Welcome to WrestlingAttitude.com Live WWE Crown Jewel Coverage from the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Pre-Show:
The WWE Crown Jewel Kickoff pre-show opens live from the King Saudi University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as Jonathan Coachman welcomes us. He’s joined by David Otunga and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T. The panel goes over today’s card and Coach hypes the WWE Network and the upcoming Survivor Series pay-per-view. Coach talks about today’s match for the vacant WWE Universal Title and leads us to a video package showing how Roman Reigns recently announced his battle with leukemia, which forced him to relinquish the strap.
The panel talks about the World Cup tournament next. Coach leads us to video packages on Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio ahead of their tournament match. Back from a break and Coach talks about Samoa Joe vs. WWE Champion AJ Styles. We get a video package for the match. Coach leads us to World Cup video packages for WWE Intercontinental & RAW Tag Team Champion Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley. Coach sends us to the ring for our first match.
WWE United States Title Match: Rusev vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
We go to the ring and Michael Cole is with Renee Young and Corey Graves at ringside. WWE United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura is out first as Greg Hamilton does the introductions. Rusev is out next.
The bell rings and they size each other up. Rusev takes control and unloads on Nakamura in the corner as the referee warns him. Rusev with shoulder thrusts in the corner now as fans continue to find their seats in the stadium. Rusev with a suplex for a 2 count. Nakamura turns it around with a knee and drops Rusev with an inverted suplex. Nakamura keeps Rusev down with boots now, taking his time. Rusev catches a kick but Nakamura nails an enziguri and a running kick to the face for a 2 count.
Rusev looks to turn it around but Nakamura takes him to the mat and drives knees, keeping him grounded. Rusev fights up and out of a hold but Nakamura keeps him locked in. Rusev starts fading now. Rusev finally powers up and launches Nakamura on his face across the ring. Rusev unloads with strikes on his feet now but Nakamura cuts him off. Rusev drops Nakamura with three clotheslines and yells out for a pop. Rusev with a splash in the corner and a spinning heel kick to the jaw. Nakamura avoids a Machka Kick and they trade shots & counters. Rusev drops Nakamura with a kick to the head for a close 2 count.
More back and forth. Rusev catches a kick but Nakamura drops him with a kick to the side of the head. Nakamura with the sliding knee for another close 2 count. Nakamura charges for a Kinshasa but Rusev grabs him and places him on the top. Nakamura leaps from the middle rope but Rusev kicks him out of the air with a big kick to the face. Nakamura still kicks out at 2. Rusev yells out and stomps on Nakamura’s back but Nakamura scrambles to the ropes to avoid The Accolade. Nakamura decks Rusev from the apron and kicks him in the back of the neck. Nakamura flies back in the ring and drops Rusev with a knee for a 2 count.
Nakamura charges with the Kinshasa but Rusev moves and turns that into The Accolade in the middle of the ring. Rusev tightens the hold as the referee checks on Nakamura. Nakamura drags them to the ropes but Rusev drags him back. Nakamura takes advantage and hits a low blow headbutt. It looks like an accident but he’s smiling. Nakamura nails the Kinshasa for the win.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
After the match, Nakamura stands and raises the title as his music hits. Nakamura marches to the back as we go to replays. Rusev recovers as Cole sends us back to WWE HQ with Coach, Booker and Otunga.
– The panel talks more about the World Cup tournament. We get video packages on The Miz and Jeff Hardy. Booker believes Lashley can win the tournament. We get videos for Dolph Ziggler and WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle next. Otunga wonders if Drew McIntyre will help Ziggler get the win. The panel talks about how SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon will fire the SmackDown Superstar that loses to a RAW Superstar in the finals, if they lose. Coach predicts Angle to win the tournament. Otunga goes with Mysterio and Booker predicts Lashley to win it all. Back from a break and Coach leads us to a video package for DX vs. The Brothers of Destruction. The panel briefly talks about the match and that’s it for the Kickoff.
WWE Crown Jewel Opener:
The first-ever WWE Crown Jewel event opens up with a video package.
– We’re live from a sold out King Saudi University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as Michael Cole welcomes us to Crown Jewel. Cole is joined at ringside by Renee Young and Corey Graves.
– We go to the ring and Greg Hamilton introduces the host for tonight, WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan. The Hulkster comes out with his red & yellow feather boa.
Hogan got a respectful reaction. They shot pyro off the top of the stadium. That seemed to get a bigger reaction. Hogan got a pop for “Let me tell you something brother…” Hogan said it was great to be back in front of the WWE Universe and in front of his Hulkamaniac. He said the power of Hulkamania was stronger than ever in the “Crown Jewel, jack!” He said it was great to be back and to be the host, and the show starts now. He played to the crowd and posed, which set off a lot more pyro.
– Hamilton introduces His Excellency Mr. Turki Al-Sheikh of the Sports Federation of Islamic Solidarity at ringside in his seat. The announcers hype tonight’s show.
WWE World Cup First-Round Match: Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton
We see the WWE World Cup trophy at ringside as we get ready for the first tournament match. Hamilton gives a grand introduction for Rey Mysterio and out he comes as the pyro goes off. We get a sidebar video from Mysterio, who says this tournament is one of the reasons he came back to WWE. Hamilton gives an introduction to Randy Orton and out he comes next.
They also aired a sidebar video from Orton on his way to the ring. Orton said he’s always been the best and will prove it tonight. Back and forth to start. Rey tries to springboard in but Orton dropkicks him in mid-air. Orton smiles and covers for a 2 count. Orton focuses on Rey’s ribs now and stomps away. Rey looks to turn it around but Orton keeps control and goes for the mask. Orton takes Rey to the top but Rey ends up taking him down with a crossbody. The 619 chants continue. Rey comes back with offense for a 2 count. Rey with kicks. Orton blocks a 619 and nails the second rope draping DDT.
Orton with more offense until Rey blocks the RKO. Rey counters and rolls Orton up out of nowhere for the surprise pin to advance.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
After the match, Orton immediately drops Rey with the RKO as his music starts up. Orton launches Rey under the bottom rope, sending him out to the floor. Orton follows and slams Rey face-first into the announce table. A referee helps Rey limp off as Hamilton announces him as the winner.
Backstage:
Byron Saxton interviews The Miz. Saxton asks Miz how he feels heading into his first round match against Jeff Hardy. Miz asks if he really wants to know how he’s feeling. Miz says he’s feeling like there’s no stopping him from proving that he’s the best in the world. Miz says he’ll beat Jeff Hardy and then step over a broken down Rey Mysterio on his way to the finals. How does Miz feel? He feels AWESOME.
WWE World Cup First-Round Match: The Miz vs. Jeff Hardy
We go back to the ring and out comes Jeff Hardy. We get a sidebar video from Hardy with comments on his demons and becoming the best in the world. Hamilton does the introduction for The Miz next and out he comes. Back and forth to start. The Arabic announce team is at ringside and were introduced earlier.
Miz applies a headlock, but Hardy whips him off. Miz shoulder blocks him down and gloats around the ring. Hardy comes back and hits a mule kick. Hardy sends him to the corner, but Miz elbows him back. Hardy quickly rolls him up for a two count. Hardy then hits a jawbreaker. Hardy bounces him off the three turnbuckles before trying for a slingshot dropkick, but Miz boots him away. Miz digs a knee into the spine and applies a chin lock. Miz cuts him off while he fights up and hits the Reality Check for a two count. Miz puts him in the corner and starts doing the Daniel Bryan dropkicks. Miz goes for another, but Hardy bounds out of the corner with a clothesline. Hardy starts a comeback, culminating in an inverted atomic drop and a low dropkick for a two count. Hardy goes for a Twist of Fate, but Miz pushes him away. Hardy elbows him and hits Whisper in the Wind for a near fall.
Miz rolls to the apron and snaps him off the top rope. Miz puts him in the corner and kicks him in the leg. Miz goes for a Figure Four Leglock, but Hardy counters into a roll-up for a near fall. Hardy knocks him out of the ring and hits a baseball slide. Hardy then gets on the barricade and dives off with a clothesline. Hardy puts him in the ring and goes to the top rope, but Miz moves. Hardy gets down, and Miz rolls him up with his feet on the ropes. The referee catches him and stops the count. Hardy rolls him up for a two count. Hardy tries for a Twist of Fate, but Miz counters into a Skull Crushing Finale for the win!
Winner: The Miz
After the match, Miz stands tall and raises his arms as we go to replays. Miz heads up the ramp and stops to look back at Hardy, who is still down on the mat. Miz vs. Mysterio is confirmed for later.
WWE World Cup First-Round Match: Bobby Lashley vs. Seth Rollins
Lio Rush cut a promo putting over Lashley and how no one will ever look as good as him. He said that they are jealous, just like every WWE star. He said when they were done, everyone will be talking about his man Lashley.
The bell rings and Lashley overpowers first, staring Rollins down. They lock up and go at it, trading shots. Lashley with a knee to the gut to slow Rollins down. Rollins dropkicks Lashley through the ropes to the floor. Rollins runs the ropes but Lashley runs back in and chokeslams him to the mat. Lashley with more offense and another 2 count. Lashley keeps Rollins grounded in the middle of the ring now.
Lashley with more power moves, keeping Rollins in control. Lashley brings Rollins out of the corner and keeps him grounded again. Rollins starts to make a comeback but Lashley drops him with the inverted DDT. Lashley lifts Rollins high for the vertical suplex and holds him in the air. Rollins fights out with a knee to the head. Rollins sends Lashley out of the ring. Rush is being quiet on the mic today. Rollins runs the ropes and nails a suicide dive, sending Lashley into the barrier but he’s still standing. Rollins runs the ropes again and nails another dive that brings Lashley down.
Rollins goes to the top but Lashley climbs up and cuts him off. Lashley goes for a superplex but Rollins resists. Rollins goes for the sunset flip powerbomb but Lashley blocks it. Rollins goes for the Buckle Bomb but Lashley lands on his feet and decks Rollins in the spine. Lashley with the gutwrench but Rollins gets out. Rollins leap frogs and rolls Lashley up but turns that into the Stomp for the pin out of nowhere to advance.
Winner: Seth Rollins
Backstage:
Byron Saxton interviewed Kurt Angle. Angle said most people doubted him that he could win a tournament at this stage of his career but most people doubted he could win the gold medal with a broken freakin’ neck. He said he was here not to add another accolade but to write the next chapter of his career. It’s true, it’s damn true.
WWE World Cup First-Round Match: Kurt Angle vs. Dolph Ziggler
This is Kurt Angle’s first WWE singles match in 12 years, by the way. The crowd chanted “You suck.” There was a ton of pyro for him. He was doing full on Olympic gold medalist Kurt with the medal around his neck and the old music.
They noted on commentary this is the first time they have ever wrestled. Ziggler had a pre-taped promo saying no one knows what it’s like to be underappreciated except him. When he wins the World Cup, he will be vindicated and prove once and for all that everyone is fighting for second place.
They grappled back and forth early on. Angle took him down into a front facelock. They grappled to the outside, where Angle tried to nail a German suplex off the apron to the floor. Dolph drilled him with an elbow, sending Angle to the floor. Ziggler sent him into the ring steps. Ziggler brought him back into the ring and nailed a neckbreaker for a two count. Ziggler locked on a sleeper on the mat.
Kurt fought to his feet with Ziggler riding his back. Kurt finally drove him backwards into the buckles. Ziggler went to nail him but was kicked in the face. Angle began hitting a series of German suplexes. Ziggler made a comeback with a big DDT out of nowhere for a close two count. Ziggler went for the Famouser but was caught with the Olympic Slam for a two count. Angle pulled down the straps and went for the anklelock but was kicked off. Ziggler nailed the Famouser but Kurt kicked up.
They went back and forth with reversals until Angle caught Dolph in the center of the ring with the anklelock. Ziggler fought to the ropes but was pulled back to the center of the ring. Ziggler finally rolled through, sending Kurt to the mat. Ziggler avoided a charge in the corner, sending Angle into the ringpost shoulder-first. Ziggler scored the Zigzag out of nowhere and pinned Kurt.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
After the match, McIntyre enters the ring and checks on Ziggler as the music starts. Ziggler stands tall as we go to replays. Ziggler and McIntyre head to the back together as we get a look at the updated brackets. Ziggler vs. Rollins and Mysterio vs. Miz are confirmed.
WWE Smackdown Tag Team Championship: The Bar (with Big Show) vs. The New Day
The New Day came out on an apparatus that turned into a magic carpet for them to ride to the ring. Out next are SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bar – Cesaro and Sheamus, as the pyro goes off. Big Show is out next as ShowBar heads to the ring together.
Big E and Kofi are representing The New Day in this match. Sheamus starts off with Big E. Big E overpowers early on and takes control. Sheamus turns it around but Big E clotheslines him after hip toss attempts. Big E with a 2 count. Kofi tags in and leaps off the top, nailing Sheamus as Big E held him. Sheamus takes it near the corner and in comes Cesaro to take control of Kofi. Cesaro catapults Kofi out of the corner but Kofi lands on his feet. Woods taunts The Bar with Francesca at ringside. Cesaro runs into a dropkick for a 2 count.
More back and forth as Sheamus comes back in now. Big Show talks trash from ringside. The referee is distracted, allowing Show to get cheap shots in on Kofi. Cesaro keeps Kofi grounded now. Sheamus comes in for more double teaming on Kofi for a 2 count. Sheamus with forearms to the chest while keeping Kofi grounded. Kofi fights back with strikes to the chest. Sheamus stops the tag and drops him. Cesaro tags back in and covers for a 2 count. Cesaro uses the middle rope on Kofi now as the referee warns him. Cesaro with the big gutwrench slam for another close 2 count. Cesaro keeps Kofi grounded again as Big E reaches for the tag. We see the match playing on the massive screen above the ring. Big E tries to rally the crowd for Kofi.
Kofi looks to fight up and out but Cesaro also reaches for a tag. Cesaro stops the tag and swings for Big E but misses. Cesaro turns around to a back bodydrop from Kofi as both go down now and look for tags. Sheamus tags in and knocks Big E off the apron. Sheamus rams Kofi into the corner now and places him on the top as Cesaro tags back in. Cesaro with a big uppercut. The Bar hits a double team Jackhammer variation on Kofi for a close 2 count. Cesaro talks trash over Kofi as Big Show taunts him, telling him to give up. Cesaro runs into a boot in the corner now. Kofi nails Sheamus. Kofi unloads but Sheamus tags in for more double teaming but it backfires and Sheamus hits the post.
Big E and Cesaro tag in now. Big E with belly-to-belly suplexes. More back and forth with Big E getting in the most offense. Sheamus ends up coming in and mounting Big E in the corner with right hands. Kofi tags in as Sheamus is on Big E’s shoulders. Kofi leaps off the top with a double stomp to the back. Kofi with a 2 count on Sheamus as Cesaro breaks the pin. Kofi drops Cesaro with Trouble In Paradise to send him to the floor. Big E tags in and launches Kofi out of the ring to take Cesaro back down on the floor. Big E drops his straps and waits to hit the Big Ending on Sheamus. Big Show distracts from the apron. Big E sidesteps the Brogue Kick and covers Sheamus for a 2 count. Big E looks for the Big Ending but Show drops him with a knockout punch while the referee is distracted after going down to avoid a splash in the corner from Big E. Sheamus follows up with a Brogue Kick for the pin.
Winners: The Bar
After the match, ShowBar stands tall in the ring as we go to replays. Big Show and The Bar head up the ramp as The New Day recovers.
Backstage:
Byron Saxton interviewed The Miz. His voice sounded like hell. He said he may have gotten a stiff mule kick in the throat from Jeff Hardy but he still won and he’s going to take out Rey Mysterio and is going to show he is the best in the world.
Backstage:
We go backstage to Saxton and Rey Mysterio. He knocks Miz for making excuses, and says people underestimating him just makes his win sweeter. We go back to the ring and Rey makes his entrance.
WWE World Cup Semi-final Match: The Miz vs. Rey Mysterio
The bell rings and Miz charges with a kick but misses. Rey responds with a kick to the leg. They tangle and Miz ducks a kick but rolls Rey up for a quick pin attempt. More back and forth and counters. Rey with a stiff kick to the face. They end up on the floor and Rey runs back in to kick Miz in the face again, sending him out. Rey runs the ropes and slides under the bottom rope, splashing Miz on the floor. Rey holds his hand after landing on it during the splash. Rey brings Miz back into the ring and rocks him into the corner. Rey mounts Miz with rights in the corner now as fans count along.
Miz runs into boots in the corner. Miz counters a move and slams Rey face-first into the mat. Miz keeps control with thrusts in the corner. Miz with a running kick to the face for a close 2 count. Miz with a modified surfboard submission now. Rey turns that into a 2 count but Miz shuts him right back down and the referee checks on him. Miz with a bodyscissors now. Rey fights out but Miz launches him to the floor by throwing him under the bottom rope. Miz sends Rey into the apron and brings him back into the ring. Miz with an abdominal stretch now.
Miz runs into boots in the corner. Miz counters a move and slams Rey face-first into the mat. Miz keeps control with thrusts in the corner. Miz with a running kick to the face for a close 2 count. Miz with a modified surfboard submission now. Rey turns that into a 2 count but Miz shuts him right back down and the referee checks on him. Miz with a bodyscissors now. Rey fights out but Miz launches him to the floor by throwing him under the bottom rope. Miz sends Rey into the apron and brings him back into the ring. Miz with an abdominal stretch now.
Rey tries to fight out of the stretch but Miz goes for a pumphandle slam. Rey counters that with a big DDT. They’re both to slow to get up. They trade shots in the middle of the ring now. Rey gets the upperhand and nails a springboard crossbody for a 2 count. Rey with a kick to the chest. Rey hits the ropes with Miz’s arm and sends him flying again. Rey ends up sending Miz into the turnbuckles with the same move. Rey comes in from the apron and sends Miz into the ropes for the 619. Miz blocks it and slams Rey face-first into the top turnbuckle. Miz with a Skull Crushing Finale for the close 2 count.
Miz keeps control and hits the It Kicks while Rey is on his knees. Rey ducks a kick and rolls Miz up for another close 2 count. Rey drops Miz into the ropes again and hits the 619. Rey moves slow but goes to the top rope. Rey goes for the splash but Miz gets the knees up and rolls Rey up for the pin to advance to the finals.
Winner: The Miz
After the match, Miz heads to the floor to celebrate. We go to replays. Miz will face Rollins or Ziggler in the finals. Miz heads up the ramp and stops to look back, smiling at Rey as he stands at ringside.
– Saxton is backstage with Seth Rollins. Rollins says he does his best work when the odds are stacked against him and when his back is against the wall.
WWE World Cup Semi-final Match: Seth Rollins vs. Bobby Lashley
We go to the ring and out comes WWE Intercontinental & RAW Tag Team Champion Seth Rollins. Out next comes Dolph Ziggler with Drew McIntyre.
They size each other up and go back & forth with holds to start. Rollins goes for the hurt ankle early on. They break and go for a test of strength but Ziggler kicks Rollins. Ziggler takes Rollins to the mat with a headlock. They break and run the ropes. Rollins leap frogs and catches a crossbody. Rollins slams Ziggler to the mat and clotheslines him over the top rope to the floor. Rollins follows to the floor and chops Ziggler. Rollins sends Ziggler into the barrier as the referee counts. Rollins with another big chop. Rollins brings it back into the ring but McIntyre gets in his way. They have words. Rollins dares Drew to hit him to get the disqualification. Rollins heads back into the ring but Ziggler spikes him with a big DDT on the hurt neck for a close 2 count.
Ziggler rakes Rollins’ eyes and forehead over the top rope as the referee warns him. Rollins counters and looks to fight back but Ziggler kicks the knee out. Ziggler with a neckbreaker for a 2 count. Ziggler keeps Rollins grounded now and continues to focus on the neck. Back and forth now. Ziggler gets the upperhand again and drops Rollins face-first. Ziggler with a 2 count. Ziggler mocks Rollins while he’s down now. Ziggler goes down but kicks Rollins into the turnbuckles. Ziggler with a neckbreaker for another pin attempt. Ziggler shows frustration now.
Fans chant for Rollins as he tries to fight free. Rollins counters and rolls Ziggler for a 2 count. Ziggler jumps for a DDT but Rollins catches him. They trade counters and pin attempts again. They trade several more pin attempts. Rollins catches a superkick and hits the Ripcord knee. Rollins falls on Ziggler for a close 2 count as a worried Drew looks on. Rollins cranks up for the Stomp but has to knock Drew off the apron. Dolph takes advantage but Rollins dumps him over the top rope to the floor. Rollins runs the ropes and nails a suicide dive on Ziggler and Drew right as Drew was telling Ziggler to get it together. Rollins brings Ziggler in and springboards but has to roll through. Ziggler with a Fame-asser for a close 2 count.
Ziggler goes to the top but Rollins runs up and nails the superplex. Rollins holds it for the Falcon Arrow but Ziggler counters that with a Zig Zag for another close 2 count. Rollins blocks another Zig Zag and drops Ziggler with a superkick. Rollins with a suicide dive to send Drew into the barrier. Ziggler runs up to the top but Rollins pushes him to the mat. Ziggler sells an ankle injury to distract the referee, allowing McIntyre to push Rollins from the top. Ziggler takes advantage and nails a superkick to get the win.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
After the match, McIntyre hits the ring to help Ziggler up as the music hits. Ziggler vs. Miz is now official for the finals. Ziggler and McIntyre stand tall over Rollins as we go to replays. Ziggler and McIntyre head up the ramp and Saxton stops them. Saxton says it doesn’t seem fair Ziggler won that way and says some people would see this as an upset win. Ziggler goes on about how he’s been saying this for 13 years but no one believed him or gave a damn about him. Ziggler says the next time we see him in the ring, he will be holding his trophy because he is the best in the world. Ziggler and McIntyre head to the back as the music starts back up and some fans boo.
– We get a promo for WrestleMania 35 tickets and Cole hypes Travel Packages going on sale this Monday.
– Cole leads us to a video package for tonight’s WWE Title match.
WWE Title Match: Samoa Joe vs. AJ Styles
We go to the ring and out first comes Samoa Joe. WWE Champion AJ Styles is out next to a pop. We get formal ring introductions from Hamilton.
The bell rings and AJ unloads, backing Joe into the corner with strikes. Joe tries to turn it around but AJ goes for the hurt knee. AJ focuses on the knee again and takes Joe down face-first. AJ with kicks to the knee into the corner now. AJ with shoulder thrusts in the corner. They go to the floor and AJ ends up hitting a moonsault from the apron, then sending Joe into the steel ring post. Joe finally gets a break and sends AJ into the barrier as AJ went to break the count. Joe keeps control and knocks AJ back off the apron with a knee.
Joe runs the ropes and nails a suicide dive, sending AJ into the announce table. AJ’s elbow and ribs hit the table hard and the referee checks on him now. Joe brings it back in the ring and covers for a 2 count. Joe keeps AJ grounded now in the middle of the ring. AJ looks to fight back but Joe drops him and covers for a 2 count. Joe talks trash while keeping AJ down now. Joe mocks & taunts the fans and AJ, then shuts down another comeback attempt with a big chop. They get up and both trade several strikes now. AJ finally gets an opening and drops Joe but he’s slow to recover. AJ with chops now. Joe fights back and they trade shots in the middle of the ring again as fans chant for AJ. Joe blocks a Styles Clash and sends AJ into the corner. AJ springboards up off the second rope and levels Joe for another 2 count. Fans chant for AJ again as Joe rolls to the floor for a breather.
AJ launches himself out with a forearm. AJ brings it back into the ring and goes for a Phenomenal Slam but Joe catches him and nails a powerslam for a close 2 count. AJ charges at Joe but Joe turns him inside out with a huge lariat. Joe with another pin attempt. They’re both down in the middle of the ring now. AJ goes for the Calf Crusher out of the corner. Joe resists and gets to the bottom rope to break it. They tangle and Joe gets the Coquina Clutch locked in. AJ grabs the bad leg and bends it back while in the Coquina Clutch. Joe gets to the ropes and breaks the submission AJ turned him into.
Joe fights off another Calf Crusher attempt but AJ drops him with a pele kick. More back and forth now. AJ nails the Phenomenal Forearm for the pin to retain.
Winner: AJ Styles
After the match, AJ stands tall and raises the title as his music hits. We go to replays. AJ poses in the corner with the title as the crowd cheers him.
Vacant WWE Universal Title Match: Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman
Back from a break and out comes Acting RAW General Manager Baron Corbin to the ringside area. We see the vacant WWE Universal Title on display at ringside. Out first comes Brock Lesnar with Paul Heyman as the fireworks go off around the stadium in Riyadh. Braun Strowman is out next. Braun stops on the stage and looks around before marching to the ring. We get formal ring introductions from Hamilton.
Fans started cheering Lesnar before Hamilton began his introduction. Heyman interrupts Hamilton and does his own introduction for his client, introducing him as the champion. Corbin enters the ring with the title to raise it up but he turns and nails Strowman in the face with it. Corbin orders the referee to ring the bell. Lesnar looks on. Lesnar grabs Strowman and nails the F5 but Strowman kicks out at 2!
Lesnar gets to his feet and hits a second F5, but Strowman again kicks out. Lesnar cannot believe it. Lesnar and Heyman can’t believe Braun kicked out. Lesnar grabs Strowman and nails a third F5 but Braun still kicks out. Lesnar lifts Strowman again but he just tosses him over the top rope this time. Strowman lands hard and the referee counts as Heyman yells at his client. Strowman makes it back into the ring and Lesnar doesn’t look happy. Heyman screams and pounds on the mat as Lesnar stalks Braun. Lesnar scoops Braun for another F5 but Braun slides out. Strowman with a boot to the face. Strowman charges but Lesnar scoops him for a fifth F5. Lesnar covers for the pin to win the title.
Winner and new WWE Universal Champion: Brock Lesnar
After the match, Lesnar takes the title and raises it as his music hits. We go to replays. Lesnar stands tall with the title as the fireworks go off. Heyman and Lesnar are all smiles as they head up the ramp. We see Strowman down on the outside in pain.
Final Match of the WWE World Cup Tournament: The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew McIntyre
Shane McMahon makes his entrance and joins Acting General Manager Baron Corbin at ringside to watch the finals of the WWE World Cup Tournament.
The referee demands Drew McIntyre leave the ringside area. The Miz attacks Dolph Ziggler and throws him out of the ring before the match begins. Miz goes outside and may have just blown out knee. Miz is in a lot of pain. The referee checks on him, but Miz cannot stand. Everyone is scrambling trying to figure out what to do. McMahon says it’s not going down like this and enters himself into the match. Miz is helped away.
Final Match of the WWE World Cup Tournament: Shane McMahon vs. Dolph Ziggler
The bell rings, and McMahon opens up with some wild punches on Ziggler. McMahon sends him into the ropes and hits a jumping back elbow. Baron Corbin grabs McMahon’s heels, so the referee ejects him from ringside. Ziggler connects with a Zig-Zag, but McMahon kicks out. Ziggler punches away at him. McMahon soon takes him down and puts him in the corner. McMahon hits Coast To Coast for the win.
Winner: Shane McMahon
Shane McMahon won the WWE World Cup Tournament. Shane McMahon is “the best in the world.” McMahon wildly celebrates with the WWE World Cup Trophy.
After the match, the SmackDown Commissioner is announced as the best in the world. Shane celebrates and poses in the corner as his music hits. Shane yells out, “Yeah! Oh my God!” before running around the ring to celebrate. We go to replays. Shane runs around the ringside area and celebrates as the referee hands him the World Cup trophy. Shane brings it into the ring and raises it in the corner. Shane poses with the trophy as the fireworks go off around the stadium.
– The announcers lead us to a video for the final match of the night.
DX vs. The Brothers of Destruction
We go to the ring for tonight’s main event and it’s time for The Heartbreak Kid to come out of retirement. The DX music hits as WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels and Triple H are out first to a pop. The pyro hits next as Kane makes his way out first for The Brothers of Destruction. The bells toll as The Undertaker makes his grand entrance now.
Triple H and Taker stare each other down as DX returns to the ring. The two teams face off as we get ready to go. Fans chant “this is awesome” before the bell. Triple H starts off with Kane. Triple H points at Taker and taunts him before locking up with Kane. Triple H and Kane meet in the middle of the ring. Triple H talks some trash and rocks Kane out of nowhere but it does nothing to him. Kane tosses Triple H into the corner. Triple H counters and goes to deliver a DX crotch chop but Kane levels him with a big right hand. Kane with a big clothesline in the corner to drop him again. Triple H controls Kane by the arm and points to Shawn for a pop. Shawn tags in for the first time since retiring and comes off the top rope to work on the arm.
Shawn with chops now. Shawn with a neckbreaker. Shawn is happy but Kane sits right up and changes the mood. They go at it and Shawn goes for the sunset flip but Kane stops it and lifts Shawn up. Shawn slides out and looks to go for Sweet Chin Music but puts the brakes on instead. Shawn and Kane stare at each other as the crowd pops. Fans go wild as Taker extends his hand to the tag to Kane. Taker steps through the ropes and stares Shawn down. This is the first time they have gone at it since Taker retired Shawn. Taker cuts his own throat and taunts Shawn. Shawn responds with a crotch chop.
Taker misses a shot and they go at it. Taker drops Shawn with a big boot. Taker works on the arm and shoulder now. Taker goes for Old School but Triple H gets involved. Kane runs in and decks Triple H. All four Superstars are in the ring now. Shawn gets stuck upside down in a Tree of Woe in the corner. Triple H gets whipped into the corner and he lands out on the floor. Taker grabs Shawn and drops him again. Taker tosses Shawn over the top rope and he lands out next to Triple H. Triple H helps Shawn up but he’s stumbling around. They regroup and run back in at the same time but Kane and Taker grab them. DX fights back and clears the ring. Kane and Taker land on their feet. DX follows but Kane and Taker take them out again, slamming their heads into the barrier. Taker rocks Michaels against the barrier now.
Taker brings Shawn back into the ring and goes back to work on the arm. Taker goes for Old School and hits it this time. Taker keeps control but gets hung up on the top rope when charging with a big boot. Triple H tags in and unloads on Taker with chops. Taker takes a boot and just stares back at Triple H before dropping him. Fans chant for Taker now as Kane tags back in. Taker stomps on Triple H in the corner before leaving. Kane with an elbow to the face in the corner. Kane scoops Triple H and slams him in the middle of the ring. Kane looks to drop an elbow but Triple H rolls out of the way. They trade strikes in the middle of the ring. Triple H kicks Kane in the gut and drops him with a DDT. They’re both down now. Shawn reaches for a tag as does Taker.
Shawn tags in and unloads on Kane. They go at it and both go down. Shawn kips up. Kane sits up. They go at it again and Taker gets knocked off the apron. Fans chant “you still got it” as Shawn works Kane over. Triple H comes in as DX hits a double suplex on Kane. Shawn goes to the top and hits the big flying elbow to Kane. Shawn cranks up the band as the crowd counts with him. Kane catches Sweet Chin Music and delivers a chokeslam in the middle of the ring. Taker tags in and rocks Shawn with right hands into the corner. Taker with more punches and a headbutt in the corner. Taker keeps control and hits Snake Eyes, then the big boot. Taker with the big leg drop for a close 2 count on Shawn.
Shawn drops Taker with Sweet Chin Music out of nowhere but he’s too drained to crawl and make the pin. Taker sits straight up. Taker tosses Shawn through the ropes to the floor and follows. Taker takes apart the announce tables now. Taker grabs Shawn and rolls him on top of the Arabic announce table. Taker scoops Shawn but Triple H pulls Shawn to safety from behind. Kane comes over but Triple H whips him into the steel steps. Taker whips Triple H towards the barrier but Triple H counters and Taker hits the barrier. DX looks to be on top again but Kane chokeslams Triple H through the main announce table.
Fans chant “this is awesome” again as Taker rocks Shawn and places him on the apron. Taker goes up to the apron and leg drops Shawn on the edge. Taker crawls over to Triple H, who is still down on the table debris, and stares at him in the face. Taker brings Shawn back into the ring and covers for a 2 count. Taker immediately covers for another 2 count. Taker manhandles Shawn a bit and drags him over to the corner. Kane tags in and they both put boots to Shawn while he’s down. Kane whips Shawn hard into the corner and delivers a shoulder thrust. Kane with a boot to the face and more offense on Shawn. Kane drops an elbow for a 2 count. Taker tags back in and delivers a suplex for another close 2 count. Taker keeps Shawn down for another pin attempt. Taker pounds on Shawn while they’re on the mat now. Taker drives knees into Shawn. A doctor is checking on Triple H at ringside.
Kane comes back in for more double teaming for a 2 count as they continue to dominate Shawn. Shawn finally fights back but Kane nails the sidewalk slam for a close 2 count. Kane goes to the top but Shawn knocks him off. All four Superstars are down now. Taker gets up and scoops Shawn on the floor to ram him into the ring post but Shawn slides out and sends Taker into the steel. They both go down. Shawn comes back in but Kane rams him into the corner. Kane places Shawn on the top turnbuckle and rocks him with a right hand. Shawn fights back and knocks Kane to the mat. Kane’s mask comes off. Shawn rests on the top turnbuckle. Shawn climbs up and nails a moonsault out to the floor, taking Kane and Taker down on the floor. Shawn smiles.
All four Superstars are down on the outside again. Triple H has managed to crawl up to the apron finally. Triple H gets the hot tag and unloads on Kane. Triple H with a knee and a Spinebuster to Taker. Taker sits back up. Triple H goes for a Pedigree but Taker backdrops him. Triple H blocks the chokeslam. Triple H blocks a Tombstone piledriver and hits the Pedigree to Taker. Kane comes over but he gets knocked out to the floor. Taker pulls Triple H into the Hell’s Gate submission in the middle of the ring. Triple H starts fading. Shawn comes in and blocks a chokeslam from Kane as he also comes in. Shawn drops Kane with a Sweet Chin Music, which causes Kane to fall on the Hell’s Gate and break it. All four are down in the ring again. Kane and Taker sit straight up at the same time.
DX gets up and turns around to The Brothers of destruction scooping them for a double Tombstone. Shawn rakes at Kane’s eyes, causing Kane to drop Triple H. Shawn nails Taker and he gets dropped again. Shawn ends up hitting Sweet Chin Music to Kane, sending him into a Pedigree from Triple H. Triple H covers Kane for the pin to win.
Winners: DX
After the match, Shawn sits up in the corner on the mat and we see some blood coming from his nose it looks like. Triple H rushes over and hugs him as the DX music starts. We go to replays. DX continues the celebration as the fireworks go off around the King Saudi University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Cole thanks everyone for tuning into Crown Jewel. The show goes off the air with DX celebrating in the ring.
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