WWE Crown Jewel 2025: Rollins’ Triumph and Cena’s Farewell Shine in Perth
The WWE’s seventh edition of Crown Jewel, held on November 1, 2025, at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, delivered a mixed bag of results, ultimately salvaged by compelling performances from veteran stars and surprising title changes. The event, the second Premium Live Event of the ESPN Unlimited era, saw champions from both “Raw” and “SmackDown” collide, with Seth Rollins and Stephanie Vaquer emerging as new titleholders amidst a night of family drama and career milestones.
A Night of Championship Clashes and Career Moments
Crown Jewel was characterized by a blend of high-stakes championship matches and emotionally resonant moments, particularly surrounding John Cena’s ongoing retirement tour. The event’s success hinged on the ability of its performers to deliver compelling narratives and in-ring action, a task they met with varying degrees of success.
Cena and Styles Deliver a Masterclass in Storytelling
The highly anticipated singles match between John Cena and AJ Styles lived up to the hype, earning a coveted “A” grade from event assessors. Described as “a love letter to professional wrestling” by a senior official, the bout transcended a simple contest, becoming a celebration of both men’s storied careers. Despite a lack of traditional build-up, the match captivated audiences with a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation.
Styles entered the arena sporting gear reminiscent of his Total Nonstop Action Wrestling days, a nod to his pre-WWE accomplishments and a signal of the respect between the two competitors. The match itself was a showcase of wrestling history, with both Cena and Styles incorporating signature moves from their past opponents – Cena with a Skull Crushing Finale (The Miz) and an Accolade (Rusev), and Styles responding with a Coquina Clutch (Samoa Joe) and an Angel’s Wings (Christopher Daniels). Tributes to stars like Chris Jericho, Rey Mysterio, and even the late Bray Wyatt added layers of depth and emotional resonance.
Ultimately, Cena secured the victory with an Attitude Adjustment, capping off a fitting end to a legendary rivalry.
Rollins Finally Overcomes Rhodes in a Controversial Finish
The Men’s Crown Jewel Championship match between Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes proved to be a pivotal moment for both competitors. Rollins, desperate to break his losing streak against Rhodes, finally emerged victorious, albeit through somewhat nefarious means. The match saw Rollins teeter between desperation and calculated strategy, culminating in a controversial finish where he used a Rolex watch – a gift from Rhodes – to gain an advantage.
This victory, achieved “by any means necessary,” established Rollins as a dominant heel champion, solidifying his position at the top of the WWE hierarchy. While not reaching the heights of their previous encounters, the match effectively advanced the storyline and delivered a compelling narrative.
Family Feuds and Unexpected Turns
Beyond the championship matches, Crown Jewel was marked by ongoing family conflicts. Roman Reigns suffered a loss to Bronson Reed in an Australian Street Fight, a result complicated by interference from family members, including a crucial accidental spear from Jey Uso. This outcome signaled a potential fracturing within The Bloodline, setting the stage for future storylines.
Meanwhile, Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley defeated Asuka and Kairi Sane in a tag team match, further complicating the dynamic between Sky and her former friends. The match highlighted Sane’s internal conflict, ultimately leading to a sacrifice play that cost her the match but protected Asuka.
A Disappointing Showing for the Women’s Championship
The Women’s Crown Jewel Championship match between Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer proved to be the event’s biggest disappointment, receiving a “C-” grade. The shockingly short match, lasting just over ten minutes, felt anticlimactic and diminished the prestige of both championships. According to one analyst, the bout “treated the ‘SmackDown’ WWE Women’s Championship as second rate.” Vaquer’s victory, achieved with a quick corkscrew moonsault, lacked the drama and build-up expected from a championship contest.
Overall Assessment: A Resilient Event
Despite a shaky start and a lackluster women’s championship match, WWE Crown Jewel ultimately delivered a memorable event, earning a “B” grade overall. The stellar performance of Cena and Styles, coupled with the compelling narrative surrounding Rollins’ victory, rescued the show from mediocrity.
The next Premium Live Event on the ESPN Unlimited schedule is Survivor Series War Games on Saturday, November 29. The full WWE schedule can be found [here](link to WWE schedule – placeholder).
