4 things Triple H got right at WWE Crown Jewel
WWE Crown Jewel was an enjoyable premium live event and delivered on several parameters. With high-quality in-ring action, great storytelling, and many surprises, the show had much to offer.
Some noteworthy outcomes included Cody Rhodes and Liv Morgan winning the first-ever Crown Jewel titles, and The Bloodline scoring an important win over Roman Reigns and The Usos. Kevin Owens and Randy Orton ended in a no-contest as both men engaged in a massive pre-match brawl.
On that note, let's look at four things Triple H got right at WWE Crown Jewel.
#4. Solo Sikoa pins Roman Reigns
WWE Crown Jewel began with a surprise as Solo Sikoa pinned Roman Reigns to give The Bloodline a monumental upset victory over Reigns and The Usos. While fans have raised concerns about the damage dealt to The OTC's aura, Sikoa looked like a million dollars coming out of the match.
Pinning the previous Tribal Chief legitimizes Sikoa's claim. With a united Bloodline backing him, the former NXT North American Champion can now be built as the legitimate and ultimate Head of The Table.
Secondly, the loss adds to Roman Reigns' vulnerability, adding to the sympathetic babyface dynamic Triple H is building for The OTC.
#3. Seth "Freakin" Rollins finally gained some momentum at WWE Crown Jewel
Seth "Freakin" Rollins and "Big" Bronson Reed collided in an epic clash in Riyadh. The Visionary and his monstrous foe had torn each other to shreds leading into the match, but Reed had gotten the better of the exchanges. Therefore, Rollins entered with a disadvantage as an underdog.
The inaugural World Heavyweight Champion has been on a "big-match" losing streak. Rollins lost in the main event of WrestleMania XL: Night One, where he teamed up with Cody Rhodes in a losing effort against The Rock and Roman Reigns.
He also lost to Drew McIntyre on the following night. The Visionary also failed to recapture the World Heavyweight Championship at Money in The Bank. Therefore, Rollins needed a statement win at WWE Crown Jewel.
Monday Night Rollins dodged the Tsunami and Stomped Reed to secure the pinfall victory. The Australian star quickly got back to his feet, suggesting that their issues were far from over.
#2. WWE was wise to protect both Kevin Owens and Randy Orton
Randy Orton was set to face the treacherous and volatile Kevin Owens at WWE Crown Jewel, but KO viciously assaulted his former friend, Orton, before the match even began. A wild, all-out brawl broke out which saw each man get their moments.
Owens Stunned a referee, and Orton RKOed RAW General Manager, Adam Pearce. In the end, KO finished the brawl by landing an elbow drop on Orton through a table. The match was called off without an official winner being declared.
The brawl saw both rivals get into the action. The damage inflicted on backstage officials and authority figures highlighted the volatile and emotional nature of their rivalry. The chaos served as a prelude to their eventual clash and protected both men.
#1. Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther was booked like a legitimate main event
Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther had a strong background story with both champions taking shots at each other. The compelling storyline built hype for their clash at WWE Crown Jewel, and they delivered a classic on Saturday.
The Saudi crowd was into the match, backing The American Nightmare. From an in-ring standpoint, it had a good balance of chain wrestling with technical submission holds, near-falls, and big moves. It was easy to overlook such an important match, but Triple H was wise to keep it straight and clean.
The finishing sequence of Rhodes countering Gunther's sleeper hold into a successful pinfall attempt protected The Ring General and gave The American Nightmare an important win, killing two birds with one stone.