WWE Crown Jewel Results Coverage, Reactions, & Highlights for November 2, 2018

Welcome to Ringside News’ coverage of WWE Crown Jewel, live from Saudi Arabia!
Tonight’s big match-up is between Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar. I know WWE wants us to believe it’s DX Vs. Kane & Undertaker but really, this is the match that actually matters going forward. Since Roman Reigns’ horrid announcement and subsequent vacating of the WWE Universal Championship, we’ve been left with one option: Strowman and Lesnar. You would think this would be the perfect time to finally crown Strowman with a clean win over Brock, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if WWE went back to the Lesnar well once more. Let us know who you think should win!
And then there’s D-X Vs. The Brothers of Destruction. As a massive Shawn Michaels fan, it pains me to be talking about his return to the ring in such a negative way, but it’s the only way that feels honest. Michales should never have returned to the ring, his legacy was perfect and a third run in his 50’s could only tarnish that. However, to come back and join Triple H to face Kane and The Undertaker is, well, little more than a joke. At least if this had been the much-anticipated bout between Michaels and AJ Styles, at least then we could be excited about the prospect of two all-time greats finally squaring off. Yet we’re given four almost-pensioner age part-timers, one of whom can barely run the ropes these days. It screams cash-in from all sides and it’s such a waste, especially on a PPV as controversial and ridiculous as Crown Jewel. Sad times but here we are.
On to a much better note, AJ Styles will defend his WWE Championship once again against Samoa Joe tonight. Originally Styles was to face Daniel Bryan but the goat chose not to travel to Saudi Arabia and keep his morals (good for him), so WWE wrote him out of the storyline altogether. I have no idea if that was always the idea, but if Samoa Joe can win the title from Styles, then I’m all for it! I love Styles but Joe has deserved a run with the belt for some time now. Could we see both major belts change hands tonight? Let us know what you think!
And finally, we have the World Cup tournament. Once again, this tournament has been met with little more than eye-rolls. Mostly because the wrestling world at large wouldn’t call a single competitor in the brackets the best in the world, probably not even in the top 10, with the exception of Seth Rollins. It stinks of WWE’s bravado and arrogance. If the tournament had featured Bryan, Styles, Joe, Finn Balor, Cesaro, Sami Zayn and a few chaps from NXT, maybe then it would be taken seriously, but instead it’s got The Miz, a crippled Kurt Angle, and Bobby Lashley. All while the likes of Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada smile on from the shadows. That said, tournaments are always fun events and, there’s always the chance Seth Rollins will actually win and give it some legitimacy.
Well that’s the admittedly pessimistic preview of today’s Crown Jewel event. Look, it’s probably going to be a good show but it’s such a dumb event that makes all the good stuff WWE does with things like Make-A-Wish and Susan G. Komen seem pointless. After today though, we’ll be moving headfirst towards Survivor Series and then the Royal Rumble, so we have that to look forward to! Remember to download the Ringside News app, follow us on Instagram, and enjoy the show!

Kick-Off Show

The Crown Jewel Kick-Off Show is not live in the arena, but in a studio in Connecticut. The Coach is hosting the panel, alongside David Otunga and Booker T. They break down the entire card for tonight’s show, starting with the World Cup tournament.
We get shown the footage of Roman Reigns’ leukaemia announcement. Booker says he draws strength from what Roman, and he prays that he can be as strong as him. Otunga said his heart sank when he heard the news, and he thought about the horrible timing. Otunga says that some people booed Roman and some cheered for him but everyone loved him as part of the family and we wish him well. Coach says that the show must go on, and tonight it’s Braun Vs. Brock. They don’t get time to discuss this match for some reason, as Coach says “15 seconds” and Otunga quickly says he picks Braun.

We get a lengthy hype video for Randy Orton Vs. Rey Mysterio in the World Cup tournament, then an advertisement for the WWE Network.
Next up is the WWE Championship. Coach says what was supposed to be Bryan Vs. Styles, has now involved Samoa Joe and reignited his blood feud with Styles. This past Tuesday, Bryan faced AJ Styles for the title and won, then Joe attacked both men from behind. Tonight, Joe faces Styles for the WWE Championship. Coach says it’s obvious that Joe will not stop until he becomes Champion. He also says if Joe can last until Tuesday night, he will have been WWE Champion for one whole year. But can he make it that far? Booker says he most certainly can, but he has a very big mountain to climb. Otunga says that Styles came out on top of their feud, but the physical and mental games took a toll.
Now we get a hype video for Seth Rollins Vs. Bobby Lashley in the World Cup tournament. Up next however, is a match live in Saudi Arabia.

WWE United States Championship Match

Shinsuke Nakamura Vs. Rusev

No Lana with Rusev because… Saudi Arabia. The bell rings and Nakamura swings a kick but doesn’t connect. Shinsuke shoots for a takedown but Rusev sprawls to stop it. Rusev then forces Rusev to the corner and punches the Champion, before landing some shoulder tackles. Rusev hits a suplex for a two-count. “Rusev Day” chant from the fans.
Nakamura kicks Rusev in the back of the knee before landing a one-legged backstabber. He kicks Rusev around the ring but then the Bulgarian grabs his leg. Nakamura doesn’t flinch, instead kicks Rusev against the ropes, then takes him down with a kick for a two-count. Nakamura unleashes some knee’s to the neck of Rusev, then applies a headlock, but Rusev starts firing back with right hands. Nakamura refuses to let go of the headlock and takes the big man back down to the mat.
We’re 30 minutes away from the official show beginning. Again Rusev fights to his feet, and this time he tosses the Champion off. Rusev connects with some right hands but Nakamura responds with a knee to the gut. Rusev clotheslines Nakamura, then follows-up with some lariats and a body tackle in the corner, finished off with a spinning heel kick. Rusev is on a roll and the fans are firmly behind him. Nakamura swings for some kicks but Rusev ducks them all and lands a head-kick of his own for a near-fall. Rusev catches the foot of Shinsuke but eats an enziguiri. Nakamura lands a running knee to the face for a near-fall.

Shinsuke heads to the corner and looks for Kinshasha but Rusev grabs him and throws him onto the top rope. Nakamura jumps off for a knee but Rusev connects with a mid-air superkick for a near-fall. Rusev poses and shouts before looking to apply The Accolade, but Nakamura gets to the ropes before he can do-so. Nakamura takes to the top rope and this time he hits his leaping knee – Nakamura went for the pin but half of his body was hanging out of the ring and the referee wouldn’t count. Rusev again counters the Kinshasha and applies The Accolade! Nakamura reaches for the ropes but Rusev let’s go, drags him back into the middle of the ring and looks to reapply but Nakamura pulls his head out and inadvertently low-blows Rusev. Nakamura takes advantage of the “accident” and hits Kinshasha for the win!

Winner: Nakamura

We return to the Kick-Off Show panel, where Coach asks why Rusev can’t get over the hump. Booker says he remembers Rusev as the Bulgarian Brute, crushing everyone, but he thinks Rusev has gotten caught up with the glitz and glamour of being a celebrity.
It’s time for a hype video for Jeff Hardy Vs. The Miz in the World Cup tournament. The panel discuss the tournament and who they think might win. Booker T a shout-out to Bobby Lashley as a potential winner of the whole darn thing. They show the video from SmackDown Live, in which Shane McMahon told the four SmackDown competitors that if one of them gets to the final and doesn’t win, they are fired. Booker says Shane is trying to light a fire under his stars, and Otunga says just because they get fired from SmackDown doesn’t mean they will be hired by Raw. Coach chooses Kurt Angle as his winner, Otunga says Rey Mysterio, and Booker chooses Lashley.
We’re 7 minutes away, and the final match to discuss is D-X Vs. The Brothers of Destruction. The video for the match is so long that the panel don’t get much time to discuss it. They briefly mention how exciting it is to see HBK again and that they can’t believe this match hasn’t already happened. And that’s it for the Kick-Off Show!

WWE Crown Jewel from Saudi Arabia opens with the oh-so mortal Hulk Hogan coming out as the host. Could WWE possible show more of its soulless side in one show? I guess not.

The fans chant for Hogan. He says it feels great to be here in Saudi Arabia, and what feels even better than the fans in Crown Jewel are stronger with Hulkamania than ever. He says it’s awesome to be back in WWE and to be the host of Crown Jewel. He gives us a catchphrase and that’s that.
We get shown some all-powerful Shiek in the front row and the crowd cheers. Now it’s time for the first match in the World Cup tournament!

WWE World Cup Tournament Round 1

Randy Orton Vs. Rey Mysterio

The bell rings and they circle each other as the fans chant for Mysterio. They lock-up and Orton slams Rey to the mat. Mysterio fires back with some kicks, then hits an enziguiri from the apron and looks for a springboard but Orton dropkicks him out of mid-air.
Orton lifts Mysterio for a suplex and drops him on the top rope. Orton goes to work on the mid-section, stomping him in the gut. Randy sets Rey on the top rope and starts pulling at his mask but the luchadore elbows him off of the ropes. Rey lands a senton from the second rope, followed by a springboard wheelbarrow DDT for a two-count.

Rey hits Orton, who stumbles and drops onto the middle rope. Rey runs and looks for the 619 but Orton grabs his leg and turns it into his draping DDT! Orton poses for the fans before dropping down to pump up the RKO. Mysterio reverses the RKO into a pin attempt and scores the 3!

Winner: Rey Mysterio

As soon as the bell rings, Orton hits Rey with an RKO. Orton then tosses Rey through the ropes belly-first and out of the ring. He goes out after Mysterio and slams him face-first on the announce desk. Randy walks off smiling as referees run down to help Rey. When Randy dumped Mysterio on the table, his head literally broke a monitor in half – somehow he’s fine though, thankfully.

We see The Miz warming-up backstage. He’s asked how he’s feeling after seeing what Randy Orton just did, to which Miz says he feels Awesome about his chances.

WWE World Cup Tournament Round 1

The Miz Vs. Jeff Hardy

The match starts and Miz applies a headlock, but Hardy whips him off. Miz lands a s shoulder block and taunts the fans. 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 forces Jeff to 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 to take a breather, then snaps Jeff’s head off the top rope. Miz puts Hardy 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 Miz back in the ring and goes to the top rope, but Miz moves. Hardy gets off the ropes and Miz rolls him up with his feet on the ropes. The referee catches him and stops the count. Hardy then rolls Miz up for a two count. Hardy looks for a Twist of Fate, but Miz counters into a Skull Crushing Finale for the win!

Winner: The Miz

A bit of a surprise win there. The Miz walks up the ramp gleefully and saying “I told you all so”. He advances to Round 2, where he will face Rey Mysterio.

We’re sticking with the World Cup tournament for now and it’s Raw’s turn. Seth Rollins makes his entrance in Saudi Arabia. Corey Graves says there is no way Seth Rollins in fully in this tournament tonight. Lashley and Rush come out second and Rush cuts a promo that garners zero reactions whatsoever.

WWE World Cup Tournament Round 1

Seth Rollins Vs. Bobby Lashley

Lashley shoves Rollins to the mat right off the bat. They lock-up and Rollins unleashes some kicks, then knocks Lashley from the ring. Rollins hits the ropes for a suicide dive but when he comes off of the ropes Lashley is right there and hits a huge one-handed spinebuster. Lashley takes control with a head and arm lock in the middle of the ring.
Lashley releases the hold and takes Rollins to the corner, where he beats on him, before whipping him to the opposing corner. Lashley applies a full nelson to the Kingslayer and ragdolls him. Rollins fights back but Lashley grabs him and hits a reverse Russian leg sweep – which marks the second time tonight Cole has incorrectly called a move an “inverted DDT”. Rollins escapes and clotheslines Lashley from the ring, then hits a suicide dive. Lashley stays on his feet, so Seth goes back into the ring and hits another, this time Bobby goes down. Rush isn’t talking during this match for some reason.

Back inside the ring, Seth goes up top but Lashley meets him there and looks for a superplex. Rollins punches him away, then jumps for a sunset flip powerbomb but Lashley holds the ropes. Instead, Rollins takes Lashley off and looks for the Buckle Bomb but Bobby slides down his back and shoulder tackles him from behind into the corner. Lashley then runs at Seth in the corner, who leapfrogs him and Lashley tackles the post. Lashley falls to his knees and Seth hits The Stomp for the win!

Winner: Seth Rollins

A solid win for Rollins but these matches are all fairly short and never really gotten out of 1st gear.

We go backstage to see Byron Saxton with Kurt Angle. Saxton says Angle was at one point, undoubtedly the best in the world. Angle says he has the butterflies again and it feels good. He says most people doubt he can do it tonight, but most doubted he could win the Olympics with a broken neck. Angle says he isn’t here to write the exclamation point on his career, he’s here to begin the next chapter.
Angle makes his entrance and it’s a little weird seeing the All-American hero in this setting.

WWE World Cup Tournament Round 1

Kurt Angle Vs. Dolph Ziggler W/Drew McIntyre

The match gets underway and Ziggler shoots for a single-leg but Angle rolls him over. This time Angle goes for the leg and looks to trip Ziggler but Dolph takes his back. Angle reverses it and slams Ziggler down for a facelock but Ziggler transitions into a headlock. Angle gets to his feet and shoots Dolph to the ropes but gets hit with a shoulder block.
Angle then catches Ziggler with a belly-to-belly, followed by a German suplex. Ziggler rolls to the apron, where Angle goes out and looks to German suplex him off of the apron but Dolph holds onto the ropes and elbows Angle to the floor. Ziggler whips Angle into the steel steps hard, then gets him back in the ring.
Ziggler hits the Hall of Famer with a neckbreaker for a two-count, then applies a sleeper hold. Angle climbs to his feet, with Ziggler still on his back, and runs into the corner to break the hold. Angle follows-up with three German suplexes for a near-fall. Ziggler follows-up with a snap DDT for a two-count. Dolph kicks Angle in the knee and looks for the Fame-Asser but Angle moves and hits the Angle Slam for a near-fall. Angle takes the straps down and looks for the Angle Lock but Ziggler kicks him off and connects with a Fame-Asser for a near-fall!

Ziggler jumps onto Angle’s back for the Zig-Zag but gets shrugged off. Angle rolls through a sunset flip and applies the Angle Lock. Ziggler cries in agony and crawls to the bottom rope but Angle drags him back to the centre. Dolph swings himself around and Angle falls over. Angle runs into the ringpost and Ziggler connects with a Zig-Zag for the shock win!

Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Dolph and Drew leave the ring, and Graves questions what kind of pain Ziggler will be in following the ankle lock. That’s the first round over, so the announcers run down the rest of tonight’s card. There’s still seven matches to come!

It’s time fort some tag-team action, and The New Day ride a giant mechanical magic carpet to the ring. Not joking.

That was a really cool idea but it didn’t look like a magic carpet and the machine took way too long to get to the ring. Points for trying though!

WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match

(C) The Bar W/ The Big Show Vs. The New DAY

Big E and Kofi Kingston are representing The New Day today. Big E and Sheamus lock up and E applies a side headlock, but Sheamus whips him off. Big E shoulder blocks him down and gyrates, which just annoys Sheamus. Big E takes him down and tags in Kofi Kingston. Sheamus quickly backs him to the corner, and Cesaro tags in. Cesaro kicks Kingston and whips him hard into the corner. Cesaro goes for a monkey flip, but Kingston lands on his feet. Kingston dances while Xavier Woods plays the trombone. Cesaro charges, but Kingston dropkicks him down. Kingston connects with a head-scissor takeover before hitting a springboard cross-body for a two count. Cesaro angrily uppercuts him down before tagging Sheamus into the fray.

Sheamus stomps Kingston down in the corner. Cesaro tags in and picks away at Kingston. Cesaro applies a neck vice before Sheamus tags in. They hit a wild double-team clothesline for a two count. Sheamus clubs at the chest before applying an overhead wristlock. Kingston fights up and viciously chops the chest. Sheamus quickly kicks him down and tags Cesaro in. Cesaro takes Kingston down and stretches him on the ropes. Big Show talks trash from ringside. Cesaro hits a gutwrench suplex for a two count. Cesaro then goes back to the chin lock. Kofi fights out and kicks Cesaro away, then makes the tag to Big E!
E runs in and hits Cesaro with three belly-to-belly suplexes, then looks for a running splash but the Swiss Superhero gets his kness-up. Sheamus tags in and runs at Big E in the corner, where he gets caught with a urinagi for a two count. Sheamus rolls to the arpon and Big E looks to run and spear him through the ropes but Sheamus gets his knee up, then connects with a running knee in the corner. Sheamus unleashes some punches on top of Big E in the corner but then E lifts Sheamus up and Kofi leaps with a double stomp to the Irishman’s back and E drops him. Big E then throws Kofi over the top rope onto Cesaro below. E then drops his singlet and lifts Sheamus for the Big Ending but Sheamus shoves him off and he almost hits the referee. Big Show uses the distraction to hit Big E with the WMD, followed by a Brogue Kick for the win for the Bar!

Winners: The Bar

Big assist from The Big Show there. The Bar retreat with Show, while New Day regroup in the ring.

Byron Saxton once again interviews The Miz backstage. The Miz says he told us so. He got beaten and he can barely talk – for real – but he’s going to continue and beat Rey Mysterio. He says tonight isn’t about happy endings. It’s about proving to everyone he’s the best in the world. He walks away and the fans start chanting “CM Punk”.
Saxton then interviews Mysterio while Miz makes his entrance. Saxton asks him about being attacked by Randy, Rey says being the best in the world is not about making excuses. He says he has been doubted by bigger and better than Miz, and that just makes his wins all the sweeter.

WWE World Cup Tournament Semi-fINAL

The Miz Vs. Rey Mysterio

The bell rings, and Mysterio elbows Miz right away. Mysterio goes for a sunset flip and a kick, but Miz ducks it. They go back and forth and Mysterio eventually connects with the sunset flip pin for a one count. Miz tries to slide him out of the ring belly-first to the floor, like Orton did, but Rey lands on his feet. Miz slides out, but Mysterio gets in and dropkicks him down to the floor. Mysterio then slides out of the ring with a splash to Miz.
Mysterio immediately grabs his injured ribs and tries to walk off the pain. Mysterio gets him in the ring and does the 10 punches. Mysterio charges him, but Miz counters into an alley-oop. Miz shoulders the injured ribs in the corner before covering for a two count. Miz then applies a bow and arrow stretch. Mysterio counters into a roll-up for a two count. Miz quickly takes him down with a shot to the ribs. Miz then applies a body scissor. Mysterio fights out, but Miz slides him out of the ring sternum-first to the floor. Miz drives him ribs-first into the apron and then the barricade. Miz gets him in the ring and picks up a near fall. Miz applies an abdominal stretch. Mysterio tries to fight up, but Miz scoops him up. Mysterio then counters into a DDT.

They both take their time getting to their feet and trade hands. Miz shoves Rey away to the ropes but Mysterio hits a springboard cross-body block for a near fall. Mysterio kicks him in the chest before hitting a hurricanrana. Mysterio slingshots over him and hits a head-scissor into the turnbuckle. Mysterio then hits another head-scissor into the middle rope. Mysterio goes for a 619, but Miz counters into snake eyes on the top rope. Miz follows up with a Skull Crushing Finale for a near fall! Miz starts the IT Kicks, but Mysterio ducks the big one. Mysterio rolls him up with the same roll-up he gave Orton, but Miz kicks out. Miz quickly knocks him into the middle rope and hits a 619. Mysterio goes for a frog splash, but Miz gets the knees up and pins Mysterio for the win!

Winner: The Miz

Miz rolls from the ring after his win and smiles as he lays against the barricade. Who could have guessed Miz would have made it to the final, but remember, if he loses he is fired from SmackDown Live!

Once again, Saxton is backstage with Seth Rollins. He asks how it feels to go from a big man like Lashley to someone like Ziggler. Rollins says being the best is not about having an easy ride, and he wouldn’t want it to be easy, so he’s going out to do it again and prove himself.

WWE World Cup Tournament Semi-fINAL

Seth Rollins Vs. Dolph Ziggler W/ Drew McIntyre

This one looks to be going for a slower pace as they tease a lock-up and quickly separate. They continue the slow-pace, trading holds and locks before Rollins grabs Ziggler mid-air and throws him from the ring.
Rollins throws Ziggler into the barricade. Rollins sends him back inside then squares-up to Drew and begs him to hit him. Drew refrains and Seth slides back in, where Ziggler immediately connects with a snap DDT for a two count. Ziggler starts to focus on the neck of Rollins, which Seth has been holding since his second suicide dive against Bobby Lashley.
Rollins fights out of a headlock but runs chest-first into the turnbuckles as Dolph avoids him. Rollins and Dolph trade shots until Dolph floors Seth with a spinning back elbow. Dolph starts toying with Rollins, before kicking him into the corner and landing a neckbreaker for a two-count. Ziggler applies a sleeper hold in the middle of the ring. Seth fights out and rolls Ziggler up for a two-count. Ziggler goes for the snap DDT again but Rollins reverses into a pin. They trade pin attempts for several minutes before Seth lifts Dolph for a Buckle Bomb but Dolph reverses. Seth hits a ripcord knee for a near-fall!

Seth gets to his feet first and begins stomping up the band. McIntyre gets on the apron and Rollins knocks him off, then catapults Dolph over the top rope and to the floor. Seth follows-up with a suicide dive to Drew and Dolph, then gets Ziggler back into the ring. Rollins springboards off but nobody’s home, then Dolph catches him with a Fame-Asser for a near-fall. Dolph goes to the top rope and Rollins goes up with him, and hits a superplex. Rollins looks to land the follow-up falcon’s arrow but Ziggler lands on his feet and hits the Zig-Zag for a near-fall! Ziggler went for the Zig-Zag again but Rollins shoved him off. Rollins, inexplicably, then decided to hit McIntyre with a suicide dive for no reason. Rollins goes to the top rope but McIntyre shoves him off and Ziggler connects with a superkick for the win!

Winner: Dolph Ziggler

The announcers try to say that Rollins was trying to neutralise the threat of McIntyre before it became a thing, which just sounds ridiculous. They all blame McIntyre for interfering. What a weird finish. Byron Saxton interviews Ziggler on the ramp as he’s walking away, and asks him about the asterisk beside his win. Ziggler says he has been calling himself the best for 9 years and nobody wanted to hear it, well tonight they won’t have a choice.

WWE Championship Match
(C) AJ Styles Vs. Samoa Joe

The bell rings and they run right at each other and throw hands. Styles drop-toe holds Joe, and starts kicking his leg. Styles gets him in the corner and shoulder tackles him. Joe fires back with a huge chop to the chest. Styles kicks Joe and he rolls from the ring.
Styles runs at Joe along the apron but nobody’s home. Styles moonsaults off of the apron but Joe moves. Styles then shoves Joe into the ring post. Joe then tosses Styles into the barricade and gets into the ring. Styles gets onto the apron but Joe knees him off. Joe follows-up with a big suicide dive and both men are down on the oustide.
Joe brings Styles back into the ring and takes a side headlock. Joe slams AJ down as he fought out, and scored a one count. Joe chops AJ so hard he flips! The crowd begin a Mexican wave, while “dignitaries” at ringside look bored AF. Joe ducks a shot from Styles and chops the chest, but AJ responds with an enziguiri. Styles chops Joe again and they trade shots. AJ wants the Styles Clash but Joe forces him off, but the Champion follows-up with a springboard inverted DDT. Joe rolls form the ring to regroup but AJ jumps over the ropes and connects with a forearm.

Back inside the ring, Styles springboards for a Phenomenal Forearm but nobody is home and Joe connects with a snap powerslam. Joe follows up with a stiff lariat as the fans again chant “CM Punk”. Styles manages to apply the calf crusher to Joe but the big man reaches the bottom rope to force the break. Styles rolls Joe up but gets reverses and the Coquina Clutch is applied! Styles twists the ankle of Joe to break free.
AJ goes to the apron, punches Joe away, and this time he connects with the Phenomenal Forearm for the 123!

Winner: AJ Styles

Wow, I did not see Styles winning that one, at least not clean. That’s four in a he’s beaten Joe, so there’s no way this feud can continue. That was a decent match but it felt like a rehash of their previous matches. Styles will have been Champion for over a year now!
Acting General Manager of Monday Night Raw, Baron Corbin, makes his way to the ring. He’ll crown the new Universal Champion – the belt is sitting on a podium beside the ring.

Vacant WWE Universal Championship Match

Brock Lesnar Vs. Braun Strowman

Before the match gets underway, Baron Corbin hits Braun Strowman from behind with the WWE Universal Championship! The bell rings, then Brock lifts Braun and hits an F5 but the monster kicks out! Brock lifts Strowman and hits a second F5 and again he kicks out! Brock can’t believe it!
Lesnar lifts Strowman and hits a third F5 but he kicks out once more! Brock screams. The fans here in Arabia want Brock to win. Lesnar grabs Strowman and lifts him for a fourth F5 and throws him over the top rope! Strowman manages to just get into the ring at the referee’s count of 9!
Brock takes off his gloves and lifts Strowman for a fifth F5 but this time Braun gets off and kicks Brock. He runs and Brock lifts him and hits the F5 and that’s that.

Winner and New WWE Universal Champion: Brock Lesnar

O.K. That happened.

At Survivor Series 2018, we’ll have AJ Styles Vs. Brock Lesnar… the exact same as last year’s event. Other matches include Seth Rollins Vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, and Becky Lynch Vs. Ronda Rousey – that last match got a big cheer in Arabia when the graphic was displayed!
Shane McMahon makes his way to the ring for the final of the World Cup tournament. The Miz is first out and, if he loses, he gets fired from SmackDown Live!

WWE World Cup Tournament Final
The Miz Vs. Dolph Ziggler W/ Drew McIntyre

Before the match begins, the referee forces McIntyre to go backstage! So it’s one on one between Ziggler and The Miz!
Dolph is arguing with the referee before the bell rings, and Miz sneak attacks him from behind. He beats Dolph down in the corner, then throws him out of the ring. Miz jumps out of the ring to continue the attack but Miz fell and started clutching his knee. Miz can barely walk, and it’s hard to tell if he’s faking it. He manages to throw Ziggler into the steps, then back into the ring but he collapses and the referee and Shane McMahon check on him. The Miz tries to walk but falls again and Shane talks to him, but Miz shouts that he can compete, he’s never been injured. Mike Rome announces that The Miz cannot compete, but Shane takes the microphone from him and says it can’t go down like that. The referee confirms that Miz cannot compete, so Shane says he will take Miz’s place!

No Contest

Baron Corbin loses his mind at ringside as Shane gets into the ring. Dolph doesn’t want to take part in this either. It’s all commotion right now!

WWE World Cup Tournament Final
Shane McMahon Vs. Dolph Ziggler

Finally, the bell rings, and Shane immediately catches Dolph with a superman punch (a real one), and unloads a flurry of shots in the corner.
The referee forces Shane away but the Commissioner continues the attack, then lands a huge leaping back elbow. McMahon hits the ropes but Corbin pulls his foot and he falls. The referee then ejects Corbin to the back as well! Ziggler takes advantage of the distraction to his Shane with a Zig-Zag for a near-fall!
Ziggler punches Shane on the mat and rakes his eyes. Shane fights back and hits a float-over DDT, then catapult’s Ziggler into the corner! Shane heads to the opposite corner and lands Coast-to-Coast for the win!

Winner: Shane McMahon

There you have it, Shane McMahon is officially the best wrestler in the world. Shane celebrates after the fact, running around and pointing at the trophy.

Shane takes the trophy into the ring and holds it high as fireworks explode overhead. He leaves the ring and walks up the ramp with the trophy, yelling and kissing it. The way the announcers were talking, I’m guessing that was a heel turn!

D-Generation X are the first out to the ring, and I’m still not used to bald Shawn Michaels!

D-Generation X Vs. The Brothers of Destruction

Triple H starts the match against Kane and the fans are chanting “this is awesome”. Triple H talks some trash, then connects with a right hand to Kane. The Big Red Machine doesn’t move, instead throws HHH to the corner. Triple H ducks a clothesline and looks to do the crotch chop but Kane uppercuts him. Kane whips Triple H to the opposite corner and clotheslines Kane down.
Triple H takes control of Kane and tags Shawn Michaels. HBK is tossed to the corner by Kane but he comes back with some chops, followed by a neckbreaker. Kane sits-up and grabs Michaels by the throat, but HBK chops him and looks for a sunset flip but Kane stands his ground, then grabs Michaels and lifts him up. HBK feigned a Sweet Chin Music and Kane stumbled backwards, then tags in his brother. HBK Vs. The Undertaker in the ring again.

They come face-to-face and the Deadman does the throat slit, so Michaels does suck it. ‘Taker goes for a punch but HBK ducks it and unleashes some chops. HBK hits the ropes and but Undertaker connects with a big boot. Undertaker grabs the arm and tackles Michaels a few times. ‘Taker goes to the top rope, looking for old school, but Triple H runs over and knocks him off the top rope. Kane then runs in and attacks HHH. Meanwhile, ‘Taker whips Triple H to the corner, where he flies up and into the tree of woe. Kane then whips HHH into Michaels in the corner and he goes right over the top rope. Undertaker grabs Shawn and chokes him before throwing him over the top rope. D-X take a minute to regroup while Kane and ‘Taker pose with their arms up in the air.
Both HHH and HBK slide back into the ring but immediately get grabbed by the throats. They both fight back with chops and clothesline Kane and Undertaker out of the ring. The Brothers don’t regroup though, they drag HBK and HHH out of the ring. ‘Taker lays some big right hands into Michaels against the barricade, before sending him back inside. Undertaker and Michaels are still the legal men. Undertaker goes up top for old school as things return to normal. ‘Taker grabs the arm again and wraps it around the top rope, before choking Shawn until the referee separates them. The Deadman runs for a big boot but nobody’s home and he crotches himself.
Triple H is tagged back in and he chops the Deadman. Undertaker knocks Triple H down before tagging Kane. They stomp on HHH in the corner, while Michaels drags himself up on the opposite apron. Kane uppercuts and elbows The Game before landing a body slam and looking for a leg drop but nobody’s home. Kane and HHH trade shots in the middle of the ring before Triple H lands a DDT and both men are down.
Triple H makes the tag and Michaels unloads some chops to the chest of Kane, followed by a flying forearm, and a kip-up! Michaels lands the atomic drop, followed by more chops, another atomic drop, and then he knocks Undertaker from the apron. Michaels can’t get Kane up for a suplex, but Triple H comes in and helps finish it off! Michaels goes to the top rope and hits beautiful elbow drop. Michaels goes to the corner and tunes up the band, looks for Sweet Chin Music but Kane grabs him and hits a Chokeslam! Both men are down but Kane makes the tag.

Undertaker punches Michaels in the corner, then lands snake eyes, followed by a big boot and a leg drop for a near-fall. Undertaker poses for a Chokeslam but Triple H comes in for the distraction. Undertaker knocks him away but it allows HBK to hit Sweet Chin Music and all four men are down!
Undertaker sits-up and then throws Shawn out of the ring. He climbs out and takes the top off of the announce table. Undertaker lifts Michaels onto the announce table and looks for a Tombstone but Triple H saves HBK. HHH then slams Kane into the steel steps, then the Deadman into the barricade. HHH goes back to Kane, but the big red machine grabs him and Chokeslams him through the announce table!
Undertaker sets Michaels on the ring apron and hits the big leg drop! Michaels falls out of the ring, while Undertaker crawls over to Triple H and talks trash. The Undertaker grabs Shawn and throws him into the ring, looks for the pin but the Showstopper kicks out. Undertaker lifts HBK and makes the tag to Kane, who stomps on him. HHH is still down on the outside. Kane shoulder tackles Michaels in the corner, the chokes him with his boot. Tag back to Undertaker, who kicks HBK in the gut and floors him with a measured punch. Undertaker lands a suplex to Michaels for a two-count. Undertaker grinds Shawn down to a pulp, while doctors check on Triple H at ringside.

Michaels tries to fight back but it’s still 2-on-1. Kane is legal and he heads up top, but Shawn knocks his leg out from under him and he falls to the mat. All four men are down and it’s Mr. WrestleMania who gets up first, but ‘Taker drags him out of the ring and looks for a Tombstone, but HBK drops down and shoves him into the ring post!
Kane set Michaels on the top rope and looked for a superplex but HBK punched him away, even knocking his mask off in the process. Kane rolled from the ring, and Michaels hit both men with a moonsault from the top rope to the floor! Kane and Undertaker failed to properly catch Michaels there and he almost landed right on his head! Triple H is back on the apron and Michaels starts crawling towards him. Kane is back and tries to stop HBK but he can’t!
Triple H hits Kane with the facebuster knee, then hits Undertaker with a spinebuster! But the Deadman sat right back up. Triple H kicks Undertaker and wants a Pedigree but Undertaker flips him over. Undertaker looks for the Tombstone but Triple H gets off and hits a Pedigree. Triple H then throws Kane from the ring. Triple H walks over to Undertaker to make the pin but Undertaker grabs him in Hell’s Gate! Kane comes back in and Michaels hits him with Sweet Chin Music – causing Kane to fall onto Undertaker and break the submission on HHH. All four men are down again!

Both Kane and Undertaker sit-up, while D-X use the ropes to get to their feet. Kane and Undertaker lift them both for Tombstones but HBK rakes Kane’s eyes, causing him to drop Triple H, who then kicks the Deadman. Michaels his ‘Taker with Sweet Chin Music, then hits Kane with one, and Triple H hits a Pedigree to Kane. And that’s it!

Winners: D-Generation X

Michaels and Triple H sit together in the corner, while Michael Cole tells everyone to give all four men a standing ovation. Fireworks go off as HBK and HHH pose in the middle of the ring!
That’s it for WWE Crown Jewel! That was a great main event, hat’s off to all involved. Let us know what you thought and we’ll see you hear tomorrow again!