The match WWE chose to open Crown Jewel was the Bloodline Civil War, featuring Reigns’ and Sikoa’s respective versions of The Bloodline in a six-man tag team match. Tanga Loa was not part of the bout but was still present.
The crowd in Riyadh went wild for The Original Tribal Chief and The Usos. The show’s intro and the entrances took a combined 20 minutes, leading to a delayed start for the match.
Jey and Tama started for their teams, taking their time to taunt each other between moves. Jimmy got the first tag of the match, marking the first tag between The Usos in almost 18 months, but he only managed to score a two-count.
This match was reminiscent of the storytelling approach we’ve seen from The Bloodline since its inception. It wasn’t characterized by high work-rate wrestling or flashy moves.
This bout focused on the narrative they were building, epitomizing the essence of sports-entertainment.
While this wasn’t the most action-packed or competitive bout from the Premium Live Event, it would be unfair to diminish the effort put forth by the six wrestlers in the ring, who all worked hard to entertain the audience.
This matchup played out exactly as it needed to, with the new Bloodline functioning cohesively while the original Bloodline grappled with trust and communication issues.
The OTC and The Street Champ tagged in simultaneously, engaging in a fierce exchange of punches. Both men endured each other’s best shots, but it was Sikoa who triumphed after striking Reigns with three Samoan Spikes.
Sikoa and his crew continued to assault Reigns and The Usos even after the match concluded. Sami Zayn’s music hit, and he made his way to the ring. Sikoa extended his arms for a hug and wanted Zayn to join him, but the babyface instead unleashed an exploder suplex.
Zayn inadvertently kicked Reigns when Sikoa dodged the hit. Jey, Jimmy, and Zayn then argued while Reigns attempted to recover.
- The crowd chanted “OTC” before Reigns’ music played.
- It was notable that Jimmy came out with Reigns, but Jey had a separate entrance, navigating a long journey through the crowd to reach the ring.
- Reigns smiled from the apron as he watched his cousins work together.
- Fatu’s running hip strike looked particularly impactful.
- The camera angle failed to capture Jimmy breaking up a pin, leading it to appear as though the referee simply paused the count.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Wrestling Expert
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to the Time.news interview series! Today, we have a special guest, a wrestling expert and analyst, to talk about the recent WWE Crown Jewel event, particularly the intriguing match that opened the show: the Bloodline Civil War. Thank you for joining us!
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time in the wrestling world, and Crown Jewel was no exception.
Editor: Absolutely! Let’s dive right into it. The match featured Reigns and Sikoa along with their versions of The Bloodline in a six-man tag team match. What were your impressions of the atmosphere during the match in Riyadh?
Expert: The atmosphere was electric! The crowd’s reaction to The Original Tribal Chief and The Usos was palpable. WWE has a knack for creating an engaging spectacle, and you could feel the excitement build as the show began. Interestingly, the entrance sequences took around 20 minutes, which, while leading to a delayed start for the match, certainly set the stage for what was to come.
Editor: That’s quite the intro! The match itself was not marked by frenetic action but rather focused on storytelling. Why do you think WWE chose this approach for the Bloodline Civil War?
Expert: The storytelling aspect has always been a significant part of The Bloodline’s facade. This match was less about high-stakes wrestling and more about the narrative—a critical element in sports entertainment. Fans have been following the dynamics of The Bloodline for some time now, and the match reflected the evolution of those relationships, particularly the tug-of-war between trust and betrayal.
Editor: You mentioned trust issues. How do you think the interaction between the newer and original members of The Bloodline contributed to the storyline?
Expert: It was fascinating to see the original Bloodline struggle with trust and communication while the newer members executed their moves cohesively. This juxtaposition created an engaging narrative arc. For example, when Jimmy Uso made his first tag in nearly 18 months, it was a pivotal moment that underscored the family’s lingering tensions and their shared history. Despite the slow burn of the match, these subtleties added depth and drama that resonated with the audience.
Editor: Speaking of depth, do you think the match lived up to the expectations set by previous high-stakes encounters at wrestling events?
Expert: While it might not have been the most action-packed bout we’ve seen, it definitely served its purpose. Sometimes, the story takes precedence over the action, and this was one such instance. The performers worked hard to engage the crowd, and it’s vital not to overlook the athleticism and effort displayed by each wrestler in the ring. Their hard work to keep the audience entertained should be recognized.
Editor: Very wisely put! There’s definitely a fine line between the physicality of wrestling and the emotional storytelling that goes hand-in-hand with it. What would you say was the match’s standout moment?
Expert: The moment the Original Tribal Chief and the Street Champ exchanged a flurry of punches was definitely a highlight. It showcased the intensity and determination of both sides and brought out the best in the performers. It was reminiscent of classic wrestling encounters where the action amplified the emotional stakes, and it left the audience on the edge of their seats.
Editor: It’s clear that matches like this encapsulate the essence of what wrestling is all about—as much about the narrative as the athleticism. Thank you for sharing your insights on Crown Jewel today!
Expert: Thank you for inviting me! Matches like the Bloodline Civil War remind us why we love wrestling: the stories, the drama, and the unforgettable moments.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions on the world of sports and entertainment!