At Crown Jewel we will make history.
Our reigning WWE Champion
will face our reigning World Champion.
And that winner will be Crown Jewel Champion.
[crowd cheering]
[narrator] This is WWE Crown Jewel.
[music concludes]
[narrator] And now, live from Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
WWE presents Crown Jewel.
-[crowd cheering, applauding] -[hip-hop music playing]
[Michael] You are looking live
at a sold out Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh.
WWE fans are out in full force tonight for Crown Jewel.
It's WWE's 12th massive show in this country.
And we get underway tonight with the battle of The Bloodlines.
[song concludes]
["Taking It All" playing]
[crowd cheering]
♪ We're taking it all! Settle the score The one who will not take that loss ♪
-♪ We're taking it all ♪ -♪ We the ones! ♪
♪ We kick down the door Dropping you down to the floor ♪
-♪ We’re taking it all ♪ -♪ Yeah! ♪
♪ Ready for war Better than ever before! ♪
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following contest is a six-man tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied by Tonga Loa,
Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Solo Sikoa,
The Bloodline!
[Michael] The one thing about the Solo Sikoa-led new Bloodline
is unified.
When it comes to Solo Sikoa and the Tongans,
they're more unified, I believe, than the original Bloodline ever was.
Solo Sikoa may be the leader,
but he has treated everybody with respect, and Corey Graves,
it has led to success for this group.
[Graves] Solo still does not quite understand.
Solo cannot grasp why Roman Reigns and The Usos
refused to acknowledge him as the new Tribal Chief.
Solo believes he was just picking up where Roman left off,
that this is all for the good of the family.
But there can only be one Tribal Chief,
and at the moment, you are looking at him.
So much at stake tonight for Solo Sikoa.
If he wants to prove he's the supreme ruler,
that he is the Tribal Chief,
then knock off Roman Reigns and The Usos tonight.
And hello again, everybody, from Friday Night SmackDown at ringside.
I'm Michael Cole. He's Corey Graves. This is gonna be a spectacular night.
No doubt about it. We've been here for three days.
The Kingdom has been rocking from end to end.
We're gonna make history tonight at Crown Jewel,
but we can't do it without our Saudi Arabian broadcasters.
Of course, say hello to my friends Jude Al-Dajani and Faisal Mughaisib.
[speaking Arabic]
[both laugh]
[Michael] If you ever pat me on the head like that…
[Graves laughing]
[Michael] And there is the Samoan Werewolf, Jacob Fatu.
Tama Tonga, Solo Sikoa in this match.
Tonga Loa, the other… will also be here at ringside.
[Graves] You cannot discount that fact. Having someone as dangerous as Tonga Loa,
half of the former Tag Team Champions at ringside,
that definitely has to swing the power on the side of Solo
in the new Bloodline.
-[song concludes] -[crowd cheering, applauding]
[crowd chanting] OTC! OTC! OTC! OTC! OTC!
-["I Am Greatness" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] OTC! OTC! OTC! OTC! OTC!
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] And their opponents,
the team of Jimmy Uso
and the OTC,
-Roman Reigns! -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] We made a big deal about the unified new Bloodline.
It is very interesting to me that Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso
come out here together tonight without Jey Uso in tow.
[Graves] Listen, reconnecting with your family is one thing.
It's a feel-good story to see Jey and his brother Jimmy
standing side by side with the OTC. But the fact is, Michael Cole,
recently, Jey Uso has been able to taste singles glory.
Holding the Intercontinental Championship,
that will do something to a superstar and their mentality.
Jey knows what he's capable of on his own.
I'm curious to see if that factors in to this six-man tag team contest.
[Michael] Jimmy and Jey have said family first.
Jey Uso owes The Bloodline a lot.
They cost him the Intercontinental Championship
a couple of weeks ago.
Jimmy Uso taken out of action after WrestleMania by The Bloodline.
He did not reappear until about eight months ago.
And for Roman Reigns, it is just his second match
since he lost the Undisputed Championship back at WrestleMania.
[Graves] We saw back at Bad Blood that Roman, at least for one night,
was willing to put hard feelings with Cody Rhodes aside.
Can Roman set his issues with his family aside for this battle?
Because if not, Roman Reigns will fall tonight.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] But we've talked about this for many years.
Roman Reigns, Corey, a narcissist.
He wanted to be the leader of The Bloodline.
He had to be in control. He had to be in charge.
And now he's had that power ripped away from him.
And Jey Uso said last night on SmackDown, there's no more leaders anymore.
We've got to be on the same page. You need to treat us with respect.
Does that bother Roman Reigns?
[Graves] Absolutely. Roman Reigns ruled WWE with an iron fist.
And he's never reciprocated to any of his family members
-when they didn't fall in line. -[crowd chanting] OTC! OTC! OTC! OTC!
-[song concludes] -[crowd continues chanting] OTC! OTC! OTC!
-["Main Event Ish" playing] -♪ USO! ♪
[crowd cheering]
♪ Main Event Jey Uso is now in your city! Yah-hoo! ♪
[crowd singing] ♪ It's just me, Uce, okay! ♪
♪ Day one ish, it's just me, Uce ♪
[Michael] Come on, Corey!
[Graves] I saw you yeeting yesterday on the Kickoff Show,
and I've never been more embarrassed for another human being.
[Michael] Maybe I shouldn't do that in front of The Bloodline.
Maybe I shouldn't do that in front of The Bloodline.
That wasn't a good idea.
[crowd singing, cheering]
[Graves] It's all love on the other side of the barricade.
But once Jey Uso crosses over, believe you me, it will be a battle.
[Michael] Again, we talked about The Bloodline costing Jey Uso
the Intercontinental Championship.
Well, Jey would reciprocate a couple of weeks ago
on Friday Night SmackDown, helping the Motor City Machine Guns
to win the Tag Team Titles.
[Graves] And Cole, I understand our viewers at home aren't seeing it
at the moment, but Solo is about two feet in front of us,
and the new Tribal Chief has not broken his stare from Jey Uso.
Each step Jey has taken, Solo has watched him like a hawk,
not blinking, absolute fearlessness.
[Michael] Well, again, Solo Sikoa, the younger brother
of both Jimmy and Jey Uso, and it's interesting the way
that they were looking at this matchup.
Jimmy and Jey told me last night on the Kickoff Show
that it's time for little brother to get the whooping that he deserves.
Solo Sikoa would say, "It's time for my big brothers
to no longer refer to me as brother, but to refer to me as Tribal Chief."
[Graves] I'll do you one better, this entire situation,
this rift within the family, this uncivil war could have been prevented
had Roman just fallen in line.
Had Roman acknowledged Solo as the new Tribal Chief,
we could be looking at one Bloodline stronger than ever.
[crowd singing] ♪ Day one ish, it's just me, Uce ♪
♪ Day one… ♪
[Graves] But that boils down to Roman's need
to be the center of attention.
The only one on the throne, "The Head Of The Table".
[crowd chanting]
[announcer] And their tag team partner from San Francisco, California,
weighing 242 pounds,
-Main Event Jey Uso! -[crowd] Uso!
[Michael] Corey, faces tell a story, right?
As Jey Uso was yeeting with his sold-out crowd here
in Riyadh tonight,
Jimmy Uso gleefully was dancing around in the background.
Meanwhile, Roman Reigns had this look on his face,
almost a look of disbelief or maybe even disgust.
[Graves] Well, can you blame him?
Roman realizes what he is stepping into tonight.
Roman knows that he may not enjoy the company of Jimmy and Jey
the way he once did, the way they have their entire lives.
Roman knows he is in the lion's den.
And Reigns realizes that Solo, Tama Tonga, and Jacob Fatu
are more than willing and capable
of taking the OG Bloodline out for good tonight in Riyadh.
[Michael] Last night on Friday Night SmackDown,
Jimmy and Jey asked Roman if he was in.
He answered with one word.
Yeet.
Let's see how this plays out tonight.
[crowd chattering indistinctly]
[Michael] And there is so much history over the past number of years
between everyone involved in this matchup.
Do you realize, Corey, this is the first time that Jey and Jimmy,
one of the most prolific tag teams in the history of WWE,
have teamed together in a year and a half.
That was at Money in the Bank,
the night that they beat Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa.
It earned Jey Uso an opportunity after pinning Roman Reigns
at the Undisputed Championship at SummerSlam a month later.
What happened on that night,
Jimmy Uso turned on his own brother to cost Jey the championship.
[Graves] Jey was obviously willing to put the past behind him.
With any other tag team in the game I would question the chemistry,
will there be tag team ring rust?
But we are talking about Day One, Jimmy and Jey Uso arguably
one of if not the greatest tag team in WWE history.
I don't expect them to have any hiccups tonight.
And they can't afford to when you're dealing with people
as dangerous as the new Bloodline.
[crowd chanting] OTC! OTC! OTC! OTC!
[Michael] The OTC, Original Tribal Chief chants…
clean the arena here tonight.
[crowd cheering] Yeet! Yeet! Yeet! Yeet!
[Michael] And that's a good sign there.
Jey Uso telling Roman, I'd like to start this matchup.
And Roman says, "Okay, go right ahead."
So, Main Event Jey Uso will start things off
against Tama Tonga of The Bloodline.
[Graves] Think about this.
I don't know that Roman said he'd like to or that Jey is willing.
No one's excited to get punched in the face by this family.
But it is a good sign, and let's be honest with ourselves.
Roman Reigns may have personal issues with Jimmy and Jey,
but Roman knows this business. Roman knows this game.
Roman knows he's got the best tag team in the world side by side.
[Michael] And again, Jey Uso and Tama Tonga
starting things off here tonight in this matchup.
It's interesting, Jey Uso, who at one time was the right-hand man
for the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Tama Tonga has slid into that world
perfectly with Solo Sikoa and the new Bloodline.
[Graves] Tama Tonga appointed the right-hand man
by the new Tribal Chief, Solo Sikoa,
and Solo has to be enjoying this in the early moments.
Tama Tonga unleashed.
[Michael] So again, I think if you're the new Bloodline, Corey,
you've gotta try to cause rifts early on
in this, well, fractured relationship between Roman and the brothers.
[Graves] I would agree with that.
Curious to see what sort of strategy Solo Sikoa is going to employ tonight.
But you cannot overstate the X factor that is the Samoan Werewolf.
Jacob Fatu on the outside can and most likely will
be a game changer in this one.
[Michael] Tama Tonga, of course, former Tag Team Champion,
won the titles with Jacob Fatu back over the summer.
When Jacob was made The Enforcer for Solo Sikoa, Tonga Loa took his spot.
[grunts] And Jey Uso with a big right hand.
[crowd chants] Yeet!
[Michael] Oh, and Jey backing it on up in the corner.
[Graves] Enzuigiri makes Toma weak in the knees for the moment.
Jey Uso is starting to roll.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[indistinct chatter]
[Michael] Just like old times, Jimmy and Jey.
Jimmy tags himself in. Double team coming from The Usos.
Eight times they held tag team gold together.
[Graves laughs]
[Michael] Oh! Score for Jimmy and Jey. Cover now by Jimmy.
Hook of the leg and a kick out by Tama Tonga.
[Graves] And I understand the excitement from the WWE Universe.
I got chills a moment ago watching The Usos do Uso things.
It feels great.
But the reality of the situation is, neither Jimmy nor Jey
are the same superstars or human beings as they were.
We're talking about not being the same human being.
Jacob Fatu might not be a human being. They call him the Samoan Werewolf
because you have never seen someone capable
of the brutality that Jacob Fatu is.
-[Michael] Jacob Fatu… -You, Solo…
[Michael] …full power all the time, always going straight forward.
Agile competitor as well,
and one of the most dangerous we've ever seen.
Jacob though runs into a boot by Jimmy Uso.
Jey made the tag, he's now legal.
Ooh, Jey catches Jacob Fatu with a big boot,
big right hand by Jimmy.
And it's good to see The Usos working well together again.
Jimmy ducks underneath, big kick by Jey.
[crowd cheering] Yeet!
[Michael] Classic Usos!
[Graves] Fatu spills to the floor.
Look of amusement on the face of Roman. And now Tama Tonga sent to the outside.
[Michael] And Solo Sikoa said, "Uh-uh."
And he's gonna take a breather.
And a good start for Jimmy and Jey here tonight.
[Graves] This is a smart decision by Solo.
Rolling outside of the ring, gathering the troops,
replanning the game.
Solo knew this was gonna be hostile territory tonight.
[crowd cheering]
Wake up, wake up. We need to take their asses out.
-You hear me. -Yes.
-Wake up! -[crowd chanting] OTC! OTC! OTC! OTC!
[Michael] Solo establishing himself as the leader,
barking orders to the rest of the new Bloodline.
Jacob Fatu, Jey Uso, legal now in this tag team matchup.
And you gotta wonder what is going through the minds,
you gotta wonder what is going through the minds…
of Roman Reigns right now as he's watching all this unfold.
[Graves] Deep arm grab by Jey Uso, taking down Tama Tonga.
[crowd clapping, chanting] We want Roman!
[Graves] Sorry, but I don't feel like yelling over this capacity crowd.
-It is loud in here. -[crowd chanting] We want Roman!
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] There's your answer Michael Cole.
[Michael] The OTC ready to join the madness.
-[Michael] And a tag made to Jimmy. -[Graves] What? Okay.
[Michael] What do you think that was all about?
[Graves] I'll tell you what I think that was about.
That was Jey Uso reminding Roman, that Roman's not in charge.
We are all equals on this team.
[crowd chanting] We want Roman!
[Michael] Again, Roman doesn't call the shots anymore.
That's the playbook that Jey Uso wants to follow.
[Graves] Oh! And Jimmy just got chopped from behind.
[Michael] Yeah, and again, the discord among the Tribal Chief and,
well, the original Tribal Chief.
And Jey Uso caught Jimmy, and Jimmy's now in trouble.
And now will The Bloodline pick him apart?
[Graves] Seeing that interaction had to have Solo licking his chops,
because Solo just unleashed the Wolf in this matchup.
And Jacob Fatu wrecking Big Jim.
[Michael] But back to what we saw for a moment.
It's almost like Jey Uso is testing Roman Reigns.
Can we believe you? Will you buy in? Will you be an equal? My goodness!
Jacob Fatu about to capitate at Jimmy Uso.
[crowd cheering]
-[Michael] And now-- -[Graves] And I agree with your assessment
of the situation, Cole, but now is not the time.
You should have hashed this out in the locker room,
maybe on the flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
But if Jimmy, Jey, and Roman are not on the exact same page,
they don't stand a chance tonight.
[Michael] They wouldn't even walk out here together, Corey.
And here's Solo Sikoa now, the Tribal Chief of the New Bloodline,
torturing Jimmy Uso as he stares back at Roman Reigns.
[Graves] And again, it just eats at Solo Sikoa.
That Roman did not return and acknowledge him as the Tribal Chief.
That Solo Sikoa would pick up where Roman Reigns left off.
Solo Sikoa believes that Roman Reigns disgraced the family
when he lost the Championship to Cody Rhodes back at WrestleMania.
And Solo believed it was time for a change.
Misguided as Solo's actions may have been,
Solo Sikoa feels it was his duty to continue The Bloodline,
to protect the family and their legacy.
[Fatu] I love you, Solo!
[Michael] You heard Jacob Fatu in the background,
screaming, "I love you, Solo."
Now a cheap shot by Tama Tonga.
Jimmy Uso being beaten up here by the new Bloodline.
[Graves] Yeah, think about this.
Think about the competitor that Solo Sikoa has evolved into
over the past several months, if not year.
Jey Uso has been on Monday Night Raw.
Jey has not experienced this new, more vicious,
more calculated version of Solo Sikoa.
[Michael] Well, that's a great point.
Jimmy Uso has been out of action six months.
Roman Reigns hasn't been around. So this is new to most of them.
[Graves] Roman, of course, had some interactions with Solo.
Oh, Jacob at Bad Blood, but a different scenario tonight.
Tag made to Jey Uso.
[Michael] And here's Main Event Jey Uso. And Jey looks to pick up the pace.
And he was so upset. I talked to him yesterday over the fact
that he finally won his first singles Championship,
only to be screwed out of it a few weeks later by The Bloodline.
Oh, and Jey with a big right hand.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Graves] And again, I think we're gonna find out
exactly what Jey Uso is made of inside, having tasted singles success in WWE.
It's addicting.
You get just a taste and you want more, you need more,
and you'll stop at nothing to get to the top of the mountain again.
[Michael] And now Jey backs it on up.
Paying homage to the late, great Umaga.
Cover now by Jey, hook of the leg.
Tonga at two and a half, real close. Near fall for Jey Uso.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Roman still waiting.
I was gonna say patiently, but I'm not sure if that's the case.
On the apron.
[Graves] Have you ever known Roman to be patient?
[Michael] Not at all.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Okay, now.
Look, a rake of the eyes now by Tama Tonga.
[Graves] Right in front of the official. Brazen move by Tama.
Obviously, the official understands how deeply personal this is.
[Michael] Oh, that pop-up Samoan drop by Jacob Fatu.
[Graves] And that may be the beginning of the end for the OG Bloodline.
[Michael] And a senton by Jacob.
And the official, Ryan Tran, he's going to let a lot go in this match.
There's been so much bad blood…
between these men.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Michael] Now Jacob gonna punish Jey Uso.
[Graves] At that point when tensions are running this high, this…
[Michael] Oh! And a headbutt.
…family feud unfolding before our very eyes.
Ryan Tran understands if you call every tiny infraction,
this match and this issue will never, ever be resolved.
[Michael] Now the double team coming from Solo Sikoa
and his enforcer, Jacob Fatu.
[crowd booing]
[Michael] And now Maki…
[crowd booing]
…with WWE fans and Jey Uso.
[Graves] Think about this, Cole. We've spoken for years about Jimmy and Jey
and how oftentimes, oh, fans couldn't tell the Usos apart.
You heard Jey himself say it on Monday Night Raw.
They don't make that mistake anymore, meaning the fans.
Jey has carved his own path, as has Jimmy. What if you're Solo?
Solo has sat behind and watched his brothers succeed
to the highest of heights while he's been waiting.
Now Solo has his moment,
and his older brothers are trying to spoil it for him.
If that's not a great motivator for Sikoa, I don't know what will be.
[Michael] That, of course, is Solo Sikoa's take. Oh!
And a big right hand by Jacob.
If you listen to the Usos on the other side of the equation,
they believe that Solo Sikoa is trying to ruin the family legacy
by ruin the family heritage.
They still cannot understand why he brought the Tongans into the fold.
-[screams] -[grunts]
[Michael] That has been a big issue of contention for Jimmy and Jey.
[crowd applauding]
Ah!
[Michael] Jacob Fatu, you know, when he's nearest at ringside
and you look into his eyes, there's nothing there.
[Graves] Cole, I don't know if there's a superstar on the roster
more terrifying to me personally than Jacob Fatu.
I don't feel safe when Jacob Fatu is around, period.
[Michael] You know, when you see a shark and you look into his eyes
and they're dead.
[Graves] There's nothing.
[Michael] But then when they attack, those pupils turn white.
That's what Fatu's are like.
[Graves] Right now, Jey Uso trapped
-in the wrong side of town. -[Michael] Ooh!
Nice suplex fight. Fatu, and up over the top! Tama Tonga!
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And he's got something wrong with him, too.
We talk about Jacob Fatu, but Tama's out there.
[Graves] Tama may be a few fries short of a happy meal,
but we know Tama Tonga's an incredibly dangerous human being
who only has one speed, one gear,
and that's forward, a hundred miles an hour.
[Michael] That's the thing about Solo now. He's-- Great strategy in this matchup,
slowing the pace down against the Usos and Roman.
Roman again, yet to tag into this matchup
as Jey tries to fight out of the corner here.
Oh! And a big right drops Jey to his knees.
[Graves] And how quickly we forget the amount of time
that Solo spent around Roman Reigns as Tribal Chief.
[Michael] Solo learned an invaluable education
under the former, the OTC.
[Graves] And I was going through the history
of what Solo Sikoa has accomplished over the past couple of years
and it's a list of possible Hall of Famers that he's knocked off.
I mean, John Cena, AJ Styles, Sheamus, Sami Zayn,
-Kevin Owens, Rey Mysterio. -[Michael] Oof!
Big time clothesline by "Main Event."
Jey Uso takes down Tama Tonga, but Jey's a long way from Roman.
Solo realizes this is a very critical moment.
Roman Reigns is fired up. The OTC wants in this match.
Can Jey Uso make it to the corner?
Make a tag? And he does! And here comes Reigns!
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] A fired up Roman Reigns!
Face to face!
The old, original Tribal Chief! The new Tribal Chief!
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] And here we go!
Reigns and Solo dropping the heavy artillery on one another!
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Roman Reigns wants his, what he believes is his rightful place
-back at the head of the table. -[Graves chuckling]
[Michael] Fatu with a clothesline. And another one.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Down goes Sikoa.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] Reigns is out here on a mission tonight to expose…
-[Graves] Bang! -…Solo as a false king.
[crowd chanting] OTC! OTC! OTC! OTC! OTC!
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Ones to the sky for Roman Reigns.
[crowd chanting] OTC! OTC! OTC! OTC! OTC!
[Michael] Savoring the moment.
Locked and loaded.
[crowd applauding]
[Michael] Measuring Solo Sikoa. Reigns ready to strike.
It puts Solo away. Wait for the Superman punch.
Sikoa caught him. Reigns though…
-punches at that time. -[Graves] Down goes Solo.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] And Roman looking to put this Tribal Chief controversy to rest.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[crowd] Ooh! Ah!
[Michael] Roman went for the Spear.
-Sikoa caught him with a kick. -[Graves] Oh!
[Michael] Oh, the spike!
-[Graves] Cover! -[Michael] Cover on Reigns.
Oh my God.
-[Graves] Oh, man! -[Michael] And a kick out with a two.
[Graves] Jimmy Uso at the last possible fraction of a second,
keeping this matchup alive for his side.
[Michael] I swear to God, I thought Sikoa had Reigns beat there.
[Graves] Oh no.
[Michael] And now Jacob Fatu with a big kick to Jimmy Uso.
[Fatu grunts]
[Michael] Oh! And that spinning neck breaker sends Uso outside the ring.
And now there's the Samoan Werewolf on the loose.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] And Jacob and Jey Uso. Big superkick by Jey.
Another one will send Jacob outside the ring.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Kick by Jey to Solo. And another one.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Jey with a suicide dive.
-Caught by Jacob with a big headbutt. -[Graves] Oh my God!
How do you stop Jacob Fatu? The guy's like the undead.
He just keeps coming forward no matter what you throw at him.
[Michael] A superman punch to Solo!
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] And now Roman says it's time.
[crowd chanting]
-[Graves] Here comes Tama Tonga. -[Michael] Tama Tonga running in…
Tossed right on top of Ryan Tran, the official--
Superman punch to Tonga Loa.
[Graves] Jacob Fatu with a headbutt to Roman.
He intercepted Reigns.
-And now Jacob Fatu… -[Michael] Oh!
…with a big spinning flying elbow.
[Michael] Jacob Fatu just used his own body as a weapon.
[Graves] Top row moves Solo to Reigns.
[Michael] And a man that size should not move that easily.
[Graves] Taking out the Usos at ringside.
[crowd chanting]
[Graves] Reigns is in trouble.
[crowd chanting]
[Michael] The Solo starting to stir in the corner.
[crowd chanting]
[Michael] Reigns gonna have busted ribs. Solo Sikoa back to his feet.
Targeting Roman Reigns with a Samoan spike.
Down goes Reigns.
-Solo not done yet. -[screams]
[Michael] Another Samoan spike. A cover by Sikoa.
-The new Bloodline… -[bell ringing]
…victorious.
["Taking It All" playing]
[announcer] Here are your winners, The Bloodline!
[Michael] Solo Sikoa has slayed Roman Reigns.
♪ …We're taking it all ♪
♪ I have been destined to win Alpha, omega, the end ♪
♪ Let it begin Giving you a scope through my lens ♪
♪ I do not follow no trends ♪
♪ You see the light You could believe all the hype ♪
♪ Relentless through day… ♪
[Graves] Oh, I don't know if I have ever felt the air sucked out of an arena…
♪ …Fight! Going through the struggle the hustle… ♪
…like just happened moments ago, here in Riyadh.
A hush has fallen over the WWE Universe.
A surreal sight to behold.
♪ …Will not take that loss… ♪
[Graves] The new Apollo will go onto the…
-Wait! -[Michael] The original Tribal Chief
trying to fight back, but he's gonna get mauled down.
Gonna get mauled by The Bloodline. The Usos back in the mix.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] But again, The Bloodline, like rabid animals…
Taking out Jimmy Uso now. Roman Reigns is helpless.
[crowd booing]
[Michael] This all could have been avoided had Roman just fallen in line.
[Graves] And I don't think they're done yet.
[Michael] Look out. Look out.
Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa cleaning up our announce table.
-[Ryan] That's enough. -[…] Come on, get up!
-Get up! -[Michael] Solo Sikoa
didn't want to just beat Roman Reigns.
[wrestlers yelling indistinctly]
[Michael] Solo Sikoa wanted to destroy Roman Reigns.
And that is what The Bloodline wants to do here.
Meanwhile, Jey Uso coming to Roman's aid, fighting back here.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] They're gonna send Jey back into the ring
where Tama Tonga is back on the assault.
[crowd chanting]
[Michael] Sikoa now, and the bad news is, is that…
Jacob Fatu outside the ring has a steel chair,
and he's given the steel chair now to Solo Sikoa.
And The Bloodline, far from done, Tonga Loa driving Jey into the corner,
and they're gonna try to cripple Jey Uso here.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Looks like they did.
["Worlds Apart" playing]
[crowd singing along to music]
[Michael] Wait a minute!
Sami Zayn is here.
[crowd applauding]
[Michael] The last time we saw Sami Zayn was this past week on Raw
and he was in a conversation with Solo Sikoa.
And Zayn making a beeline to the ring.
[crowd continues singing along to music]
[crowd chanting] Sami! Sami! Sami! Sami! Sami! Sami! Sami! Sami!
[crowd member 1] Good luck, Sami!
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[crowd chanting, applauding rhythmically] Sami, Uso! Sami, Uso! Sami, Uso!
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Oh, Sami turning down the invite by Solo.
And Sami Zayn coming to the aid of Jey Uso.
[Graves] Sami, you're gonna regret
sticking your nose in Bloodline business again.
[Michael] And now Jimmy and Jey back into the fight.
Roman Reigns is back up as well. And the fight is on.
[Graves] Jacob sent into our announce table.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] Roman Reigns trying to make it to his feet.
Solo Sikoa is cornered.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] The new Tribal Chief with nowhere to go.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Michael] Oh no!
Sami Zayn just took out Roman Reigns.
-I mean, it's not the first time. -[laughs] Once again.
[Graves] That was inadvertent.
[indistinct chatter]
[Graves] Sami Zayn needs to get over himself,
realize he's not family.
-He's not a member of The Bloodline . -["Taking It All" playing]
[Graves] Quit sticking his nose into business where it doesn't belong.
[Michael] I don't think Jimmy Uso's buying it was an accident.
[Graves] Sami never misses an opportunity to virtue signal.
That's what's happening right here.
♪ …I have been destined to win… ♪
[Michael] Now Jey trying to separate them. Emotions at an all-time high here.
Sami Zayn took out Roman Reigns.
♪ …Relentless through day Through the night ♪
♪ You paying the price Tell ‘em my time is now ♪
♪ While packed up and ready to fight ♪
♪ Going through the struggle… ♪
[Michael] Solo Sikoa had a big grin on his face when it happened.
♪ Ain’t no time to waste ♪
♪ The warrior is ready To scream in my name ♪
♪ We're taking it all ♪
♪ Settle the score, the one who will not take that loss ♪
♪ We're taking it all ♪
♪ We kick down the door Dropping you down to the floor ♪
♪ We’re taking it all, ready for war… ♪
[Graves] I'm not sure what to make of this whole Zayn thing.
♪ …We're taking it all Break down the walls ♪
♪ I feel like exalted, appalled We’re taking it all ♪
[Michael] And it divided The Bloodline once.
♪ I am controlling the game You should not step in my lane ♪
♪ We not the same I am elite, note the name ♪
♪ The legacy runs through my veins I am a king, I do not ever pretend ♪
[Michael] WWE Crown Jewel is in the capital city of Saudi Arabia.
This is Riyadh.
So many great events have taken place here over the years.
And you know who plays here as well? Great footballer, Ronaldo,
plays for the team Al-Nassr here in Riyadh,
tonight the host to Crown Jewel.
♪ …I can punch, I can throw Not going out with the flow… ♪
[Graves] Ladies and gentlemen, coming up next,
it is the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship
Fatal 4-Way match.
Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill defend against Damage CTRL.
Chelsea Green and Piper Niven,
Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson coming up next.
♪ …I can punch, I can throw Not going out with the flow… ♪
[Michael] Still to come tonight, Cody Rhodes and Gunther,
the "Ring General" and "The American Nightmare,"
the undisputed WWE Champion versus the World Heavyweight Champion
to crown the first ever Men's Crown Jewel Champion.
[Graves] And let's take a look at what Cody Rhodes and Gunther had to say
in special interviews earlier today, on the Countdown Show.
♪ …I told, "Man, don't test me It's about to get messy" ♪
Gunther, first off,
I just want to thank you for taking the time to sit down with us
when you're in the midst of your final preparations
for what is gonna be a historic match.
You find yourself in a… a very unique match,
obviously, not a title defense, but a big prize on the line
against the undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes.
In your mind,
when you think about everybody you've gone up against,
and all the success you've had,
what makes Cody a different kind of challenge for you?
[suspenseful music playing]
I mean, Cody doesn't come alone. He comes with the support of everybody.
It doesn't matter how I view his methods of gaining that support.
The support is there.
I think it would be more in the favor of the company too
if their poster boy goes out victorious
and not the one that is, you know, doing a little bit of his own thing.
So, that builds--
Are you using that as motivation?
Not motivation. That's my job to do. And there's--
I think what made me stand out my whole career was, like,
that I never got, you know, flabbergasted.
Matter of fact is,
last time in Saudi Arabia, I beat Randy Orton.
This time in Saudi Arabia, I'm gonna beat Cody Rhodes.
I'm gonna choke him out. And when he's gonna wake up from that,
he's gonna realize, he truly is the secondary champion to me.
You're calling your shot. Sleeper's gonna win this?
-Win by submission? -Yes.
[music concludes]
Looking forward to your match at Crown Jewel.
Champion versus champion.
Gunther has had quite a meteoric rise in WWE.
How do you feel like he'll fare?
[Cody] It's odd, I want this match so much,
because I feel like nobody on paper is looking better than Gunther.
Really been an incredible World Heavyweight Champion,
but I've had two Royal Rumble skirmishes with the champ.
-Both have gone my way. -[tense music playing]
[Cody] I am looking forward to testing myself.
I think Gunther's overconfident.
Gunther also said a few weeks back on Raw that…
what you said sounds like a true secondary champion.
-Yeah, yeah. [chuckles] -[Cathy] What is your response to that?
[Cody] I think Gunther has a really good skill
of getting under people's skin. He can't get me.
That's not a line that I remotely flinch on.
Like, this guy right here is the North Star of our business,
and I am lucky enough to have it.
What happens if you leave Riyadh with a loss to Gunther?
[Cody] The WWE title is the title that carries the company.
-[dramatic music playing] -So, if I was to lose at Crown Jewel,
then we're looking at a situation where, who's main eventing WrestleMania?
who winning the Royal Rumble, which title they want.
It's probably more obvious now, which title they would want.
And that stresses me out beyond belief, just having gone through that,
because you don't want to be that one
who devalues the most valuable thing in the game.
But I don't think that'll be the case.
[Cathy] Well, Cody, thank you so much for taking the time today.
Very much looking forward to your match at Crown Jewel against Gunther.
Congratulations on everything and a heck of a run the last seven months.
Thank you so much.
[music concludes]
[Michael] And still to come tonight, Gunther versus Cody Rhodes
to determine the first ever Crown Jewel Champion.
["Still The Baddest" playing]
♪ We got the power… ♪
[Michael] Got more gold on the line right now.
[announcer] Upcoming contest is a Fatal 4-Way match
for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
Introducing first, Kairi Sane and Iyo Sky.
Damage CTRL!
[Michael] You know, Corey, last night on Friday Night SmackDown,
in a Fatal 4-Way Singles matchup,
to sort of preview tonight, Iyo Sky picked up the win.
Does that give momentum to Damage CTRL tonight?
[Graves] Potentially so, and I don't know
that any other team in this field needs it more than Iyo and Kairi Sane.
They've been to the top of the mountain in the past,
but recently, haven't necessarily looked their best.
I think tonight's a chance for both of these women to right the ship
and become Tag Team Champions again.
[Michael] Iyo Sky, of course, a former WWE Women's Champion,
missed Money in the Bank, as well.
An attack champ both at NXT and here at this level.
Kairi Sane, former NXT champ, two-time Tag Team Champion as well,
looking to win the gold here tonight at Crown Jewel.
-♪ We about to roll right past ya ♪ -♪ Let's go ♪
♪ We got the power ♪
["Time Out" playing]
[announcer] Next, representing Meta-Four,
Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson!
[Michael] What an opportunity tonight for the Meta girls from NXT,
seeking their first career championships.
This is also their first main roster premium live event,
and what a spot for these two.
[Graves] This might be a bold prediction, Cole,
but I think Jakara and Lash, may be, the dark horses to win here tonight.
We have seen only glimpses of the power possessed by Lash Legend.
You've got Jakara Jackson,
who's really coming into her own as a competitor.
And together, they have become a force in a very short period of time in WWE.
[Michael] Again, Fatal 4-Way matchup, Fatal 4-Way rules.
Two women will be in the ring at one time. You can tag anybody into the matchup.
First team to gain pinfall sufficient becomes the Tag Team Champions.
["Hot Mess" playing]
♪ Yeah, hey, hey ♪
♪ I'm a hot mess, woah… ♪
[announcer] And making their way to the ring,
the team of Piper Niven and Chelsea Green.
[Michael] What is Chelsea wearing?
[Graves] Something that appears to be, at least,
a portion of a wedding dress.
-What's wrong with what Chelsea's wearing? -[Michael] It looks like a bed sheet.
[Graves] Cole, what is with you hating on Chelsea Green?
It sounds to me like one of those schoolyard crushes.
You think she's pretty,
so you don't want to say anything nice about her.
I'll give you a hint.
You want to get into Chelsea's good graces?
Maybe, you should start playing with action figures, Cole.
[Michael] We're being internet champions.
[Graves] So, Chelsea and Piper Denver, former Tag Team Champions,
looking to win the gold again here tonight.
All kidding aside,
Chelsea and Piper are a very formidable team.
Piper in a match of power with the likes of Lash Legend,
and Jade Cargill, and Bianca Belair.
["A Storm Is Coming" playing]
♪ A storm is coming ♪
Let's go!
["Watch Me Shine" playing]
♪ I'm on my own against the wall ♪
♪ The pressure's building But no I will never fall ♪
♪ Instead of crying, they hear me roar ♪
♪ And now I see That I'm way better than before ♪
♪ I never needed you at all Think I'd fall down… ♪
[announcer] And their opponent,
they are the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair.
[Michael] Corey, we talked a little bit about this
on the Countdown show earlier today.
The only loss for Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair as a Tag Team,
happened in a Triple Threat Match back at Clash at the Castle.
[Graves] And despite the apparent excitement of the champions
to take place in this matchup, I'm not entirely sure
if they realize their chances of leaving Riyadh with the gold
is even worse than it was at Clash at the Castle.
Tonight could be a championship reign defining victory for Cargill and Belair,
or it could be the end of a run.
And you could look at it that way,
or you could look at that as confident champions
who have been dominating the women's division here.
[Michael] You know, what you drew attention to
during the Bloodline matchup that I wanna bring back right now?
[Graves] This duo, the reigning champions,
were the only team in this matchup, who entered separately.
Because at the end of the day,
Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair have been a lot more "I, I, I,"
than we, we, we.
It served the EST very well throughout her tenure.
But Jade Cargill, lately,
has been a little more concerned with Instagram photos
than getting in the ring and getting business done.
[Michael] I think you're stretching that a little bit, Corey.
They came out together at the end of the day.
♪ …And now I see That I'm way better than before ♪
♪ I never needed you at all… ♪
[Graves] Why won't you let me come out to your music, Cole?
[Michael] 'Cause I'm the curtain-jerker.
-[crowd cheering] -[Michael] And here we go.
Fatal 4-Way match for the Women's Tag Team titles.
Two women will start.
You can tag anybody into this match you want.
-And it's gonna be Iyo Sky… -[bell ringing]
…and Bianca Belair starting things off.
[Graves] Back to their classic, I believe, it was Backlash in Puerto Rico.
Bianca Belair and Iyo Sky really captured the imagination
of the entire WWE Universe in that matchup.
[Michael] Yeah, I said it last week, and I stand by it.
Iyo Sky, one of the most underrated women
on the roster today.
Yeah, former champion, former Money in the Bank winner.
Goes about her business in such a quiet way, but she's explosive.
[Graves] And history has taught us you don't ever,
under any circumstance, bet against Bianca Belair.
[Michael] Oh, and Bianca Belair now. And there's the power of Belair.
Vertical suplex, as she marches around the ring.
And down goes Sky.
And a kip-up by Bianca, the former three-time World Champion.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] And Bianca, nobody home. Iyo Sky rolls out of harm's way.
[Graves] In a 4-way, rules in effect in this matchup,
two competitors legal at all times
and any superstar can tag the member of any team.
[Michael] Showing off now. And Bianca Belair taken down.
Dropkick by Sky.
And a kip-up of her own,
and Iyo said "Whatever you can do, I can do a bit better."
[Graves] The "Genius of the Sky," a nickname that was earned by Iyo.
And the tag made from the outside… [chuckles] …by Chelsea Green.
Get out!
-[Graves chuckling] -[Michael chuckling]
Chelsea not getting out of the blocks the way she wanted to.
Shotei by Iyo before the ESP just bulldozed Green back into her own corner.
Bianca's gonna wanna get out of that corner.
You've got Piper Niven there.
I'm trying to fight them both.
-[Graves] Your choice. -[Michael] Piper's attack.
[Graves] Chelsea Green, who's legal in this matchup
against Bianca Belair,
has not had an opportunity for any offense yet.
Chelsea, middle of the ring-- Ooh!
[Michael] Oh, and just slammed down by Belair.
Bianca will connect that time with a moonsault cover to retain the gold.
And a kick out by Chelsea.
[Graves] I'm going to need to see a little more urgency
out of the Meta girls as we look again at the ridiculous athleticism
of Bianca Belair.
We can, maybe, talk it up to inexperience,
but Jackson and Legend need to be on top of their game.
Every superstar has to be ready at a moment's notice
to break up a pinfall to keep the match alive for your own team.
[Michael] Double team from the Tag Team Champions
and Chelsea tossed right into her partner Piper.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Graves] This is what I'm talking about.
There's a fine line between confidence and arrogance.
A lot of valuable time was wasted, and Jade got kicked in the mouth for it.
[Michael] Chelsea trying to fight back, up to the second rope,
and now the power of Jade Cargill.
Chelsea with nowhere to go. Jade brings her halfway across the ring.
[Graves] Oh, and Lash Legend just tagged herself in by touching Jade Cargill.
-[Michael] And Lash Legend is… -[Graves] Oh!
…now legal.
Lash Legend is a whole lot of woman as Cargill's finding out firsthand.
[crowd chanting] NXT!
[Michael] You mentioned it before, one of the--
Perhaps the only one who can match the strength of Jade Cargill.
Tag made. Here comes Jakara Jackson.
The scrappy and tough Jackson will double team now
with her partner, Lash Legend.
Jackson offers shoulders into the back now of Chelsea.
Cover to win the tag team gold.
And Chelsea able to kick out.
It's a smart move by Jakara,
looking to send Chelsea back into the Meta corner.
Of course, The Meta Girls is part of Meta-Four from NXT.
Tag made, here's Lash Legend.
We talk so often about the importance in a tag team match
of cutting the ring in half, of isolating the opposition.
Well, in a situation like a Fatal 4-Way, if you're lucky, you've got a quarter
-of the ring to work with… -[crowd cheers]
…to maximize the efficacy of your offense.
[Graves] Nice release suplex into a kip-up for Legend, whose--
[Michael] Loves to trash talk, and that's what she's doing to Cargill.
So, Lash in the corner to Chelsea, the Boujee Bully.
Powerful, candid and cocky, and now Jakara Jackson.
-[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT! -[Michael] Ducks underneath. Jackson now…
Down goes Green in a kip-up of her own,
and the Meta Girls showing out here tonight.
Must have been the delight of the WWE Universe.
You can hear the NXT chants ringing out momentarily.
-[Graves] Jackson, it was a-- Oh! -[Michael] Oh, Miss Jackson.
NBC's Titan Games, tag made, Kairi Sane, now legal.
-Chelsea out of the matchup. -[Graves] And again, I don't think--
I don't think Chelsea realized where she was in the ring.
I think Chelsea just wanted help, but ultimately not a great decision
by Green to allow Kairi to tag herself in.
[Michael] She didn't do anything, Corey.
She might as well have got out of the ring.
-Oh, and there's Kairi Sane now! -[shouts]
[Michael] That quitter's mentality of yours is getting really old, Corey.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] And Sane, and Chelsea Green.
I don't think Chelsea realizes she's not legal.
And the official in this matchup, Daphanie LaShaunn, is saying,
"Chelsea, what are you doing?"
[Graves] Well, the good news is there is no disqualification.
[Michael] Well, that's… that's true. Yep, you're exactly right.
[Graves] I mean, if I'm Chelsea Green and I do come to,
and realize the circumstance,
maybe Piper and I just double-team everybody the entire match.
[Michael] The problem is, is you can't pin Chelsea,
and Chelsea can't go for the pinfall.
-Oh! Spear by Sane. -[Graves] Oh!
-[screams] -[Michael] Kairi Sane takes out Jackson.
Tag made, here comes Iyo Sky, and now a double team from Damage CTRL.
[crowd applauding]
[Graves] Here comes Iyo, launches up.
-Oh, rare miscommunication by Damage CTRL. -[Michael] Oh, didn't quite work out.
[Graves] Great wherewithal by Iyo to deliver a Shotei
and just rip Jackson off of the top turnbuckle.
[Michael] High-risk maneuvers in this Fatal 4-Way match,
sometimes they don't pay off, but Iyo Sky will not let that deter her.
She takes out Lash Legend. Kicks her out of the apron.
[Graves] The precision and the timing required to deliver
some of these offensive maneuvers. Now Iyo from the top.
-Missile drop kick, down goes Jackson. -[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Graves] Piper Niven tags herself in at the expense of Jakara Jackson.
[Michael] And a headbutt by the powerhouse.
-And Piper now-- Oh! -[Graves] Whoa, what a crossbody.
Niven like a steamroller in there right now.
[Michael] Kairi Sane runs into trouble as well.
-Oh! Sitout powerbomb by Piper Niven. -[screams]
-[Graves] Watch Bianca. -[Michael] Bianca, top rope.
-Oh! Blockbuster by Bianca. -[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Very well done, but here comes Legend.
[Michael] Legend with that pump kick.
Who you want to play with, huh?
[Michael] You might wanna turn around, Lash.
[Graves] Oh, boy.
[crowd chanting] NXT!
[Michael] Here's the collision we were waiting for.
-Jade and Lash! -[Graves] Oh!
-[grunts] -[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Holy cow!
-[grunts] -[crowd cheering]
[Graves] These women dropping everything they have on one another.
-[screams] -[Michael] Legend fired up.
Jade Cargill with a big kick of her own.
-[screams] -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Meanwhile, Piper Niven up toward the top rope.
-[Graves] Yeah, I mean-- -[Michael] Crossbody!
Takes out Lash and Cargill!
-[Graves] Chelsea-- -[Michael] Chelsea Green, smart.
[Graves] She's probably looking to capitalize on the situation
and great decision by Cargill to roll to the outside.
[Michael] Is Chelsea legal? Did she make a tag?
[Graves] That's a great question.
-[Michael] Well, the official-- -[Graves] It's been a chaotic matchup.
[Michael] Daphanie has no idea either.
I mean, I have no clue if Chelsea's legal or not.
[Graves] Here we go. It's time to add one to the highlight reel, Ms. Green.
[Michael] Well, Chelsea…
What… what? She's gonna go for the top rope
and maybe a… maybe a lowlight reel. Now, to the bottom rope, looking for…
Is she trying to do a moonsault?
[Graves] Instagram reel?
[Michael] I guess she's trying to do a moonsault.
And Chelsea's said, "To hell with it."
And now caught by her own partner.
[Graves] It happens when you mitigate the risk.
It didn't cause catastrophe as it could have.
[Michael] Thank goodness Piper was out there.
-You guys might want to turn around. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Kairi Sane, top rope.
Oh, the Insane Elbow takes out Green and Nivens.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] And now the genius of the Sky…
up to the top rope…
-Moonsault! -[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Beautifully done!
Keep your eyes on Legend and Jackson, The Meta Girls cooking up something.
-[crowd cheering] -[Michael] There's a long way up there.
-WWE fans love it here in Riyadh. -[Graves] Oh!
[Michael] Jackson Marked by Legend! Taking everybody out.
[Graves] Turn around, Lash.
[Michael] And Bianca Belair and Legend both tumble over the top.
[Graves] Nasty landing for both women.
[Michael] This has been crazy action in this Fatal 4-Way match
for the Women's Tag Team Titles.
[Graves] First, Kairi Sane getting insane
with an elbow taking out Niven and Green.
Moments later, Iyo would follow with a beautiful moonsault.
And Miss Jackson, if you're nasty, taking everybody out.
Jade!
[Michael] Well, Bianca back to her feet.
-[Graves] Oh no. -[Michael] Sends Chelsea back
-into the ring, Jade Cargill. -[Graves] Oh no!
[Michael] And Chelsea realizing she's in trouble now.
-Jade and-- Cover. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And breaking things up, Damage CTRL.
It's been a rough night for Chelsea. I'm starting to feel a bit sorry for her.
-[crowd cheering] -[Graves] You sit on a throne of lies.
You feel nothing.
[Michael] Here comes Bianca, big right hand, taking everybody out.
[screams]
[Michael] Nice reversal by Belair.
-Oh, Kairi with a backhand. -[Graves] Oh!
Kairi calls that the "Cutlass"
and Bianca may call it "the beginning and the end."
Beautiful bridging German suplex but…
Iyo wasn't far enough underneath Belair's body
-to support the weight. -[crowd cheering]
[Graves] The bridge attempt on the German suplex collapsed,
but Damage CTRL still has some daylight to work with here.
[crowd chanting] Damage CTRL!
[Michael] And here's Kairi Sane, launched by Iyo!
Elbow delivered to Belair!
Jakara Jackson now making the climb to the top.
Missile dropkick!
Meta Girls double team coming on Kairi Sane.
[Graves] Oh my God. Oh my God.
-[Michael] Oh, goodness. -[Graves laughs] Oh, that's got to be it.
That was the best move I've ever seen.
[Michael] Well, it's not it because Piper Niven's down in the…
-[Graves] Oh! -[Michael] Michinoku Driver by Piper.
Chelsea Green with a Codebreaker.
-[Graves] Here comes Piper. -[Michael] Piper Niven now with a senton.
Chelsea's very happy.
[Graves] A little premature to celebrate, but…
[crowd chanting] Chelsea!
[Michael] And the Chelsea chants have broken out as Piper makes a tag.
[crowd chanting] Chelsea!
[Graves] Double team coming for the… hurl.
Oh no. No, Piper. Piper, wait,
-[Michael] There's nobody-- Oh no! -[Graves] Piper just squashed Chelsea.
[screams, groans]
[Graves] Chelsea just turned green and it's not with envy.
I think she's gonna be sick.
-There's no way. No way. -[Michael] Tag. Bianca Belair is legal.
Jade Cargill with Piper up on her shoulders.
[Graves] Look at this power.
[Michael] Doomsday device.
Cover by Belair.
-[crowd] One, two, three! [cheering] -[Michael] They retain!
-[bell ringing] -["Watch Me Shine" playing]
♪ Against the wall… ♪
[Mike] Here are your winners, and still
the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair.
[Graves] Well, if there were any doubters out there, and I include myself,
Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill just silenced a bunch of them.
What a battle. I would watch this all day.
Lash Legend picked Kairi Sane up by her waist
with Lash's own bare hands before just turning Kairi loose.
My God, I'd rather fall into the Grand Canyon.
And here comes a little friendly fire between Chelsea Green
and Piper Niven.
And at the very last possible second, Cargill turns the tables.
This would end Chelsea Green's evening.
And a doomsday device.
-[crowd] One, two, three! -[Graves] Perhaps the only two women
-physically powerful enough… -[bell ringing]
…to pull off that legendary maneuver.
And still.
[shouting]
[Graves] Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair,
congratulations as they retain the tag team titles.
[Michael] We're actually in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
the capital city and the largest city on the Arabian Peninsula.
Riyadh is visited by five million tourists annually
and one of the places that they head to,
Boulevard City, which is just down the block
from where we are tonight with Crown Jewel.
And one of the key parts of Boulevard City
and a first of its kind worldwide, Corey, is the WWE Experience.
[Graves] I had a chance to walk
through the WWE Experience earlier this afternoon.
This is an absolute dream come true for any fan of WWE.
There you see The Undertaker, Deadman Experience.
There's so much cool memorabilia. You can play 2K24 video games
-and hear our voices. -[Michael] You can make your own entrance.
[Graves] You can live out your dreams of being a WWE superstar
here at the WWE Experience. If you ever get a chance, don't miss it.
[Michael] So, that's what you were doing?
Practicing your entrance over there earlier?
[Graves] Yeah, it was, I happen to do Cody's "Whoa"
way better than he does.
[Michael] Bitterness and brawls
upon every meeting. The Rogue Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, in battle
but beyond defeat, takes on the bruising, brutal Bronson Reed
after this break, but first, take a closer look
at the appalling conflict
between these two that has wreaked havoc across WWE.
[Bronson] There are a lot of gatekeepers that are standing
in my spotlight where I should be the one shining.
I see now, if I want to get to the top, I have to create my own path.
[tense music playing]
I am a visionary! I am a revolutionary!
I am!
[Michael] Oh my God!
"Big" Bronson Reed!
The 330 pounder has ambushed Seth Rollins!
[Graves] He said he was done being disrespected!
[Michael] Tsunami!
Seth can't even breathe!
[Graves] He's making a statement.
-[Michael] Not again. Are you kidding me? -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] He's gonna kill the damn guy.
This guy's outta control.
Where are all the cops? Get somebody out here.
How much more can Seth "Freakin'" Rollins take?
[voice echoing] Half a dozen tsunamis.
I warned you, I was going to make an impact.
And what better way than to go and impale everyone's favorite WWE superstar,
Seth Rollins?
It is head hunting season.
I will go and find my next victim.
[Michael] "Big" Bronson Reed.
Braun Strowman, who will be the last monster standing?
These two colossals clashing.
The ring just collapsed.
Both men are laid out.
-That's The Visionary. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Stop!
[bell ringing]
[Michael] Braun Strowman is the last monster standing,
thanks to Seth "Freakin'" Rollins
[Bronson laughing]
There's a reason I'm at the top of the food chain.
Bronson's forgotten that. You know what sounds nice?
Hunting a monster.
Bronson Reed, get out of here. You wanna be famous, big boy?
I'll make your ass famous.
[Bronson] I just want the spot.
I want the one on one match with Seth so I can show you that I am a top guy
in WWE.
If you want to "Hunt a monster," then I'm right here.
I think the world has forgotten what I'm capable of.
[grunts]
[yells]
This is the worst mistake you ever made, Seth.
[groans]
♪ Burn it down! ♪
-["The Second Coming" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[crowd singing along]
♪ Burn it down! ♪
[bell ringing]
[Mike] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Davenport, Iowa, weighing in at 225 pounds,
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins!
[yells]
[crowd chattering]
♪ Burn it down! ♪
[Michael] For Seth Rollins, Corey, this is his first match
since early July at the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event.
Over that time, he's been beaten, and battered, and bruised,
and punished by "Big" Bronson Reed.
Will that continue tonight?
[Graves] Absolutely. I have a very hard time believing
that Seth Rollins is anywhere close to 100% right now.
And let's be honest, we just saw the statistic.
This is Rollins' 11th match in Saudi Arabia,
which just speaks to the work force that Seth has been throughout the duration
of his career. There's a lot of mileage on Seth Rollins' body right now.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] We heard Seth acknowledge the fact that Bronson Reed is a monster,
but Seth was eager to remind Bronson, I can be a monster too.
I'm just curious if that side of Rollins still lives within him, or…
is this a case of Seth living at the top too long
and forgetting where he came from?
[crowd singing along]
♪ Burn it down! ♪
[Michael] "I have conquered beasts and slayed kings."
Those are the words of this man, Seth Rollins.
["Battle Tested" playing]
♪ I'm war ready, I'm battle tested ♪
[Mike] And his opponent, from Black Forest, South Australia,
weighing in at 330 pounds,
"Big" Bronson Reed!
[Michael] Seth Rollins wasted a little time,
gonna take the fight to Bronson Reed, and here we go.
Rollins missed him in the aisle away, and the brawl's underway.
[Graves] Seth Rollins understands the assignment.
Seth knows what he is dealing with in "Big" Bronson Reed.
Three hundred forty pounds-plus of bad attitude.
A true menace in WWE.
[Michael] From Australia, I've called him the "Auszilla,"
because he's a true monster.
It has created mayhem for everyone in his path
over the past few months in WWE.
[Graves] Bronson Reed out here repping MF Doom.
Might be the doom of Seth "Freakin'" Rollins
tonight in Riyadh. Oh my God. This will do it.
[Michael] They're trying to toss Rollins off the stage.
This match hasn't even started yet.
Rollins now with the right hand to Bronson Reed.
Drive Bronson back down the ramp and toward the ring.
[Graves] Rollins knew he was going to have to step up the aggression.
And so far, this is exactly what Rollins has to do.
[Michael] Well, Seth Rollins suffered six,
count them, six tsunamis at the hands of Bronson Reed.
He was out two months because of that attack.
And Reed has not stopped there.
He won a last monster standing match versus Braun Strowman,
thanks to a returning Seth Rollins.
[Graves] The scariest thing about this, Cole,
is you have to realize that for Bronson Reed himself,
this is not personal.
Bronson Reed is trying to do what's best for Bronson Reed
and Bronson Reed's career.
And once upon a time, Seth understood that.
Seth knew what that mentality was.
Seth knows what it feels like to be frustrated, to not be featured
in the spots that you know you can fill,
to not be at the top of the card night after night.
You have to take it.
[Michael] And here's Rollins now,
and Bronson Reed taken down with a suicide dive.
Bronson Reed told the general manager,
Adam Pearce, I am going to make impact, and he's done that.
Bronson Reed has become an attraction in WWE.
It's hard not to watch his destruction in everything he's done
over the past number of months.
[Graves] And it's captivating to watch.
You don't see a man the size of Bronson Reed every day, period.
Let alone a man his size who is as athletic
as Bronson Reed loves to remind us that he is.
[Michael] Rollins now. Bronson Reed catches Seth mid-air.
And Reed now drives Rollins into the timekeeper's area.
Back first into that chair.
[Graves] And I think the chair was a best-case scenario for Rollins.
He was headed face-first into the side of the barricade.
Take a look at this.
[Michael] And the expression on Bronson Reed's face.
And here's the problem.
Seth Rollins' early attack on Bronson Reed has done nothing
but pissed Bronson Reed off. And that's the problem Rollins has now.
[Graves] I think it's the chaos. Do we even have a balance?
[Michael] The match hasn't even started yet.
Now into the ring goes Rollins.
-And now the bell will finally ring… -[bell ringing]
and we are underway.
Bronson Reed, who weathered the early storm
from Seth Rollins, delivers a clothesline to Rollins.
And Bronson Reed now going out to the apron.
And this could be a quick matchup against Rollins.
And Bronson Reed-- A tsunami to Rollins.
[Graves] if you want to make waves in WWE, there's no better way
than via tsunami.
[Michael] Well, Bronson Reed is enraged after the early attack by--
Another tsunami. And Rollins rolled out of harm's way.
-And a step-up stomp to Reed. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Rollins cover on Bronson Reed, hook at the leg, Reed kicks out at two.
And I think Reed made a critical error, Corey,
when he did not cover Rollins after the first tsunami.
[Graves] There's no doubt about that.
Bronson Reed may have just snatched defeat from the jaws
of victory after this first--
That was the second that Bronson Reed missed.
Moments after a thunderous tsunami, Reed's head stomped into the canvas.
Let's talk about the recovery of Seth Rollins.
In a matter of moments, he was able to fight through the pain.
Adrenaline is an amazing thing.
[Michael] Back to his feet is Reed and Rollins now,
bringing the fight to the big man.
Chops by Rollins, driving Bronson Reed back,
and already welts developing on the back of Seth.
And Reed-- Rollins surviving there, kicked down on the midsection.
Looking for pedigree on the big man.
Rollins thinking about a pedigree.
[Graves] I don't know if it's physically possible to get Reed--
[Michael] And Reed with the power, Seth trying for a side flip and sit down,
sit out, splat, goes Rollins.
[Graves] Driving all of the wind out of the body of The Visionary.
And now Bronson Reed may just be playing with his food.
[Michael] Ooh!
[Michael] Bronson Reed made no bones about it.
He said, "I beat Seth Rollins."
"I am propelled into the main event scene."
No ifs, ands, or buts. He goes, "I am about making moments."
"I want to be featured at my first WrestleMania,
and I need to beat people like Seth Rollins
in order to prove that I belong there."
[Graves] And that may not be a popular sentiment coming
from Bronson Reed, but that's the reality in WWE.
Big E and I spoke about it on the kickoff show.
Once upon a time, there was a sign
in the WWE Performance Center that said,
"You're not here to fill a spot, you're here to take a spot."
[Michael] And this is, Bronson Reed has been around for a long time.
He was here, he left, he came back.
This puts it all in perspective for Reed.
Everything he's done over the past number of months
got him this opportunity tonight for you.
This is Bronson Reed's first singles match in a premium live event in his career.
[Graves] That in and of itself in my opinion, a travesty.
But that's why Bronson Reed is so pissed off,
that's why Reed is so vicious, so aggressive.
Rollins just happens to be the guy in Bronson Reed's way.
[Michael] And it was interesting I was talking to general manager
Adam Pierce about Bronson Reed and everything he's done
over the past number of months and Pierce is like I'm caught
in this this hole here because I want to find the guy,
I want to suspend the guy, I want to protect our Superstars,
but I've got an attraction on my hand, somebody that sells tickets,
somebody that's making us money here in WWE and it's hard to take him out
of that spotlight
[Graves] That big heavy body blow delivered by Bronson Reed.
[Michael] Seth lands on his feet now, Rollins looking to dig down deep
and trying to, I'm not sure if that is wise, and it's not.
Bronson Reed, 340 pounds, collapses on set,
barely gets the shoulder off.
[Graves] Rollins struggling, scrambling, trying to get out
from underneath the weight of big Bronson Reed.
[Michael] Capacity crowd, we are sold out here tonight, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
WWE Crown Jewel.
[Graves] Ordinarily in the past when you see a David versus Goliath
situation such as this, the goal with Rollins is to drag the match out,
you want to drag Bronson Reed into the deep waters.
We know Seth, at least historically speaking,
is that great cardiovascular conditioning, you want to keep this thing
as long as you can, but tonight the way that Bronson Reed
just continues to soldier forward.
I think Rollins needs to get out of Dodge ASAP.
[Michael] Well, the one thing for a big man we've learned
about Bronson Reed is his stamina, of course.
-[Graves] Correct. -[Michael] Tremendous in-ring
shape for Bronson. He goes toe-to-toe with everyone.
[Graves] Right. That was kind of my point I was trying to make,
is this may be a David, Goliath match on paper,
but this is no standard, ordinary, traditional Goliath in big Bronson Reed.
The guy is a freak athlete.
[Michael] And we know what Seth's capable of.
But again, this is his first match since July.
He's had the hell beaten out of him
by Bronson Reed on how many of occasions?
And a big knee. That stuns Reed momentarily.
And Seth may have an opening.
And Rollins trying to fight back now with a big chop.
What about Rollins?
Mentally, where is he at?
He stopped Bronson Reed in the parking lot Monday night.
Reed got right back up and beat the hell out of him again.
I think that's a bigger question than in the moment because right now,
wait, great counter.
[Graves] Brilliant counter by Seth freaking Rollins.
[Michael] That's why Seth Rollins is the Multi-Time World Champion.
Rollins with a tremendous counter as you take another look.
Bronson Reed wanted a powerbomb.
Rollins able to shift his weight forward and deliver a DDT
that if nothing else, gave Seth a few valuable moments to recover.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] WWE fans here in Riyadh tonight trying to will Seth Rollins on.
Reed, a former North American champion in NXT,
he won the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal earlier this year.
And now trying to pick up what would be the biggest win of his career.
[Graves] And even for a Superstar the caliber of Seth Rollins,
what just happened is disheartening.
When you are throwing your best shot at your opponent,
and as we see Bronson Reed barely staggering,
that can frustrate a Superstar like nothing else.
[Michael] Off the second rope, Reed still on his feet.
Rollins saying, what do I got to do?
Rollins back out to the apron, trying to climb up top now.
And Bronson Reed going to meet him there.
[Graves] If I'm Rollins, I'm attacking the lower body of Bronson Reed.
Try to chop the big man down.
Try to take out a knee, an ankle, anything.
Because the strategy thus far has not proven successful for Rollins.
[Michael] Now, Reed going to climb the ropes.
Dangerous situation for the visionary Seth Rollins.
Rollins trying to…
Wait, Rollins is, I think, might be biting Bronson Reed
to break the grip.
[Graves] Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Rollins knows every trick in the book. He wrote a few.
Anything to win.
[Michael] Rollins now with Bronson Reed down, set top rope.
Gonna go for it all here. Rollins with a frog splash.
Can he cover?
Hooks that massive tree trunk-like leg and only a one count.
[Graves] And again, think of every offensive
-maneuver Rollins has tried. -[Michael] Look at his eyes.
[Graves] At this point, it's exponentially harder
because of the sheer size.
As we look again at Rollins, full extension on the frog splash,
crashing down on big Bronson Reed.
[Michael] The expression almost of disbelief,
like what do I need to do here?
[Graves] Again, you've been in this game as long as Seth Rollins has.
You've had as much success as Rollins has. You're not used to this happening.
You're not used to competing halfway across the world
against somebody who's asking for more.
-[Michael] Seth happy to oblige. -[Graves] Big rolling elbow.
[Michael] Reed stunned yet again. Now to the back of the neck for Rollins.
Reed still on his feet.
Seth Rollins just runs right in to a brick wall.
And Reed gonna power step up.
Bronson Reed with that spinning sit-down powerbomb for the win.
Rollins at two.
[Graves] Now, it's Reed wearing frustration on his face.
But again, credit to Bronson Reed and the gas tank on this guy.
We've been at this for a while.
Rollins jumped Bronson Reed in the entryway.
And Bronson Reed still looks as fresh as when the match began.
[Michael] Death Valley driver by Reed. Is that enough to put Rollins away?
Hook of the leg now. Seth kicks out at two again.
And now Reed's got to be real careful here, Corey.
He doesn't get frustrated.
[Graves] That's the name of the game right now.
Bronson Reed just needs to continue the onslaught.
Continue to pour on the punishment.
Get a little insurance and then add some more.
Rollins is hurt bad and Reed is in great control right now.
Reed punishing Rollins in the corner.
[Michael] Reed understands what's at stake.
What this means tonight.
[Graves] And you have to look at the other side of the coin.
Bronson Reed has called for this. This is what Bronson Reed wanted.
He's going to get it. He's having it right now.
But if Bronson Reed comes up short tonight,
all of his aspirations could go up in smoke just as quickly.
-[Michael] And Reed now to the top row… -[Graves] What the hell!
…with Seth Rollins there as well. What is Bronson Reed thinking here?
[Graves] Bronson Reed is thinking about the main event.
Bronson thinking about WrestleMania.
[Michael] Superplex almost drives Rollins through the ring.
Covered now by Reed for the biggest win of his career.
And Rollins at two.
[Graves] Bronson Reed also now realizing this is what it means to swim
in the deep end of the pool with the great whites.
Seth Rollins, no ordinary Superstar.
Seth, one of the all-time greats on his way to a Hall of Fame career.
Bronson Reed had better get used to this level of competition
if he wants to succeed here.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] You become one of the all-time greats
by being a survivor.
Stay down. You hear me? Stay down.
And I want… Got you whipped, huh, man?
You should have finished me when you had the chance.
[Michael] And there's the big slap by Rollins.
And I think Seth was referring to what happened early in the matchup.
Tsunami!
Seth telling Bronson, you should have finished me then.
He may finish him now. Bronson Reed going to go up top.
Seth Rollins has no clue where he is. Reed now up to the top rope.
Rollins trying to roll out of harm's way and does.
[Graves] The veteran tactic by Rollins.
Just create a little too much separation for Reed to handle.
[Michael] Oh, God. Oh, God.
[Graves] But is Seth just delaying the inevitable at this point?
[Michael] Rollins is just writhing in agony
as big Bronson Reed again goes up top, and again,
better than instinctive Rollins, roll out of the ring,
try to roll out of harm's way, catch your breath.
But he may be a problem out there as well.
[Graves] Problem is you've got this Aussie destroyer
breathing down your neck following each step you take.
Bronson Reed looks to finish the job tonight.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Reed just keeps coming. He keeps going forward.
Reed keeps driving forward.
[Michael] Yeah, even after the right hand by Rollins.
[Graves] I know it doesn't seem like a great idea at the moment,
but I caution Bronson Reed to not let his anger get the best of him.
[Michael] Oh no. Steal steps by Reed.
[Graves] You're going to get disqualified, Bronson.
You're going to cost yourself the biggest match.
[Michael] And Rollins cut him over the knee,
and Bronson went face first into the steps.
[Graves] I think the edge of the stairs might have caught Reed in the face, but…
Now, a stomp on the steps by Rollins. A stomp by Rollins.
[Michael] The official will begin the count now.
Bronson Reed stomped on the step. Bronson Reed still alive.
Bronson Reed got a cut above his eye.
Bronson back to his feet.
Somehow back into the ring. And another stomp by Rollins.
Seth, you don't have much time.
[Michael] Bronson Reed is still moving. Bronson Reed is still not down and out.
Bronson back to his knees. Rollins going up to the top rope.
Back to his feet is Reed.
-A super stomp by Rollins. -[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] Is that enough to put Reed away? Cover by Seth.
-Hook to the leg. -[crowd] One, two, three…
-[crowd cheering, applauding] -[Michael] And Rollins has done it.
-[bell ringing] -[upbeat music playing]
[Mike] Here is your winner.
Seth “Freakin'” Rollins!
[Michael] A gutsy win by Seth Rollins tonight.
But I'll tell you what,
Bronson Reed proved he deserves to be in the main event.
[Graves] I agree with you 100 percent, Michael Cole.
Seth Rollins reminding the WWE Universe just why he is a visionary
-and a revolutionary. -You should have finished me
-when you had the chance. -[Graves] And all Seth needs is a reason.
And Rollins continued to fight. Seth would frustrate Bronson Reed.
And Reed's own anger would ultimately prove to be his undoing.
-The master manipulator. The architect. -[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Graves] Rollins with a stomp on the diamond plate stairs.
Here's number two.
And the finale from the top rope,
an epic super stomp by Seth "Freakin'" Rollins
finally does the trick
-to take down the baby bull… -[bell ringing]
-…known as Big Bronson Reed. -[upbeat music playing]
[Michael] And as Rollins exits the arena,
Big Bronson Reed has made it back to his feet after three stomps,
including a super stomp,
and Reed is staring a hole through Rollins.
Rhodes cannot believe the monster is back on his feet.
I cannot repeat all of what I believe Seth Rollins was muttering,
but there was something to the effect of, what is wrong with you?
What are you made of?
[Graves] All Rollins has seen and done, Seth ain't seen nothing…
You know where to find me, all right?
Same thing gonna happen to you there.
You come for me again, same thing's gonna happen.
You understand that?
You come for me again, same thing's happening, Big Boy.
I'll make you famous.
[Michael] Well, Crown Jewel is here tonight
in the capital city of Saudi Arabia.
This is Riyadh. And for the 12th time,
we bring you a premium live event from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
[Graves] We will continue to make history here in Riyadh.
There you see the first ever Women's Crown Jewel Championship,
an absolutely stunning piece of jewelry
which will be awarded to the winner of the next battle.
In a historic first here tonight in Saudi Arabia,
two title-reigning champions will compete for the Women's Crown Jewel Championship.
Women's World Champion Liv Morgan will face WWE Women's Champion
and Queen of the Ring, Nia Jax the don the bejeweled gold
after this break. But up next,
we'll take a look at the harrowing jabs these women have taken at each other
on their way to the ring tonight.
[upbeat music playing]
[Liv] They say that revenge is never as sweet as you think
-it's gonna be, but not for me. [laughs] -[crowd cheering, applauding]
♪ Being bad never felt so good ♪
[Liv] I am a home-wrecking, man-stealing, heartbreaking,
title-taking, greatest women's champion of all time.
♪ Being bad never felt so good ♪
[Liv] You're jealous of me because I have it all.
I have the Women's World Championship, I have Daddy Dom,
I have Jasmine Day, I have Raquel Rodriguez.
We are moving on and focusing on Nia Jax and Crown Jewel.
[Graves] Women's World Champion Liv Morgan battles
WWE Women's Champion Nia Jax.
The winner becomes the first ever Women's WWE Crown Jewel Champion.
[Nia] Let me tell you what's going to happen at Crown Jewel.
I'm going to annihilate Liv Morgan, just like I annihilated everyone else.
["She Belongs To Me" playing]
♪ She is powerful She got everything she needs ♪
♪ See her pick her hair See her be her own queen ♪
♪ Never underestimate the strength You have within ♪
♪ You can take the win You can take the win ♪
[Nia] Everyone in that locker room better bow down to me.
[Mike] There is only one Queen Nia Jax,
who is WWE Women's Champion.
[Nia] I will be the first ever Women's Crown Jewel Champion,
and Liv will be crying on the floor with her disgusting, dirty little…
-[Liv] Nia… -[crowd cheering, applauding]
…you keep bragging about your accomplishments
like you're special, but you're not.
If anyone's going to become the very first ever
Women's Crown Jewel champion, it's going to be me.
-[crowd cheering, applauding] -[Tiffany] It's Tiffy time.
You're both starting to piss me off.
[Michael] Liv Morgan with the Money in the Bank briefcase.
Shut up, Tiffany.
At Crown Jewel, I'm going to cash in, and I'm taking home one of those titles.
Excuse me?
[Graves] Nia and Tiffany's
so-called friendship seems to be on the rise.
This is so great. That means I'm going to beat you just like that.
Oh, Liv, don't get too excited. I haven't even made up my decision yet.
But if I take that title, does that mean he comes with me?
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] Morgan's champion today because of Dominick.
-I could use a little Dirty in my life. -[crowd cheering, applauding]
Well, Tiffany, it seems to me that you already have enough dirty
in your life.
[Graves] It looks to me like Tiffany Stratton
is exploding right now.
[Michael] Morgan now wiping out Stratton.
[Graves] Good luck cashing in, Tiff.
[Michael] Oh, that headbutt drives Morgan into the corner.
[Graves] It's about being the best of the best
as Nia Jax battles Liv Morgan.
[Liv] The Liv Morgan Adventure is just getting started.
Everything that gets in my way gets annihilated.
[Graves] It's all about the first ever Women's Crown Jewel Championship.
But did Miss Money in the Bank just up the ante?
[upbeat music playing]
[Michael] Over 3,200 precious stones,
Australian crystals, 50 carats of diamonds.
That is the Crown Jewel Championship belt,
which will be awarded to the winner of our next matchup.
-["Not Like Most Girls" playing] -[crowd cheering, applauding]
♪ There's only one me… ♪
[Michael] She is the WWE Women's Champion from Friday Night SmackDown.
Nia Jax, who has had success here in Saudi Arabia,
back in May in Jeddah, Nia won the Queen of the Ring tournament.
Tonight, she hopes to be crowned the first ever
Women's Crown Jewel Champion.
[Graves] The Irresistible Force has been on an absolute tear as of late,
turning away all comers.
But the opportunity tonight
is to prove that you are the best of the best.
You just mentioned the Dodgers and the World Series.
This is like the Dodgers and the Yankees.
the NFC versus the AFC in the big game at the end of the year.
This is champion versus champion.
[Michael] Nia very confident when we spoke yesterday
at the kickoff show over at WWE Experience.
She's been nearly unstoppable since returning to WWE.
[Graves] Nia would love to add to her collection
that includes the WWE Women's Championship and the Queen of the Ring crown.
The Crown Jewel Championship would look lovely…
-["Liv Gone Mad" playing] -…beside her.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] From Monday Night Raw,
she is the Women's World Champion, Liv Morgan.
To go one-on-one tonight versus Nia Jax in this champion
versus champion match.
We mentioned this is the first time in three years in WWE
we've had a champion versus champion matchup.
Now, one of the arch enemies for Liv Morgan
happens to be one Rhea Ripley. Liv Morgan vowed that she promised
that Rhea Ripley would not mess things up for her tonight in Saudi Arabia.
So, what did she do this past Tuesday night at NXT, Corey?
Raquel Rodriguez, Liv Morgan
would assault Rhea Ripley in the parking lot.
Rhea was there to talk to the women of NXT.
[Graves] Will Liv and Raquel take it too far?
-In my opinion, absolutely. -[indistinct chatter]
Liv Morgan is obsessed with becoming great
and one step closer to that could be tonight.
[Michael] Rhea Ripley suffered a fractured right orbital socket
in that attack. She's going to be out indefinitely.
[Graves] Again, it's one thing to remove a threat
and take them out of action for a night.
This could be detrimental to the rest of Rhea's career,
and Liv Morgan could not be happier about it.
[bell ringing]
The following contest is a champion versus champion match
to determine the first ever
Women's Crowd Jewel Champion!
[crowd cheering, applauding]
Introducing first, from San Diego, California,
she is the WWE Women's Champion,
-Nia Jax! -[crowd cheering, applauding]
And her opponents from Elmwood Park, New Jersey,
she is the women's world champion,
-Liv Morgan! -[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] Ladies and gentlemen, five years ago,
Natalia and Lacey Evans
competed in the very first women's match in Saudi Arabia.
Five years later, we have come to this,
a battle for the brand new Crown Jewel Championship.
It is the year of the camel in Saudi Arabia,
and we celebrate tonight by crowning the first ever Women's Champion.
So, it's Nia Jax and Liv Morgan here tonight.
Corey, let's talk some strategy.
If you're Nia Jax, what do you do to put Morgan away?
[Graves] Do what brought you to the dance. Stick with annihilating the opposition.
Jax needs to use her power and flatten Liv Morgan.
[Michael] And how about if you're Liv Morgan?
Obviously, you give away,
as you mentioned, a ton of power to Nia Jax.
[Graves] Liv has got to be clever.
-We know that Morgan is capable of it. -[bell ringing]
[Graves] She's not afraid to take high risks occasionally.
And right out of the gate, a big dropkick. This is a different strategy.
Not what I would have recommended for Liv, but it's effective thus far.
[Michael] Yeah, Liv taking the fight to Nia,
but a headbutt will drop the Women's World Champion.
Put the brakes on Morgan in a hurry. Nia Jax, a two-time World Champion.
Won her current championship back at SummerSlam when she beat Bayley.
And now Liv Morgan into the ropes, forcing Nia Jax
to be backed off by
Stephanie LaShawn, the referee in this matchup.
[Graves] Yeah, I don't know if Liv was paying attention
to the Seth Rollins… [chuckles]
…Big Bronson Reed match, but oh, you don't want to,
you want to anger your opponent when they're the size that Nia Jax is.
[Michael] And Nia sends Morgan into the corner with a big splash,
follows it up, and this could be over quickly.
Nia's dangerous in and of herself.
The last thing Jax needs is additional motivation to hurt you.
And Jax into the corner.
Morgan, we're going to use her quickness as she ducks out of harm's way.
Nia face first into the turnbuckle.
-[Liv Morgan exclaims] -[Michael] And Morgan now.
Shot blocked to the back of the knee of Nia Jax.
And now, Morgan on the attack.
And this is smart strategy by the Women's World Champ.
[Graves] Totally agree.
Trying to chop down the much more powerful Jax.
Best way to do that, take out a knee, an ankle.
Gotta weaken Jax one step at a time.
-[Michael] And again, focusing on… -[screams]
-…the left leg of Nia Jax. -Let go. One! Two!
[Michael] Morgan going to use
-a full five count here. -Three! Four!
[Michael] Does not wanna get disqualified.
[Graves] And, you know, personally speaking,
I think Liv Morgan might be more motivated tonight
than ever before, because Liv is really tired of all the noise.
That she's only the Women's World Champion because…
-[Michael] Oh, she is. -…Whether it'd be Dominik, and that's--
-[Michael] Oh! -[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] Liv Morgan, great DDT for the win and a massive upset
in my mind as Nia kicks out.
[Graves] And that's the problem, Cole. In your mind, it's an upset
when the Women's World Champion beats the WWE Women's Champion.
-Liv Morgan should be viewed as such… -[Michael] So--
…the best women's wrestler on Monday Night Raw.
[Michael] Let's talk about what happened in Saudi Arabia,
-back in May out in Jeddah. -[Graves] Oh, God.
[Michael] When Liv Morgan won the championship
thanks to Dominik Mysterio.
Every "Uh-oh," went for the Codebreaker, and Nia able to counter.
-Every other title defense by Liv. -[Graves] Uh-oh.
[Michael] Oh, Samoan drop. Good night, Liv. Cover by Jax for the win.
Kick out by Morgan.
Every other victory that Morgan's had has been thanks to Dominic Mysterio,
or more recently, Raquel Rodriguez.
[Graves] That's your opinion. Let's take another look.
-[Michael] That's not my opinion. Oh! -[Graves] The Power of Nia Jax,
nearly driving Morgan through the ring with an epic Samoan drop.
Ah, and listen, Cole, I'm gonna poke holes in your theory,
because if that were really the case,
don't you think we'd see Raquel Rodriguez at ringside?
You don't think Dirty Dom would be out here with his beloved,
supporting Liv Morgan
-like a good man should? -[Michael] No. They're here.
Raquel Rodriguez was at the kickoff show last night.
-Dirty Dom was here somewhere. -[Graves] I'm not implying
they shouldn't be allowed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Cole.
I'm talking about at ringside.
[Michael] And Nia-- Nobody home! Morgan moves out of harm's way.
-[pants, grunts] -[Michael] Jax shoulder first to the post,
and now, Liv's got an opportunity.
[Graves] It's as unlikely as it may be, if Liv Morgan manages to topple Nia Jax,
the WWE Universe will have no choice but to accept Liv Morgan as the champ.
[Michael] Oh, I agree. Liv Morgan wins tonight.
[Graves] Oh! Oh my God.
[Michael] If it's a one-on-one match, then yeah.
-She deserves it. -[Graves] I mean, it's a big if. [scoffs]
[Michael] And now, Nia marching around the ring
-with Liv Morgan on her shoulders. -[Graves] Oh, dear lord.
[Michael] Nia gonna climb the ropes now. Up to the first rope.
-Looking to go to the second rope. -[Liv Morgan exclaims]
[Michael] The WWE Women's Champion.
[Graves] Oh no.
[Michael] The mowing drop.
[Graves] That could do it.
[Michael] Cover by Jax again. Hook of the leg.
Somehow Morgan stays in it. How, I don't know.
Neither does Nia.
[Graves] Nia frustrated in a state of disbelief at the moment.
I think if Jax were able to keep her foot on the gas pedal,
maybe it'll make something happen here.
This is what it's gonna take. Be vicious.
[crowd chanting indistinctly, applauding]
[Graves] Morgan dragged back to her feet by Jax, into the corner.
[Michael] Nia just overpowering Morgan in this matchup as we expected.
[Graves] I'm sure Liv Morgan knew that was gonna be the case.
Liv's a smart competitor.
Just sometimes you can't get out of harm's way
when harm's name is Nia Jax.
[Michael] And Morgan fighting back though.
Really battling here against Jax.
Liv up to the top rope.
Nia Jax says, "No."
-Catches Liv again. -[Graves] No.
[Michael] And Liv, now, slips underneath. Sunset flip. Powerbomb. Down goes Nia.
Critical moment of this matchup now for both the women.
-["Tiffy Time" playing] -[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Graves] Uh-oh.
[Michael] We've been talking about this for days now.
Tiffany Stratton, Miss Money, the bank, on her way to the ring.
-Is she going to cash in? -[Graves] Of course she is.
Tiffany said she was gonna do it at Crown Jewel.
[Michael] Yeah, but who's she gonna cash in on?
-[Graves] We'll find out in a second. -[Tiffany speaks indistinctly]
[Michael] Well, Nia Jax…
-What are you doing here? -Nothing.
I was gonna cash in on Liv, I promise.
-What? -[crowd shouting indistinctly]
I was gonna cash in on Liv, I promise.
-Slow down. -[Tiffany speaks indistinctly]
[crowd shouting indistinctly]
-It's not the time. -What do you mean?
I-- Come on.
-You're not supposed to be here. -Nia!
[Graves] Nia telling Tiffany it's not the time.
[Michael] Well, nonetheless, Tiffany's claiming,
she was gonna cash in on Morgan,
-who runs into a forearm by Nia. -Get outta here!
[Michael] And Nia telling Tiffany, "Get out of here."
-[crowd boos] -[Graves] I mean, I--
I don't know that I agree with Stratton listening to Nia Jax.
You're Ms. Money in the Bank.
That's your prerogative when you cash in, not when Nia tells you it's okay.
[Michael] And now, Morgan up onto the shoulders.
-[Graves] Pulling Nia down. -[Michael] Pulling her down again.
-Oh, wait a minute. Wait a minute. -[Graves exclaims]
Liv… Liv's got the shoulders down. Nia able to kick out at two.
-[Graves] Liv Morgan was able to adjust. -[Michael] And now,
Tiffany's thinking about it. She may be thinking about it again.
-This is not gonna sit well with Nia Jax. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] When Morgan went for oblivion,
-Nia Jax able to block. -[Nia exclaims]
[Michael] And now, slamming Morgan.
Cover now. Middle of the ring. Hook to the leg.
Liv again stays alive.
[Graves] Well, subtlety's certainly not Tiffany's strong point.
[Michael] We're looking to cash in, and meanwhile,
-Raquel Rodriguez is here… -No! No, no!
-…trying to drag the briefcase away. -No. [exclaims]
-[Tiffany] Get away! [gasps] -[Michael] I guess, Raquel believes
she's gonna cash in on Liv.
[Graves] Now, that's why you keep someone as dangerous as Raquel
around for insurance, but Nia now.
[Michael] Oh, hung up on the second rope.
Raquel, breaker by Morgan. Cover for the win.
Striking Jax off. And got a kick out by Nia.
[Graves] It's gonna take more than that to keep Queen Nia down.
-[crowd shouting indistinctly] -[Graves] I saw him.
[Michael] And so did the, uh, sold out crowd here.
-Please, just calm down. -Or what?
-It's fine. -Huh?
-I promise, I-- -But you said I'd win!
-[Live Morgan speaks indistinctly] -[Raquel] That's none of your business.
-Calm down. It's fine. You guys-- -[wrestlers groan]
[Michael] And Nia Jax now, blasting Morgan and Raquel into Tiffany.
[Graves] Liv has no one to blame for that situation but herself.
Morgan had Nia Jax down in the middle of the ring and opted to come out
and talk smack to Tiffany instead.
[Michael] Now, Nia back into the ring.
Splash hit Morgan into the ropes and down to the center of the ring, again.
-And now, Nia Jax going for the leg drop. -[Graves exclaims] That could be it.
[crowd shouting indistinctly]
[Michael] Dragging Liv into the corner. Nia looking for the annihilator.
And hey, just like little déjà vu here from Dominic.
[Graves] Well, did Tiffany drop her briefcase?
[Michael] No, that's the way that Liv won the title.
But, nonetheless, Raquel Rodriguez, the official didn't see it,
dealing with the briefcase. Raquel knocked Nia off the rope.
Liv Morgan now. This has been a triple team.
Morgan with oblivion.
-Cover, hook to the leg. -[crowd chanting] Three, two, one!
[Michael] Liv Morgan,
-the first ever Crown Jewel Champion. -[bell ringing]
-["Liv Gone Mad" playing] -[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Mike] Here is your winner and the first ever
Women's Crown Jewel Champion,
Liv Morgan.
-Way to go, Liv. -[Michael] What a beautiful…
-That's right, Morgan. -…moment with the assist from her beloved,
The Liv Dom Stans are having a party tonight.
[Michael] What about Raquel Rodriguez?
[Graves] What about her? She's a dangerous woman.
You got to pay attention to her. And if you don't, you're gonna lose.
-[music concludes] -Hey, let go!
[Graves] Things started breaking down right here.
Raquel reminding Tiffany Stratton, exactly why she has aligned herself
with Liv Morgan as backup as someone Liv can count on.
This opened the door for Morgan to deliver a codebreaker
from the second turnbuckle.
Down goes Jax, but Nia was not out just yet.
Here we see on the outside as Stratton was being intimidated,
Nia takes out both Morgan and Rodriguez.
[Michael] And we're back in the ring,
-much like we saw… -[Graves] I think
-I got something in my eye. -…in the Dominica number of times.
The official never saw this.
Raquel get involved, and Liv Morgan would take advantage
and deliver oblivion to Nia Jax.
-[crowd chanting] Three, two, one! -[Graves] Big hook of the leg,
-and new Liv Morgan history maker. -[bell ringing]
["Liv Gone Mad" playing]
[Michael] And in the ring now, Chief Content Officer Triple H.
[Michael] Going to present Liv Morgan with the Crown Jewel Championship.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Graves] I don't know, I got a bad taste in my mouth about this.
[Michael] But, nonetheless, Liv Morgan makes history here tonight.
[fireworks crackling]
[Michael] Congratulations to Liv Morgan,
your inaugural Crown Jewel Champion.
There you are.
-[exclaims] -[crowd cheering]
[music concludes]
[hip-hop music playing]
[Michael] Kevin Owens in his personal journey of righteousness
will fight to fight "The Viper" Randy Orton tonight after this break.
Let's look at the heartbreak and turmoil that took Kevin Owens down this path
to turn against his friends and what he considers his only option.
[music concludes]
[dramatic music playing]
[Michael] Cody Rhodes decided a team with Kevin Owens's archenemy,
Roman Reigns.
-We need to talk. -Not now.
-We need to talk! We should talk. -Dude, I just said! Not now.
[rock music playing]
[Kevin] People are asking me why I turned on Cody Rhodes.
Cody Rhodes turned on me.
[Michael] Kevin Owens was fined and suspended after the assault
in the parking lot after Bad Blood.
-[both speak indistinctly] -[crowd jeering]
Calm down, calm down. Calm down, I'll…
[Michael] Randy Orton is going to be the voice of reason.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Oh no.
[Randy speaks indistinctly]
Why're you taking his side?
[Randy speaks indistinctly]
Ouch!
[Cody] Randy Orton! Orton! What are you doing? Kevin!
[Kevin] You wanna pick a side now?
-[Cody] Kevin! -[Kevin] Pick the wrong side?
-[Cody] Kevin! -[groans]
[Cody] Kevin, what are you doing?
[Kevin] I mean, look at what we've seen WWE superstars do to each other.
-[intense music playing] -But I get told to stay away.
Why? Because I dropped their little, golden boy
outside of a stupid bus.
That I can live with. I can kind of get past that.
What I can't get over though, is what Randy Orton did to me.
[crowd cheering]
You can let people say whatever they want about me.
Kevin Owens turns on all his friends, blah, blah, blah. It doesn't matter.
I would have never done that to you.
I ju-- I just can't believe you picked Cody Rhodes over me.
[Randy] I've been doing everything I can to get my hands on Kevin Owens.
For some reason, Kevin Owens is off limits.
If I didn't know any better, I would swear to God
that I thought you were protecting Kevin Owens from me.
[Jamie] I am not protecting Kevin Owens.
I am trying to protect you.
He trusted you, and he trusted Cody Rhodes.
And in his mind, you guys turned on him.
Something different in his eyes. He is not the same.
I don't wanna put him in the ring with you.
I don't wanna see you go back on that shelf,
maybe permanently.
What would you do if you were in my shoes?
-[rock music builds] -You wouldn't just sit back
and let it slide.
You would do what we have always done!
And that is, handle our business right in the middle of this ring!
-[crowd cheering] -Give me Owens at Crown Jewel.
You got him.
[crowd cheering]
From this moment forward, I suggest you protect yourself at all times.
[music fades]
-[dramatic music playing] -[Michael] Randy with Owen.
[crowd cheering]
-[Michael] Oh my God! -[Graves] Turn around, Randy!
[Michael] Owens with a chair!
[Owens] I really never wanted to hurt you.
Now, I'm going to.
[Michael] Kevin just staring down at a wounded Orton.
Crown Jewel, I'm gonna hurt you like you hurt me.
And it's your fault, because you did this.
You did this to us.
[music concludes]
-["Fight" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[bell ringing]
[Mike] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Marieville, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 242 pounds,
Kevin Owens!
[Michael] Kevin Owens has lost it.
He's walking out here tonight, wearing a T-shirt of Randy Orton's father,
"Cowboy" Bob Orton.
I've called the man delusional. I think he's gone off the deep end.
This is a different Kevin Owens than we've ever seen.
The fact that he believes Cody Rhodes betrayed him,
because he did what he had to do when team with Roman Reigns.
And then he thought Orton betrayed him,
because Randy Orton sided, in his mind, with Cody Rhodes.
None of this makes any sense, at least to me.
[Graves] Kevin Owens is a superstar who is no stranger to betrayal,
but historically speaking,
most of KO's betrayals have been the means to an end,
to advance his own career, to move himself forward.
What we've seen recently is this victim mentality from Kevin Owens
who thinks that Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes
have both turned their backs on him
when quite literally the opposite happened.
[Michael] What did you say about Kevin Owens
in the Countdown show when you mentioned him as a psychopath?
[Graves] The worst part about dealing with a psychopath
is you can never explain or convince them that they are in fact psychopaths.
That seems to me like what we're seeing with Owens.
-[music concludes] -[crowd jeering]
-["Voices" playing] -[crowd cheering]
♪ …In my head They counsel me, they understand ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
♪ You got your rules and your religion All designed to keep you safe ♪
♪ But when rules start getting broken You start questioning your faith ♪
♪ I have a voice that is my savior Hates to love and loves to hate ♪
♪ I have a voice that has the knowledge And the power to rule your fate ♪
[crowd singing along] ♪ I hear voices cryin' ♪
♪ I see heroes dyin' ♪
♪ I taste blood that's dryin' ♪
♪ I feel tension risin' ♪
♪ I hear voices in my head They counsel me, they understand ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
♪ They tell me things that I will do They show me things I'll do to you ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
♪ They talk to me, they talk to me ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
♪ All the lawyers are defenseless ♪
♪ All the doctors are disease ♪
♪ And the preachers all are sinners… ♪
[Michael] You know, Corey, we talked about this.
Last, big match that Kevin Owens had.
The fact that… KO has not won a singles championship in many years.
[Graves] Matter of fact, he's with Kevin Owens each and every day.
[Michael] Do you think that is the impetus for what we've seen
Kevin Owens going through over the past few months?
I mean, he had Roman Reigns beat him in a number of occasions.
That's why he hates Roman so much.
[crowd singing] ♪ They counsel me, they understand… ♪
[Graves] I mean, we all saw what happened. It was quite literally happenstance.
Randy Orton came here to try to… cooler--
make cooler heads prevail between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens.
KO teed off, accidentally blasted Randy.
Randy retaliated.
I don't know that this is an issue that could have been talked ab--
talked over and put to bed.
But instead, Owens attacks Orton in the parking lot
and things have just gone from bad to worse.
This whole situation has devolved
to where Randy Orton's health may be-- very well be in jeopardy per Triple H.
♪ I hear voices cryin' I see heroes dyin' ♪
♪ I taste blood that's dryin' I feel tension risin' ♪
[crowd] ♪ I hear voices in my head They counsel me, they understand ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
♪ They tell me things that I will do They show me things I'll do to you ♪
♪ They talk to me ♪
♪ You got your rules and your religion All designed to keep you safe ♪
♪ But when rules… ♪
[Michael] Looking over the shoulder of Kevin Owens
as he looks on at Randy Orton.
It was just a few months ago when Owens and Orton and Cody Rhodes
teamed together to do battle against The Bloodline.
And now, it's come down to this.
♪ I hear voices cryin' I see heroes dyin' ♪
♪ I taste blood that's dryin' I feel tension risin' ♪
♪ I hear voices in my head They counsel me… ♪
-[yells] -[Michael] Oh my God!
-Owens with a chair! -[song concludes]
[Michael] Owens attacking Randy Orton from behind
to the knee with a steel chair before the match began!
Ambushing Randy Orton, much like he did in the parking lot!
And now, Kevin Owens is attacking Randy Orton!
-[grunts] -[groans]
-[Michael] Stomping away on Randy. -[Graves] Look out, Cole.
[Michael] Now, ripping apart our announce table here.
Kevin Owens unhinged, demented.
[Graves] Listen, Cole, Triple H himself warned Randy.
Randy has spent time around KO. The Viper had to know this was coming.
[Michael] And now, Randy Orton fighting back.
Randy Orton with the right hand to Kevin Owens.
And this personal, emotional matchup is blowing up in our face.
The official Eddie Arango out here.
-He eli-- -[Owens groans]
[Michael] Oh, and a poke in the eyes by Randy. It didn't matter.
Match has not started.
And now, Orton dropped on our announce table by Orton.
[Graves] You see the pain etched on the face of Kevin Owens.
Orton with some valuable time to attempt to recover.
Remember, just a few min-- moments ago,
KO attacked the hamstring and knee of the Viper.
[Michael] Yeah, a cowardly attack.
Kevin Owens didn't even wait for Randy Orton
to turn around and face him.
Owens wouldn't let Orton face him like a man.
He attacked him from behind.
-A cowardly assault by Kevin Owens. -[grunts]
[Michael] And now Kevin again taking the fight to Orton.
[groans, yells]
[Michael] And Corey, I don't believe
that Kevin Owens-- this had anything to do about being a match,
-about being a wrestling match. -[Graves] That's what I'm saying.
You were asking about,
because he hasn't held a singles championship
or hasn't won world titles recently.
Something broke inside Kevin Owens's mind.
[Graves] Something is wrong. I don't know what it is.
I'm not a psychologist. I have no clue.
But something is different, and it's very, very bad for Randy Orton.
[Michael] Kevin Owens now back to the injured knee of Randy Orton.
-And Kevin Owens-- Oh, is now unloading. -[groans]
[Michael] And let's not forget, and Triple H talked a lot about this,
the fact that Randy Orton had steel rods put in his back.
And now, the official tearing the--
-[Graves] Oh my God! -[Michael] And a stunner to the official!
A stunner to the official! Kevin, what are you doing?
[Graves] That's gonna cost KO big time.
[Michael] The match hasn't even started! Owens has gone completely nuts!
He just stunned our official Eddie Arango.
And now some…
[Graves] There's some WWE officials making their way to ringside.
Orton not gonna back down from a fight as long as there's breath in his lungs.
[Michael] And now, it's Randy Orton unloading on Kevin Owens.
Orton can hardly stand after the assault on the knee.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] They've waved off the match. We're not gonna have a match tonight.
-Kevin Owens rolling out of harm's way. -[Graves] Says who, Cole?
'Cause it looks like KO and Orton are gonna keep fighting
till someone stops them.
[Michael] And Orton now dropped on the Arabic announce table.
There are bodies everywhere. Jamie Noble just got set flying.
Randy Orton tossing Owens back into the ring.
He wants to do even more damage.
[crowd chanting]
[Graves] And now the Viper looks to exact his pound of flesh
from a downed prizefighter.
[Michael] Randy Orton said that Owens would rue the day
that he did what he did to him.
The assault in the parking lot, the attack from behind,
and now it's…
-That's producer Shawn Daivari… -[Graves] Come on.
…taking the chair away from Randy Orton.
And Orton now sending Daivari into the ring post.
-[groans] -[Randy groans]
[Graves] Owens taking the opportunity to gouge Randy in the eye.
[Michael] Well, these two don't give a damn about anything
except beat the hell out of each other.
-Orton now with a draping DDT. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Here come the manager's general, Adam Pearce from Raw,
Nick Aldis from SmackDown, trying to get this under control.
Yeah, trying to separate these two before somebody gets seriously hurt.
All this barking at Kevin Owens.
Pearce barking at Orton.
And now, RKO out of nowhere to the general manager!
We've had officials, we've had agents,
we've had general managers assaulted and beaten up
by both Orton and Owens.
And Kevin Owens continues to try to destroy Orton.
[Graves] Owens again went to the eyes of Randy Orton,
and KO now in control again for the moment.
[Michael] And this is absolute insanity out here.
Orton into the ring post.
Again, Nick Aldis trying to talk some sense into Kevin Owens.
Owens isn't hearing any of it.
-[groans] -[Michael] Orton and Owens seeing red.
-Kevin now sent out into the… -[pants]
…into the WWE fan base.
And now, Orton's in pursuit.
[Graves] Notice how Orton's entire demeanor has shifted
since before the matchup.
Randy Orton has taken this very personally.
Orton realizing Owens is out here to maim him, to injure him.
[Michael] That's what it's about for Kevin Owens.
He doesn't give a damn about a match or Randy Orton.
He wants to end this guy's career.
And for what? Because he believed the guy betrayed him? Come on.
How many times has Kevin Owens betrayed people in his life?
[Graves] That was the top of one of our road cases.
-Right off the forehead of Randy Orton. -[Michael] And Owens isn't done yet.
-[speaks indistinctly] -Stop! Stop!
-[Michael] And again to Orton. -[indistinct chatter]
-[speaks indistinctly] -[Randy groans]
[Graves] Randy doing his best to cover up, but Owens just driving that road case lid.
-Orton might be out. -Get out of here. Go!
[crowd chanting, applauding] Let's go, Randy! Let's go, Randy!
[Michael] I don't know if the "Let's go, Randy!" chants
are going to help Randy Orton out.
[Graves] Yeah, chasing away that-- Where the hell is Owens going now?
[Michael] Who the hell knows?
Kevin Owens is climbing up into the stands here.
-[Graves] Kevin… -[Michael] Kevin Owens is going up top.
Kevin, what are you thinking? Get down from there.
Oh my God, no!
He's driven through that mess of equipment by the elbow by Owens.
-Has it gotten this bad, Kevin? -[crowd chanting]
[Michael] How did it get this bad? What drove you to this?
[crowd chanting, applauding]
[Graves] We gotta get some more help out here.
[Michael] Randy Orton hasn't moved.
[crowd chanting, applauding]
[Michael] We are in the capital city of Saudi Arabia tonight.
This is Riyadh for WWE Crown Jewel.
But, you know, we can't pull ourselves away
from what we just witnessed a few moments ago here
at Crown Jewel.
It was supposed to be a match between Kevin Owens and Randy Orton.
It never started. Kevin Owens assaulting Orton from behind
with a steel chair, it turned into this punishing brawl,
and we said it before, Kevin Owens is deranged.
He's gone off the deep end
and he tried to maim and cost Randy Orton his career.
Who knows? He might have.
You're absolutely right, and we will promise to do our best
to keep you updated on Orton's condition as it becomes available,
but I think that's the scariest part, Cole,
is that Kevin Owens is still walking.
Kevin Owens is gonna get on an airplane, go back to the United States
and continue to be a WWE Superstar,
as, I imagine, will Randy Orton, health permitting.
This could get worse.
-[Michael] Let's show you. This is just… -[grunts]
[Michael] Kevin Owens, he was gonna assault Orton again,
and then he just completely lost it.
He stunned our official Eddie Arango, did Kevin Owens,
and now Adam Pearce, the general manager,
suffering an RKO by an obviously emotional Randy Orton.
And what brought this all on?
It had to be more than just betrayal for Kevin Owens to do this.
For Kevin Owens to do that to Randy Orton,
and everything that these guys have been through in their careers,
and all the battles they've had together, it had to be more than just that.
[Graves] Whatever demon is behind the blank eyes of Kevin Owens,
whatever's driving KO to do this, we may never know.
But the fact is, as long as Kevin Owens is in WWE,
he is a danger not only to himself
but each and every superstar in this business.
And again, we'll try to get you updates on the condition of Randy Orton
as the night goes along. But let's shift gears now
because we've got a United States Championship match coming up next.
SmackDown, a couple of weeks ago,
it was game seven between Andrade and Carmelo Hayes,
tied at three match wins apiece,
but LA Knight was the special guest referee.
[Graves] To the surprise of absolutely no one,
LA Knight could not keep his ego in check despite a little incidental contact
by Carmelo Hayes.
LA Knight would need his revenge instantly.
The United States Champion would make his presence known
in a very physical way. Boom! BFT to Andrade.
Oh, and one for Carmelo Hayes, just for good measure.
LA Knight, not a great ref.
You want to keep your hands to yourself next time because guess what?
Now, you want to make yourself the center of attention?
You got both of those guys in a Triple Threat Match at Crown Jewel.
[crowd cheering]
["The Greatest" playing]
♪ 'Cause I'm the greatest, ain't no hatin' I'm the best here! ♪
♪ You want your shot Well, I guess you wait till next year ♪
♪ I'm at the top Get respect while I get fit ♪
♪ Who got a problem, huh? Tell 'em to step here, step here ♪
♪ What? Yeah! Come on ♪
♪ 'Cause I'm the greatest, no arguin'… ♪
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following contest is a Triple Threat Match
for the United States Championship!
Introducing first, from Boston, Massachusetts,
weighing in at 210 pounds, Carmelo Hayes.
[Michael] You know, Corey, Carmelo refers to himself as HIM.
I refer to him as IT, as in the "it" factor,
because I think Carmelo Hayes has it all to be a massive star in WWE.
[Graves] I agree with you wholeheartedly, Michael Cole.
Everything about Carmelo Hayes says star, particularly his confidence.
I talked to Hayes earlier today,
and he proudly declared that by the time he left Riyadh,
that Cristiano Ronaldo himself would be begging for Carmelo's autograph
as the new United States Champion.
And Carmelo doubled down on bringing back the spinner title
-when he wins the United States title. -[Michael] Interesting, wouldn't it?
♪ 'Cause I'm the greatest, ain't no hatin' I'm the best here! ♪
♪ You want your shot Well, I guess you wait… ♪
[song concludes]
["Conquistar" playing]
♪ El ídolo ♪
♪ El ídolo… ♪
[Mike] Next, from Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico,
weighing in at 230 pounds,
Andrade!
[Michael] You know, Carmelo Hayes and Andrade, former NXT champions.
And I do wanna mention, speaking about NXT,
NXT will be on Wednesday night this coming week on the USA Network,
2300 Arena, in Philadelphia.
And Trick Williams, Carmelo Hayes's old running buddy,
is gonna team up with Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley
in a tag team match against Ethan Page and Ridge Holland at NXT.
[Graves] It's gonna be an old school throwdown
at the corner of Swanson and Ritner. Don't miss NXT.
But right now, it is all about the United States Championship.
Let's talk about the history between just Andrade and Carmelo, Cole.
We were robbed of a decisive Game Seven due to LA Knight and his ego
and his lack of willingness to officiate properly.
But the first six matches instant classics,
star-making performances week after week for both the winners
and losers of all of those matches.
It's rare to see that type of talent at this level.
[Michael] LA Knight said he had to make them pay
because they put their hands on me and nobody can touch me.
But because of those actions, LA Knight finds himself in trouble tonight
in a Triple Threat Match where the first man to gain pinfall
or submission will become the champion
so knight doesn't even have to be involved in the decision to lose the title.
[Graves] I think it's safe to say LA Knight royally stepped in it tonight.
-[song concludes] -[indistinct chatter]
-["Welcome to LA" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Mike] And their opponent, from Los Angeles, California,
weighing in at 240 pounds,
he is the United States Champion,
-LA Knight! -[crowd] LA Knight! [cheering]
[Michael] You know, Cody, last year, right here at Crown Jewel--
-[Graves] I'm Corey. -[Michael] What did I say?
-[Graves] You called me Cody again. -[Michael] Oh.
I've had a great night with names. [chuckles]
Cora Jade in the Countdown Show. Cody here tonight at ringside.
Well, it's hard. Cody, Corey, two of my best friends.
What are you going to do, right?
Nonetheless, let's talk about this now because last year,
right here in Riyadh at Crown Jewel, we crowned a new United States Champion.
Logan Paul won the title here over Rey Mysterio.
LA Knight took that title from Logan Paul back at SummerSlam.
[Graves] Listen, LA Knight vowed to be a fighting champion,
and to an extent, I could say he's lived up to the promise,
but LA Knight has been so embroiled with his personal and egotistical issues
with Carmelo Hayes, with Andrade,
that LA Knight has really neglected the rest of the roster of opportunity
-at his United States Gold. -[Michael] Thanks, Corey.
[indistinct chatter]
[Michael] So, we got Triple Threat rules tonight.
First man to gain pinfall or submission will become the United States Champion.
Who do you give the edge to in this particular matchup?
[Graves] I think in any circumstance, any championship match,
you want to give the edge to the reigning champion.
LA Knight's got confidence on his side.
That's one thing Knight absolutely never lacks.
He's extremely proud of what he's done as United States Champion
and shows no signs of slowing down.
-[Michael] Oh, and here we go. -[bell ringing]
[Michael] Andrade and Carmelo Hayes going after one another.
LA Knight gonna sit back and watch and feel smart for the champ.
[Graves] That's a brilliant decision by LA Knight.
Let Andrade and Carmelo take out their issues on one another,
try to pick the bones when applicable.
[Michael] Again, the title, three matches apiece in their series.
Last match, of course, with no decision,
because the official, LA Knight, got involved.
And here's LA Knight now, going to work on his opponents.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Left and right from the Mega Star, down goes Hayes.
-[LA Knight cheers] -[crowd cheers]
[Michael] WWE fans loving LA Knight.
[Michael] And a double kick to the champion,
-and Knight collapses outside the ring. -[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] Now, Hayes and Andrade, if they can take Knight out,
they can turn this into a one-on-one matchup.
[Graves] It looked like Carmelo was attempting to tell Andrade what to do,
and Andrade, well, he wasn't too eager to listen.
Hayes lands on his feet.
-Andrade misses wildly. -[Michael] Carmelo!
Oh! Great flying forearm, clothesline by Hayes, kicking out Andrade.
[Graves] Tremendous athleticism on display from Hayes,
and LA Knight on the outside.
[Michael] Dripping Hayes up, and now bounced off our announce table.
And now, dribbling Carmelo Hayes
right off the announce desk in front of us.
LA Knight keeps that up.
[Graves] Carmelo Hayes going to look like the Dwayne Wade statue.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] Look out!
Face first goes Carmelo Hayes.
And Andrade now, and LA Knight up on the apron.
[Michael] And now, LA Knight in control, Carmelo Hayes back out
of the apron, at Knight now.
[Graves] Sends Carmelo in, right on top of Andrade!
-[Michael] Andrade is-- -[Graves] Down! DDT!
Andrade very wisely keeping the opportunity alive for himself
by breaking up the pinfall attempt.
[Michael] And Hayes, off the second rope, Andrade caught him there.
Oh my goodness, off the second rope!
[Graves] Inverted Spanish fly-cover by Andrade, but Knight is right there.
[Michael] Yup, protecting his Championship.
Andrade, flying forearm, takes Knight down.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Chip up by Andrade El Ídolo, now in control.
The third-generation superstar from Mexico,
former NXT Champ, US Champ, current Speed Champion.
-Every Tuesday. -[Graves] That's right!
-[Michael] Oh, that's every Wednesday. -[Graves] Every Wednesday.
Here comes Andrade, and Carmelo Hayes seeing shadows.
[Michael] And now, LA Knight,
hopping out to the apron, to the floor.
[Graves] Now, Andrade…
looking ahead, up top.
[Graves] Oh my God!
[Michael] Oh my goodness, taking out LA Knight!
I thought he was going for Hayes, but he decided to take out the champ.
Can you believe that?
[Graves] Unbelievable!
[crowd chanting] This is awesome!
-[Graves] And now, Carmelo Hayes-- -[Michael] Incoming! Down goes Andrade!
[Graves] Hayes flexing on his own now, making the climb to the top turnbuckle.
[Michael] He realizes the champ's in trouble.
Hayes, top rope! Went for Nothing But Net.
LA Knight able to run out of harm's way.
-[Michael] BFT-- No! Counter by Hayes! -[Graves] Hayes put on the brakes.
[Michael] What a great counter by Hayes!
Went for a BFT again.
This time Andrade catches Knight with a back elbow.
Hayes now-- Oh, First 48!
[Graves] Into the senton on Knight,
Carmelo Hayes closing in on the win.
[Michael] Andrade driven onto Knight,
Carmelo Hayes now, going to pin both men for the victory!
[Graves] Carmelo Hayes was cooking for the moment.
The action, fast and furious as expected.
First, Andrade just reversing course to the shock
of everyone in the arena, including LA Knight below.
Carmelo Hayes would answer with a dive of his own.
Here's a suplex into a cutter on top of Knight,
covering both superstars.
Carmelo Hayes almost had the most definitive win of his career.
[Michael] Fast-paced, energetic matchup for the United States Championship.
Carmelo Hayes went for a Tornado DDT,
Andrade blocked, kick right to the midsection.
[Michael] Andrade now-- Oh goodness!
[Graves] Destroyer takes down Hayes.
[Michael] And now, Hayes and Knight are both down,
and it's Andrade's opportunity.
[crowd chanting]
[Graves] A few moments away from a brand-new
Campeón of El Estados Unidos, Cole.
We're working on that.
-Andrade… -[Michael] You've been practicing…
…from the top turnbuckle.
[Michael] Andrade gonna fly, lands on his feet,
catches Knight on the other side.
Cover now, for the win and the championship!
And Carmelo breaks things up.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] And again, it's never about assisting your opponent
when breaking up a pinfall attempt or a submission.
It's always about preserving your own opportunity
to leave this matchup with the United States Championship.
[Michael] Sold out crowd loving this matchup.
The Triple Threat for the US title, here tonight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Big chop by Carmelo Hayes.
[Michael] This is the pace we expected.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Graves] Hayes now, making a climb to the top.
Dragging Andrade with him.
Will be a high risk. Will it pay off for Hayes?
[Michael] Or will it pay off for-- Andrade!
Beautiful reversal! Cover!
[crowd counting]
[Michael] Hayes kicks at two!
Andrade, that close to the United States Championship.
[Graves] When you've competed six times in a row
against a high-level competitor,
you're bound to become familiar with their offense.
Andrade, obviously, a step ahead of Hayes.
[Michael] And now, the champ, LA Knight, looking to take advantage
of the damage those two did to one another.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Top rope! Oh, down go both Melo and Andrade!
Going to cover both men.
-[Graves] For the Champion. -[Michael] And a kick out.
[Graves] I got to be honest, I'm loving these double pinfall attempts.
They haven't been successful yet, but what better way
to earn the bragging rights in the wake of this matchup.
"I pinned both opponents,"
which LA Knight very nearly did right here.
[Michael] To make sure that nobody gets a rematch.
[Graves] Absolutely.
-[crowd chanting] This is awesome! -[Michael] Indeed it is.
Knight, Andrade, and Carmelo Hayes.
[Michael] Knight with a shot to the kidney,
Andrade with a back elbow.
Knight still-- He keeps coming though,
keeps moving forward.
Not that time. Hayes with a kick.
[Graves] And again we go to the high-rent district.
[Michael] Andrade, able to slip out underneath.
LA Knight now-- Oh, oh, oh!
[Graves] Oh, and Knight just could have tossed him-- What?
[Michael] Maybe not, right back up.
-Andrade down face first! -[crowd exclaiming]
[Michael] And again, it is hot and humid in this arena,
those ropes are slippery.
[Graves] I think Carmelo Hayes is understanding what's happening.
[Michael] His opportunity now, Carmelo Hayes!
Nothing But Net to the champion for the title!
Hook at the leg!
And Andrade breaks it up at two and a half!
[Graves] Andrade playing spoiler
on the best shot Carmelo has had thus far.
Here we see Nothing But Net!
Carmelo Hayes shoots his shot, deep hook at the leg.
And Andrade keeps this one alive.
[Michael] Hayes cannot believe
that he's not the United States Champion right now.
Puts him up, looking for The Message.
Carmelo Hayes drives him into the corner.
[Graves] Super kick, takes down Knight.
Andrade answers with a boot of his own.
[Michael] Andrade now going to drag Melo up on the ropes.
-We've seen Andrade do this before. -[Graves] Yes, we have.
[Michael] Melo, though, able to counter again,
bounces the back of his neck off the turnbuckle.
Hayes could be looking for the face buster.
-[Graves] Oh! -[Michael] BFT!
-By LA Knight! Cover! -[crowd counting]
-[Michael] Knight retains! -[bell ringing]
-[Michael] What a match! -[Graves] Wow!
["Welcome To LA" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner
and still
the United States Champion, LA Knight!
-[crowd cheering] -[Graves] The stakes were high.
The energy was off the charts, but LA Knight able to turn away
the challenges of two world-class superstars
in Andrade and Carmelo Hayes.
Here are the closing moments.
Hayes looking for the facebuster he uses so well.
Knight in the right place, at the right time,
-a BFT for Carmelo Hayes! -[bell ringing]
[Graves] And still your United States Champion,
the megastar LA Knight.
[Michael] Big win for Knight here tonight
and continues to reign as the United States Champion.
[LA Knight speaks indistinctly]
[song concludes]
[Michael] And earlier tonight, Liv Morgan was crowned
the very first ever Women's Crown Jewel Champion.
Who will join her in making history tonight in Riyadh?
[hip-hop music playing]
[Michael] And here, under the night skies of Saudi Arabia,
an inaugural event will occur
between the two most powerful Superstars in WWE.
World Heavyweight Champion Gunther
will face WWE Undisputed World Champion, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes,
to become the first ever Men's Crown Jewel Champion,
right after this break.
For now, take a look at how the two most biggest forces in WWE
are still standing, and they come face-to-face with each other
for a chance to make history tonight.
[dramatic music playing]
[Triple H] It will be the beginning of a new era for WWE.
This is us creating a moment in time.
[Jesse] This is the biggest match in the history of professional wrestling
[Gorilla] Tonight history will be made, all of these fans are a big part of it.
[Ross] It don't get no bigger than this,
this is what our business is all about.
[announcer] …and new World Heavyweight Champion…
[Triple H] At Crown Jewel, we will make history.
[Ross] Quite frankly, a match I thought I would never, ever see.
[Triple H] Our reigning WWE Champion will face our reigning world champion.
[Michael] Mankind has achieved his dream!
Eddie Guerrero is champion!
There will be a definitive winner.
[announcer] And new…
[Triple H] And that winner will be crowned
2024's Crown Jewel Champion.
Fifty carats of diamonds that will signify the winner as the best of the best.
[Michael] It's champion versus champion, who will be the best of the best?
[Triple H] I would wonder what would happen if Bruno Sammartino…
In order to be on top, you have to be a winner.
[Triple H] …were to step into the ring with Harley Race.
Right here, daddy, is the Muhammad Ali of it all.
[Triple H] What would happen if Backlund was to step into the ring
with Nick Bockwinkel?
What would happen if Ric Flair, at his peak…
I'm the Nature Boy. Whoo! You know why? Because it says so.
[Tripple H] …stepped into the ring with Hulk Hogan.
[commentator] We have a new champion! Hulkomania is here.
This is us creating a moment to take two great champions
and determine one time who is the absolute best.
[epic music playing]
[Gunther] I am the greatest professional wrestler
in this company right now.
[announcer] The Ring General, Gunther!
[crowd cheers]
In regards to this Crown Jewel Championship,
it's not about the next one. It's not about the last one.
It's about who is going to be the first one.
[Barrett] Destiny awaits.
[Gunther] I am greatness personified.
[Cody] One champion to another…
when it comes to Crown Jewel, you play the game not to lose
but you play to win.
[inaudible]
[Triple H] Welcome to a new time.
To a new era!
[Michael] Who will leave the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
the first ever Crown Jewel Champion?
[music concludes]
-[crowd cheering] -[hip-hop music playing]
[Michael] Liv Morgan won the Women's Crown Jewel Championship
a bit earlier on tonight, and that is the Men's Crown Jewel title.
Over 3,300 embedded stones in this belt, 50 carats of diamonds,
250 total carat weight for this championship.
Who will be crowned the first ever Men's Crown Jewel Champion?
-["Prepare To Fight" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Well, he is the King of the Ring.
He won that title back in Jeddah, back in May here in Saudi Arabia,
and he has had an incredible six months here in WWE.
Winning King of the Ring allowed Gunther to go to SummerSlam
to challenge the World Heavyweight Champion,
where he would beat Damian Priest for the title.
He would then go on to take out Randy Orton at Bash In Berlin.
Then he would take out Sami Zayn.
Gunther has been on an incredible roll here at WWE.
[Graves] The Ring General tonight feeling so confident,
we heard in the interview with Joe Tessitore,
that Gunther is calling his shot.
Not only saying that he was going to win this match,
but declaring he was going to put Cody Rhodes to sleep.
He was going to choke out The American Nightmare
and make himself the definitive supreme champion in WWE.
[Michael] This is the first time
that Cody and Gunther have ever met one-on-one.
However, Cody Rhodes did eliminate Gunther the last two years
in the Royal Rumble match, and Gunther has not forgotten that.
[Graves] Well, Cody Rhodes fancies himself the quarterback of WWE.
He's about to step into the ring with our answer to T. J. Watt.
Other side of the ball, same malicious intent.
-[loud drums beating] -[crowd cheering]
[Cody over speakers] Wrestling has more than one royal family.
["Kingdom" playing]
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every fight out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa! ♪
♪ And my father said, when I was younger ♪
♪ Hard times breed better men Better men! ♪
♪ You took it all away I give it all away ♪
♪ Can't take my freedom ♪
♪ Here to change the game A banner made of pain ♪
♪ I built my kingdom ♪
♪ Now you bow to me ♪
♪ You took my dreams but not my name ♪
♪ You'll follow me into the end ♪
♪ I am my kingdom ♪
♪ Lights go down, I'm ready now ♪
♪ Tear this roof off for the town ♪
♪ Gonna give 'em what they came to see ♪
♪ Hear the crowd on their toes ♪
♪ Ready for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa! ♪
♪ And my father said, when I was younger ♪
♪ Hard times breed better men Better men! ♪
♪ You took it all away I give it all away ♪
♪ Can't take my freedom ♪
♪ Here to change the game A banner made of pain ♪
♪ I built my kingdom ♪
♪ Now you bow to me ♪
♪ You took my dreams but not my name ♪
♪ You'll follow me into the end ♪
♪ I am my kingdom ♪
♪ You tried to tell me what to do ♪
♪ I saw the door and kicked it down ♪
♪ I stepped right over and right through ♪
[music fades]
-[bell ringing] -[crowd applauding]
The following is a Champion versus Champion match
to determine the first ever
Men's Crown Jewel Champion!
[crowd cheering]
Introducing first, from Vienna, Austria,
weighing in at 250 pounds,
he is the World Heavyweight Champion,
-The Ring General, Gunther! -[crowd cheering]
And his opponent's, from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 222 pounds,
he is the undisputed WWE Champion,
The American Nightmare,
-Cody Rhodes! -[crowd chanting] Cody Rhodes!
[Michael] Cody Rhodes is trying to do something that his legendary father,
the late great "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, never accomplished.
And that's winning a major championship on foreign soil.
Cody telling me earlier today,
that means a lot to him and the legacy of the Rhodes family.
As he and Gunther battle it out, Champion versus Champion
for the first time over the Crown Jewel Championship.
[Graves] I discussed it briefly on the kickoff show-- sorry,
the countdown show earlier tonight.
The mentality of these two superstars could not be more different.
-Cody Rhodes thrives as the face of WWE. -[crowd chanting]
[Graves] Cody aspires to be viewed by the entire world as the quarterback.
However, you've got Gunther,
who just simply wants to be known as the greatest wrestler on Earth.
Gunther loves the accolades, he loves the money,
all the things that come with being great,
but Gunther does not care about the adulation of the WWE Universe.
[Michael] And he doesn't want to be bothered.
Let's put that out there, too.
-He doesn't want to be bothered with it. -[bell ringing]
[Michael] He wants to focus on his craft in the ring.
But in order to be a champion here in WWE, and Gunther's learning this,
you've got to make time for the media. You've got to make time for the WWE fans.
You know, you're carrying the prize title of the company.
So, now it's Cody and Gunther.
We talked about this a lot over the past couple of days.
The world has talked about Cody Rhodes and his story for the past two years.
[crowd cheering, chanting]
[Graves] What an atmosphere tonight in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
[Michael] And again, the world's talked about Cody and finishing the story
and knocking off Roman Reigns for the past two years now.
Over the last six months, and we mentioned this earlier,
Gunther's accomplished so much here in WWE.
And it sticks in Gunther's craw.
He's upset that he feels like he's in the backseat
to Cody Rhodes as a champion.
[crowd chanting]
[Graves] Well, that mentality for Gunther--
It's impossible to talk over these maniacs tonight.
It is loud in here.
Gunther realizes that the best way to put yourself in the driver's seat,
so to speak, to be viewed, as perception is reality,
is by beating the other champion. It removes all doubt.
If Gunther can do what he says he's gonna do, put Cody to sleep tonight,
there will not be a man or woman walking this earth
who can look at Gunther and deny what he says he is,
the greatest champion in this business.
[crowd continues chanting]
[Michael] Gunther now, front facelock on Cody.
[Graves] And this is just a feeling out process
for both of these superstars.
I don't expect to see either superstar take too high of a risk,
go for broke early on.
There's a healthy professional respect for the capabilities
of one another in this matchup.
[Michael] Well, everybody talks about the grappling of Gunther,
but what about Cody Rhodes?
Tremendous amateur background for Cody as well.
[Graves] Well, Cody's no slouch at all.
I mean, there's no secret that he is a great wrestler,
which is one of the many reasons he is the Undisputed WWE Champion.
[Michael] When I talked to Gunther a bit earlier today
about why it was so important for him to choke out Cody
with the sleeper tonight, he said, "Embarrassment, humiliation."
[Graves] And I don't know if in Gunther's heart
that's truly what it means,
as much as I believe it's mind games from The Ring General.
We saw a few weeks ago, Gunther got so far under the skin
of Cody Rhodes, Cody snapped.
Cody lost his cool and took the first shot at Gunther.
I guarantee you, that's Gunther's strategy tonight.
Try to frustrate Rhodes, try to take Cody off this game,
and then Gunther can pounce.
[Graves] Again, another great takedown by Cody Rhodes countering Gunther
and controlling the arm of the World Heavyweight Champion.
[Graves] And when you see a tentative strategy from superstars
like we're seeing right now, it's not because guys are afraid
to put the pedal to the metal.
It's that they realize that one tiny flaw, one slight mistake,
will be capitalized on by their opponent
and could cost them the match, thereby the Crown Jewel Championship.
[Michael] Gunther trying to power his way out of it, not able to.
Cody hanging on to the arm.
[Graves] This is uncomfortable for The Ring General,
but nowhere Gunther hasn't been before.
And Cody Rhodes right now just trying to stay on offense.
Not looking to do anything rash. Nothing too spectacular yet.
Oh, shoulder tackle.
[Michael] Gunther establishes dominance there.
Cody quickly back to his feet.
Nice side headlock takedown by Gunther.
And that's as traditional as it gets, but notice how Gunther was closing space
as Cody was standing up to his feet.
Before Cody even made it totally vertical, Gunther had already applied
the side headlock and taken the nightmare over.
[Michael] We've talked about this many times, Corey, about Gunther.
There's very little wasted motion with this man.
-Everything he does means something. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Delivered with purpose and malice.
It was a rabid crowd tonight.
[Graves] And again, this is such a sound strategy
by the World Heavyweight Champion, Gunther.
Gunther knows he's not gonna defeat Cody Rhodes with a side headlock,
but what Cody's dealing with right now is 250 pounds of Gunther
laying on his chest,
while simultaneously squeezing along the jawline,
the temples of your head. It's incredibly uncomfortable.
Perhaps not enough to force a submission,
but Cody knows he can't stay here very long.
[Michael] And let's not forget, it was just on this past SmackDown
that Gunther choked out Cody Rhodes. Cody knows what it's all about.
He felt the sleeper hold on SmackDown.
And now Cody looking for the cross-road snap there.
Take down by Gunther.
-And Gunther. -[Graves] Here we go.
[Michael] And Cody able to count.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Cody just yelled at him and said, "Not this time."
"Not like last night."
[Graves] And these fans are so passionate here in Riyadh tonight.
Incredible atmosphere for a big time title fight.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Michael] This is for the first-ever Crown Jewel Championship.
The ceremony for the winner of this match and Liv Morgan…
-[Graves] Oh, ho! -…earlier tonight,
will happen after this main event.
[Graves] Clearly, Rhodes did his homework, blocked the chop of Gunther,
-and now Gunther-- -[Michael] Oh no!
Went for the bionic elbow and got chopped out of his boots.
And now Gunther mocking the WWE fans.
[Graves chuckling] With a flip flop and goodbye,
almost "Goodnight, Cody Rhodes," a thunderous chop by The Ring General.
[Michael] And just like that, Gunther's taking control.
And now the beatdown is on.
[crowd cheering]
[Graves] If you've ever had the displeasure of being struck
by one of Gunther's infamous chops,
they drive the breath right out of you, even if you know it's coming.
It forces all the wind right out of your lungs.
Your chest burns. It is agonizing, and almost shocking.
It can throw you off your game, just that impact that quick.
[Michael] Oh, leapfrog by the big man.
Cody Rhodes though, underneath, hits him right.
-Now, Cody-- Gunther still on his feet. -[crowd chanting] Olé, olé!
[Michael] Clothesline again. Gunther still on his feet.
World Champ will not go down.
Cody Rhodes drives Gunther outside the ring.
Gunther quickly tries to get right back up to the apron.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[crowd chanting]
-[Graves] Cody on the ropes. -[Michael] Oh!
And he caught him with a kick.
Down goes Gunther right in front of us, here at the announce table.
[Graves] Cody has acquired the target. Gunther down on one knee at the moment.
-[Michael] Gunther quickly in the ring. -[Graves] Uh-oh!
[Michael] Catches Cody in the sleeper. Cody may have made a mistake.
Gunther though, again, sent out of the ring by Cody.
And here comes Cody Rhodes. Cody, Suicide Dive.
Gunther caught Cody
-and drives him into the apron. -[Graves] Oh, ho, ho!
-[Michael] And a big chop! -[Graves] Oh!
My goodness, Rhodes believed he had daylight.
Cody thought he was going to capitalize on the opening,
and Gunther turned the tables just that quickly.
[Michael] Senior official, Chad Patton, working this match-up,
will begin the count with Rhodes down and out.
[Graves] Under a count out,
he's gonna force a new champion regardless.
[Michael] Yep, indeed.
Gunther back to his feet,
Cody fights back into the ring to beat the count.
Gunther just wears you down. I mean, there's no other way to put it.
[Graves] Gunther's relentless. He just continues to soldier forward.
He's more of a Terminator, almost like an Ivan Drago.
This could look more like
-Ivan Drago versus Apollo Creed… -[crowd chanting] Let's go, Cody!
…than Cody Rhodes versus Gunther by the end of the night.
If Gunther keeps this up.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Cody!
[Michael] Some of the fans trying to will Cody on.
One of the reasons he's the quarterback. One of the reasons that he…
loves being a part of the WWE Universe. Cody went for a-- Oh, back gave out.
And now a chop right to the spine.
-Cody went for a slam and Gunther-- -[Gunther groans]
[Graves] It's amazing. It's almost like a cyborg.
The ability that Gunther has to find a weakness
and begin exploiting it immediately.
Cody winced for a moment, grabbed at his lower back,
Gunther recognized it and immediately started attacking.
[Michael] That was a shot from a ref cam being worn by Chad Patton here tonight.
And the thing about Gunther is he doesn't care.
He doesn't care about all the outside noise,
he doesn't care about the WWE fans,
he doesn't care about the marketing, the media.
All he wants to do is win. That's it.
[Graves] And the opposite side of the ring, you've got Cody Rhodes,
who proudly tries to adhere to what he calls the "John Cena schedule."
As the quarterback of WWE, Cody wants to do every media appearance,
every Make-A-Wish, every opportunity that comes Cody's way,
-he capitalizes on. -[Michael] Slam!
[Graves] Meanwhile, the World Heavyweight Champion, Gunther,
he sits, he trains, he waits, he studies. Gunther is a pro's pro.
[Michael] And again, I applaud Cody Rhodes for being that,
but it could be a detriment at times.
[Graves] You're right.
[Michael] Now look at-- Gunther is-- I'm not sure if you saw it,
but he was actually mocking Rhodes moments ago and the WWE fans.
[Graves] And again, I haven't heard this from Gunther directly,
but after seeing how he was able to get in the head of Cody Rhodes
several weeks ago and made Cody lose his cool,
I assure you, Gunther didn't forget that, and is looking to make it happen tonight.
[Michael] Rhodes into the corner, big boot now catches Gunther.
Rhodes trying to fight back into this matchup.
Gunther slowed the pace to where he wants it.
Now, Rhodes going for the--
-[Graves] Oh! -[Michael] Still not enough.
Back gave out, Gunther cover, Rhodes has got to kick out.
[crowd chanting]
[Michael] Remember the only loss that Gunther's suffered
over the past couple of years, WrestleMania, against who?
[Graves] Sami Zayn.
[Michael] And the WWE fans have not forgotten either,
trying to get into the head of Gunther here tonight.
[Graves] The same way they did to The Bloodline to kick off the night.
[Michael] Certainly not going to slow the followers.
Gunther now, continues to try to choke out Cody Rhodes.
[Graves] And Gunther doesn't have his forearm
under Cody's chin at this point.
This is more of a rear chin lock. Great transition…
into a chicken wing.
-Gripping at the shoulder of Cody Rhodes. -[grunts]
[Graves] And what this does is, it allows Gunther to inflict
pain and punishment without overexertion.
Gunther can preserve his energy with these submissions,
knowing it's most likely not gonna end the match in his favor,
but it's going to be one step in the right direction.
[Michael] And again, Gunther choked out Cody on SmackDown,
so that's also in Cody's mind.
Mentally, Gunther knows he can do it.
-So does Cody. -[Graves] And you wonder,
is Gunther trying to lull Cody into a false sense of security
with these submissions that aren't quite the sleeper,
that they're nearby, just to keep Cody on his toes
so that when Gunther is ready, he can really strike?
[Michael] And Cody Rhodes's left arm is almost immobile,
from the assault by Gunther here.
And a headbutt by the World Heavyweight Champion.
[Graves] Another thing about Gunther is he has such a deep arsenal,
he can specialize his attacks
to whatever his opponent is feeling at the time.
You tweak your leg, Gunther's got a litany of offense for the leg.
You damage your back, as we're seeing right now,
Gunther will pick you apart.
And now Gunther having a little bit of fun in the middle of the ring.
[Michael] A licensed weapon is what Gunther is.
-[crowd cheering, applauding] -[Graves] Yes, sir, he is.
[Michael] Cody dragging himself back into the ring…
as Gunther looks to continue the assault, again, working on the left arm of Rhodes.
[crowd chanting] You still got it! You still got it! You still got it!
[Michael] WWE fans doing everything they can
to try to keep Cody in this match.
And it doesn't seem to have bothered Gunther one bit.
[Graves] Gunther's no stranger to hostile territory, I would say--
[Michael] Cody though, can he pull it off this time?
And he does, slam to Gunther.
[Graves] Classic body slam by The American Nightmare,
who now has a few moments to recover.
Cody hoping the adrenaline begins to pump through his soul,
taking him to the Crown Jewel Championship.
But does Cody have enough left?
[Michael] Cody back to his feet. Now, Cody Rhodes…
[crowd cheering]
-…lifting Gunther up… -[Graves] Oh!
…vertical suplex position. Great power being shown here by Cody.
[Graves] Agreed, particularly with a damaged lower back.
And face first goes Gunther.
[Michael] Again, Rhodes may have done more harm to himself by doing that.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
-[Michael] Gunther quick… -[Graves] Oh, ho!
…with a scoop slam on Rhodes.
[Graves] You can see the urgency in Gunther now,
his movements much more rapid than earlier.
[Michael] And Cody Rhodes understanding that,
quickly back to his feet to cut Gunther off at the pass.
[Graves] And open-hand strike right on the ear of Cody Rhodes,
who continues to soldier on, now joining Gunther.
[crowd chanting] This is awesome! This is awesome! This is awesome!
[Michael] Indeed it is, champion versus champion
for the Crown Jewel Championship.
[crowd chanting] This is awesome! This is awesome! This is awesome!
[Graves] Cody Rhodes now looking for something big.
[Michael] Superplex to Gunther, Rhodes has an opportunity.
But was that his last gasp?
[crowd chanting] We want Cody! We want Cody!
[Graves] The American Nightmare's body no doubt wracked with pain.
But Cody again with a chance to recover
-after muscling Gunther over… -[Michael] Ooh!
…driving The Ring General spine-first into the canvas.
And this is a pivotal point in this match-up, Cole.
[Michael] And it's been a long, grueling match
for both of these competitors.
The undisputed WWE Champion from Friday Night SmackDown, Cody Rhodes,
the World Heavyweight Champion from Monday Night Raw, Gunther,
in front of a capacity sold-out crowd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Who will be crowned the first-ever Crown Jewel Champion?
[crowd chanting] Olé, olé! Olé, olé!
[Michael] Cody off the ropes, to the face of Gunther.
Leapfrog up over the top.
-Cody scoop slam. -[Graves] Uh-oh!
[Michael] And now Rhodes is starting to build,
and you can feel the momentum shifting a little bit in the match.
[Graves] You know, Gunther wanted more than anything to avoid this scenario.
[crowd chanting] Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!
[crowd exclaiming]
-[Michael] Now he connects! -Yeah!
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[chanting] Dusty! Dusty! Dusty! Dusty! Dusty! Dusty!
Dusty! Dusty!
[Graves] A lot of "Dusty" chants ringing out here tonight.
-A show of respect to the American dream. -[crowd exclaiming]
[Michael] Off the second rope. Oh, caught him!
-[Graves] Cody Cutter cover! -[crowd counting]
[Michael] Gunther kicked out! Cody with a Cody Cutter!
Gunther kicked at two! So close for Rhodes!
-[crowd chanting indistinctly] -[Graves] Look at this.
Cody launching himself backwards off the middle turnbuckle.
Flying blind, but right on target, takes down The Ring General.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] A rumbling here tonight at Saudi.
Cody back to his feet.
Cody's feeling it.
Could be closing in on the Crown Jewel Title.
He says that's it. Rhodes.
Oh, and Gunther just collapsing on the top rope.
-[indistinct chatter] -Good! [grunts]
-[Graves] Another old family trick. -[Michael] Oh yeah.
-Oh, went for the Disaster Kick. -[Graves] Oh, oh! Wow! Wow!
[Michael] Gunther picked him up in the air into a Boston Crab.
-Great counter by Gunther. -[groans]
[Graves] Look at the agony in Cody's lower back right now.
Gunther knows it, Gunther looking to exploit it.
Trying to shift his weight as far back as possible,
looking to bend Cody in half.
[Michael] Cody trying to drag himself to the bottom rope
and force a break.
Gunther back to the middle of the ring.
And now Gunther gonna go right for the sleeper again…
-[Graves] Uh-oh! Uh-oh! Uh-oh! -…trying to lock the sleeper in on Cody.
Cody in trouble. Gunther trying to lock it in.
Cody trying to make it to the ropes, and he does.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Cody! Let's go, Gunther!
[Michael] German suplex. Great sequence by the World Champion.
[Graves] And right back into the sleeper.
And now The Ring General, like a constrictor.
[Michael] And Cody, Cody flailing away,
and now Cody has been controlled by Gunther.
[Graves] Cody's arm is trapped by Gunther's left leg.
Gunther continuing to squeeze like a big anaconda.
Every time Cody exhales, Gunther's grip gets a little bit tighter,
a little bit more painful.
[Michael] The world champion had Cody Rhodes subdued.
Rhodes trying for one last chance here.
[Chad] Let's go.
[Michael] Cody trying to keep that arm from slipping up underneath
to his throat.
[Graves] As you can notice, Cody does have his chin in between.
[Michael] Yeah, but Cody's fading. Cody's in trouble.
Gunther has completely taken out Cody. Cody defenseless here.
The official going to check Cody's arms. Cody keeps it up though.
Gunther's still got it locked in. How much does Cody have left?
[Graves] Not much. Not much.
Let's be honest, because even if it's not a sleeper hold,
Gunther could switch into a chin lock right now.
And that's what Khabib put away McGregor with,
I believe, it was a very similar hold. It was ugly.
It wasn't intentional, but it hurts like hell.
[Michael] Cody back to his feet, trying to create space,
able to do it there momentarily. But has the damage been done?
And Gunther right back into it again.
Cody Rhodes, again, able to create separation.
Gunther going for it a third time.
Cody slips underneath, looks for Crossroads, got it!
-[Graves] There it is! -[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] And Cody capitalized on the Crossroads!
[Graves] Does Rhodes have anything left?
[crowd chanting] This is awesome!
-[Michael] So much taken out of Cody… -[crowd chanting] This is awesome!
…with the sweeper before he hit the Crossroads.
[Graves] Was that Cody's last gasp?
[crowd chanting] This is awesome! This is awesome!
This is awesome! This is awesome!
[Michael] Gunther just…
trying to get back to his feet. Cody trying to regroup as well.
Critical moment in this match for the Crown Jewel Championship.
[crowd cheering, shouting indistinctly]
[Michael] Gunther back to his feet, Cody back, and there's that drop kick,
driving Rhodes into the corner.
Gunther now, looking to put Cody away with a packed up powerbomb.
Good night, proud of the champ, right now…
-[crowd counting] -…Rhodes kicks out somehow.
-Gunther can't believe it. -[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Graves] And for the first time in this match-up,
we are seeing frustration from Gunther.
[Michael] How many times have we seen Gunther
put people away with that combination?
[Graves] Too many times to count.
And in the rare instance it doesn't end the match,
Gunther usually transitions seamlessly
into another submission to just keep pouring on the punishment.
But not tonight. Cody was able to kick out and create space.
[Michael] Now, Gunther…
You can feel the… wheels turning in his head, Corey.
Like, "What do I got to do now?" "What's next to take out Cody Rhodes?"
[Graves] That's the problem when you have an encyclopedic knowledge
of this game, as The Ring General does. You've got options.
You just have to dig through and remember, "What do I know?"
-"What else can I throw at this guy?" -[Michael] Chop.
Literally taking the taste out of Cody's mouth there.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[chanting] Let's go, Cody! Let's go, Gunther!
Let's go, Cody! Let's go, Gunther!
[Michael] Gunther, Casey Likes, punish Cody.
-[crowd gasping, exclaiming] -Come on.
Come on, Cody. Come on, Cody. Come on, Cody. What you gonna do, huh?
Come on, Cody.
-[crowd cheering, applauding] -Come on! Come on, hit me! Hit me! Hit me!
[Michael] Cody firing up over the chops of Gunther.
Now Cody fighting back.
-And here comes The American Nightmare. -[grunts, yells indistinctly]
[Michael] Uh-oh, and again, Gunther looking for the sleeper.
Cody trying to counter it. Gunther with a back suplex.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Michael] Oh, and a clothesline. Turns the champ inside out.
-[Graves] Here comes another. -[Michael] Cody Rhodes ducks underneath.
Looking for the Crossroads again on Gunther.
Hits this one on Gunther.
Now, a cover by Cody. Will he be able to capitalize?
-[crowd counting] -[Michael] Gunther got the shoulder up.
What a match!
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Graves] Did you expect anything less?
We are watching the undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes,
battle the World Heavyweight Champion, Gunther.
And Cody was certain victory was at hand,
-but Gunther has other plans. -[crowd counting]
[Graves] The Ring General refusing to relent.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Graves] What a night it has been thus far.
The main event tonight in Crown Jewel.
Liv Morgan becoming the first-ever
Women's Crown Jewel Champion earlier tonight.
Will this match belong to Cody or will it belong to Gunther?
[Michael] Cody Rhodes says it's time.
Cody Rhodes says it's time to put Gunther away.
[grunts]
-[grunts] -[Michael] Trying to drag Gunther up.
Put him in position.
Gunther though, with a snap there, and a chop to Cody.
[grunts]
[Michael] Cody ducks underneath. Going up for a super--
-[Michael] Cody got caught! He got caught! -[Graves] Uh-oh! Oh, shit! What a move!
[Michael] He got caught by the sleeper! Cody turns it around.
-Got it. Cody wins. -[bell ringing]
[Michael] Cody's the Crown Jewel Champion.
-[crowd cheering, applauding] -["Kingdom" playing]
[Mike] Here is your winner and the first-ever
Men's Crown Jewel Champion,
-Cody Rhodes! -[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] Cody went for a Super Cody Cutter.
He got caught into a sleeper by Gunther,
and Cody this time, was able to counter into the win.
[Michael] This may seem out of place, but it takes me back
to several weeks ago when Gunther insulted
none other than Hall of Famer, Bret "the Hitman" Hart.
Cody just pulled a maneuver out of Bret Hart's playbook
-versus "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. -[crowd cheering]
[Graves] That is how Hart captured the title years ago.
Cody Rhodes pulling out all stops and just barely,
barely getting past The Ring General.
[Michael] What a match-up between two great champions.
[Graves] There's that Tyrannosaurus dropkick from Gunther
directly into the powerbomb that has brought
-so much success Gunther's way… -[crowd counting]
…but Cody would not give up.
[Michael] And watch this chop. I said it.
Chopping the taste out of the mouth of Cody Rhodes.
Unbelievable impact.
And then Cody Rhodes ran into another clothesline by Gunther.
[Graves] And again, Gunther looked for the big lariat
to end the entire match-up.
Cody Cutter, surely this would keep Gunther down? No!
But here comes Cody all the way from the top.
Cody Cutter.
Gunther a step ahead in that instance, but instantly,
Cody rolls his weight back…
-[bell ringing] -…pins Gunther's shoulders for three,
and earns the distinction of being the first-ever…
Crown Jewel Champion.
[Michael] What a tremendous match and a tremendous show of respect…
[crowd cheering, applauding]
…by two great champions.
At the end of the day, Corey, Monday Night Raw with Gunther,
Friday Night Smackdown with Cody Rhodes
have two great champions heading into the future.
What an incredible main event tonight.
♪ You tried to tell me what to do I saw the door and kicked it down ♪
[Graves] WWE is hotter than it's ever been worldwide.
We are being led by two extremely capable captains on each side.
♪ I am the king and you're the crown Now, watch me as I take my throne ♪
[Michael] And now the presentation of the inaugural Crown Jewel Championship
to Cody Rhodes here tonight.
The Crown Jewel titles will stay here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
at the WWE Experience in the vault.
The champions will be presented a huge ring, like a Super Bowl ring,
that they will be able to wear proudly around the rest of the world.
Because Cody Rhodes and Liv Morgan will always be known
as the first-ever Crown Jewel champions.
♪ You took it all away, I give it all away Can't take my freedom ♪
♪ Here to change the game A banner made of pain ♪
-♪ Here to change ♪ -♪ I built my kingdom ♪
♪ Now, you bow to me ♪
♪ You took my dreams but not my name ♪
[Michael] Champion versus champion lived up to the hype
between the men, the World Heavyweight Champion, Gunther,
and the undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes.
Not many people have kicked out…
-[crowd counting] -…of a Gunther powerbomb.
[Graves] Cody Rhodes is not many people, he is one, he is The American Nightmare,
and after enduring the brutality of the World Heavyweight Champion, Gunther,
Cody finally caught his opposition with the Crossroads,
-but Gunther still would not be denied. -[crowd counting]
[Michael] And then Cody Rhodes fired up, would go for a massive Cody Cutter,
the Super Cutter, caught into a sleeper by Gunther,
but Cody had the wherewithal to turn things upside down
-and become the first-ever… -[bell ringing]
…Crown Jewel Champion.
-[crowd cheering, applauding] -[Mike] Here is your winner…
Ladies and gentlemen,
your 2024 Women's Crown Jewel Champion, Liv Morgan,
and your 2024 Men's Crown Jewel Champion,
-Cody Rhodes! -[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] Congratulations to Liv Morgan and Cody Rhodes
for making history here tonight.
♪ Hear the crowd, on their toes ♪
♪ Ready for me to start the show ♪
♪ Whoa! ♪
♪ And my father said when I was younger… ♪
[Michael] Triple H celebrating as well.
The Crown Jewel Championship really his idea,
something he thought about for many, many years,
to have these champion versus champion matches
with so much on the line,
and it comes to fruition here tonight at Crown Jewel.
-[crowd cheering, applauding] -♪ I built my kingdom ♪
♪ Now, you bow to me You took my dreams but not my name… ♪
[Michael] We want to thank everyone who watched around the world
for this spectacular event from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
We want to thank the sellout crowd here tonight for witnessing history.
Cody Rhodes and Liv Morgan will always be known
as the first-ever Crown Jewel Champions.
[crowd cheering, applauding] Champions.