Without question, Crown Jewel is a premium live event (PLE) that showcases the best WWE has in Saudi Arabia. In 2019, Natalya and Lacey Evans made history in the first women’s match in Saudi Arabia. This year’s event gave fans two great women’s matches with seven superstars going for gold.
Crown Jewel: Rhea Ripley vs. Nia Jax vs. Zoey Stark vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Raquel Rodriguez (Women’s World Championship)
Credit: WWE
This match saw the champion, Rhea Ripley, having to overcome some tremendous odds. It can be difficult for everyone to get their moves in matches like this. That said, those in attendance at Crown Jewel saw Shayna Baszler lock in multiple submissions on Nia Jax and Ripley.
Zoey Stark hit the K-360 onto Ripley with a near pinfall, while Raquel Rodriguez hit her Texana Bomb on Jax with another near pinfall. Ultimately, Ripley retained her championship by landing her finisher, the Riptide, on Baszler, which landed on Jax and Rodriguez.
20% CHANCE
— WWE (@WWE) November 4, 2023
100% VICTORY@RheaRipley_WWE retains the Women's World Championship at #WWECrownJewel! #AndStill pic.twitter.com/dh0DfQzjIr
This match was given the proper time to showcase the talent and was an amazing job all the way around.
Crown Jewel: IYO SKY vs. Bianca Belair (WWE Women’s Championship)
Credit: WWE
All in all, this match was personal on many levels between IYO SKY and Bianca Belair. Firstly, SKY cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase on Belair at SummerSlam. Secondly, SKY, Dakota Kai, and Bayley (Damage CTRL) took Belair out of action with a backstage attack on SmackDown. The EST of WWE was looking to get back her championship and get some revenge on Damage CTRL.
This matchup showed off Belair’s pure strength and SKY’s speed throughout as it told a story in and out of the ring. Bayley showed up ringside to help her Damage CTRL teammate, but the EST had other players. While attempting a KOD on Bayley, a familiar face in Kairi Sane arrived from the massive crowd to help.
KAIRI SANE IS BACK!!!#WWECrownJewel pic.twitter.com/YAQtJE9W31— WWE (@WWE) November 4, 2023
The end of the match came when SKY hit a phenomenal moonsault on Belair to retain. Following the match, Sane dropped an elbow on Belair for good measure. Sane’s return adds a new dynamic to Damage CTRL and SKY’s championship reign.
It will be interesting to see what happens after Crown Jewel with Ripley and SKY. Moreover, there is one final PLE, Survivor Series, later this month in Chicago.
Cover Image Credit: WWE
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