Introduction: WWE Crown Jewel is a significant event in the professional wrestling calendar that emanates from Saudi Arabia. This event is part of a broader, long-term deal between WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and the Saudi General Sports Authority, as the Middle Eastern nation seeks to expand its sports offerings and entertainment options for its populace under its Vision 2030 program.
Significance: Crown Jewel represents WWE’s endeavor to tap into a new, potentially vast market, while also helping Saudi Arabia in its efforts to diversify its entertainment landscape and reduce its economic dependence on oil.
Involvement with the Royal Family: The Saudi Royal Family, specifically through the Saudi General Sports Authority, is directly involved in bringing the event to the country. The collaboration aligns with the broader Vision 2030 initiative led by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, which seeks to diversify the Saudi economy and modernize its societal structures. It’s worth noting that this collaboration has sparked controversy due to various socio-political issues related to Saudi Arabia.
- WWE Crown Jewel 2022 Highlights:
- Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky reclaimed their championship titles.
- Bobby Lashley dominated Brock Lesnar but was eventually defeated.
- Braun Strowman emerged victorious over Omos after a captivating showdown.
- Bianca Belair successfully defended her title against Bayley in a thrilling match.
- Logan Paul delivered an impressive performance against Roman Reigns, hinting at his potential in the WWE.
Analysis:
- Bobby Lashley may have lost the match, but his dominating presence against Brock Lesnar was undeniable. A deciding bout between the two is anticipated.
- The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships have seen multiple title changes since its inception in 2019, leading to a diminished prestige for the championship.
- Braun Strowman’s comeback has been impactful, showcasing why he’s crucial to WWE’s roster. His recent match highlighted his strengths and elevated Omos in the process.
- Bianca Belair and Bayley’s showdown might be one of the best women’s matches, with both performers giving their all.
- Logan Paul, despite being relatively new to the WWE scene, has shown significant potential and talent in his matches, marking him as a star to watch in the future.
Ticket Cost: Ticket prices for Crown Jewel have varied over the years and across different seating categories. However, they’ve generally been affordable, starting from as low as 25 SAR (approx. $7 USD) for general seating, making the event accessible to a broad spectrum of the local population.
Stadium Cost: The event has been held in multiple venues, such as King Saud University Stadium and King Fahd International Stadium. These venues were established well before the WWE deal, serving multiple purposes from football matches to other large-scale events. As of my last update, there hasn’t been a stadium built specifically for WWE events in Saudi Arabia.
History of the event
- First Women’s Match in Saudi Arabia: At the 2019 Crown Jewel event, history was made when Lacey Evans and Natalya competed in the first-ever women’s wrestling match in Saudi Arabia. This marked a significant step in Saudi’s evolving cultural landscape.
- Universal Championship Match (2019): “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt defeated Seth Rollins to win the Universal Championship, marking a significant title change.
- Shawn Michaels’ Return (2018): The 2018 event saw the in-ring return of WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, who had been retired for over eight years.
Big Upsets:
- Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez (2019): Former UFC Champion Cain Velasquez made his WWE debut against Brock Lesnar, but Lesnar quickly defeated him, surprising many given Velasquez’s MMA background.
- Mansoor’s Victories: Local wrestler Mansoor has had significant moments at Crown Jewel events, winning the 50-man battle royal in 2019 and defeating Cesaro, providing feel-good moments for the home crowd.
Previous Champions: The championship matches at Crown Jewel vary each year. Here are some notable recent champions as of 2022:
- “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt – Universal Champion (2019)
- Roman Reigns – Universal Champion (2021)
- Big E – WWE Champion (2021)
What’s coming this year? 2023 Crown Jewel Predictions!
Conclusion: WWE Crown Jewel, despite its controversies, has proven to be a significant event in both the wrestling calendar and in Saudi Arabia’s push for a broader entertainment offering. With each event, WWE continues to blend its brand of storytelling and athletic spectacle with the rich history and evolving culture of the Middle East.
