WWE Crown Jewel 2024: A Spectacle Like No Other
The energy inside the Mohammed Abdo Arena was something you had to feel to believe. My name is Mohit, and as the lights dimmed and the first chords of a superstar’s theme song hit the speakers, I knew this wasn’t just another wrestling event. This was WWE Crown Jewel 2024, an evening where legacies are defined and history is written. From my seat, I could feel the anticipation from every single person in the packed stadium. We were all here for the same reason: to witness greatness.
The air in Riyadh was thick with excitement hours before the show even began. Fans from all corners of the globe, many draped in the merchandise of their favorite superstars, created a vibrant and noisy sea of humanity. It’s a testament to the global power of WWE that an event in Saudi Arabia can feel like the center of the universe for one night. The spectacle starts long before the bell rings, with a stage design so grand it looks like something out of a blockbuster movie. The pyrotechnics alone were worth the price of admission.
As a journalist, I’ve covered many live sporting events, but the scale of a major WWE premium live event is truly in a league of its own. Tonight promised a card stacked with championship bouts, personal rivalries reaching their boiling point, and the potential for moments that would be replayed for years to come. I had my notepad ready, but I also made a point to simply soak it all in.
The Undisputed WWE Championship on the Line
The main event loomed large over the entire evening. The Undisputed WWE Championship match between “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes and the challenger, “The Final Boss” The Rock, was the talk of the town. This wasn’t just about a title; it was about family, power, and the very soul of the WWE. The build-up had been intensely personal, blurring the lines between reality and entertainment in a way that only professional wrestling can.
Cody Rhodes, the champion who fought against all odds to finish his story, walked to the ring with the weight of the world on his shoulders. The crowd roared in approval, a unified voice of support for their hero. He represents the modern fighting champion, a man who has earned every ounce of his success through sheer will and determination. His connection with the fans is palpable; they see their own struggles and triumphs in his journey.
Then came The Rock. The cheers turned to a chorus of boos, a reaction The Final Boss now thrives on. His entrance was pure Hollywood, a display of arrogance and power that only he can pull off. He wasn’t just here to wrestle; he was here to reclaim what he believes is his throne at the head of the table. The tension was electric. You could feel the animosity between the two men before they even laid a hand on each other.
The match itself was a masterpiece of storytelling. It began as a technical wrestling clinic, with both men trading holds and trying to gain an early advantage. The Rock used his raw power to dominate the early exchanges, tossing Cody around the ring with disdain. But Cody is nothing if not resilient. He weathered the storm, using his speed and agility to land quick, effective strikes that began to wear down the bigger man.
Every near-fall had the audience on their feet. The momentum swung back and forth, a true tug-of-war for control. Cody hit his signature Cross Rhodes, and for a split second, everyone thought it was over. But The Rock, showing the heart of a true legend, kicked out at two and a half. The shock in the arena was real. Moments later, The Rock delivered a thunderous Rock Bottom, but Cody showed the same incredible resilience, refusing to stay down.
The final moments were pure chaos. With the referee momentarily down, interference from The Bloodline seemed inevitable. Solo Sikoa appeared, but he was quickly neutralized by Jey Uso, who evened the odds to a massive pop from the crowd. In the confusion, Cody managed to hit not one, not two, but three consecutive Cross Rhodes on The Rock. The referee slid back in, his hand hit the mat three times, and the arena erupted. Cody Rhodes had retained his championship. The story continues.
A New Era for the Women’s Division
The Women’s World Championship match was another highlight of the night, showcasing the incredible talent in WWE’s women’s division. Liv Morgan, the cunning and dangerous champion, defended her title against the formidable “Mami,” Rhea Ripley. Ripley was on a warpath, seeking to reclaim the championship she never truly lost, having been forced to vacate it due to an injury inflicted by Morgan herself.
Rhea Ripley’s entrance was a spectacle. She carries herself with an aura of dominance that few can match. The crowd was firmly behind her, eager to see her get her revenge and her title back. Liv Morgan, on the other hand, played the role of the conniving champion perfectly. She entered with a smug confidence, holding the championship belt as if it had always been hers.
The match was a brutal, physical affair. Ripley used her overwhelming strength to punish Morgan, while Liv used her speed and a willingness to do whatever it takes to stay in the fight. They battled in and out of the ring, each woman pushing the other to their absolute limit. The “Dirty Dom” factor, Dominik Mysterio, was always a possibility at ringside.
He did eventually make his presence known, trying to interfere on Liv’s behalf, a shocking twist in their ongoing storyline. But Rhea was ready for it. She dispatched Dom with ease, turning her attention back to Liv. However, the momentary distraction was all Liv Morgan needed. She used an underhanded tactic, grabbing a steel chair while the referee’s back was turned and delivering a vicious blow to Ripley. One “ObLIVion” later, and Liv Morgan had stolen a victory, retaining her championship through controversy. The “Liv Morgan Revenge Tour” continues, but you can be sure Rhea Ripley’s quest for vengeance is far from over.
Gunther’s Historic Reign Faces a Beast
The World Heavyweight Championship match pitted the “Ring General” Gunther against “The Beast Incarnate” Brock Lesnar. This was the dream match everyone had been waiting for—a true clash of titans. Gunther, the dominant champion with a historic reign, against Lesnar, one of the most destructive forces in WWE history.
From the moment the bell rang, this was pure violence. It wasn’t about fancy moves; it was about brute force. The sound of their chops and suplexes echoed throughout the arena. Lesnar took Gunther to “Suplex City,” but the champion absorbed the punishment and fired back with his own earth-shattering offense. The physicality was off the charts, and you could see the respect and hatred in their eyes with every blow.
Gunther targeted Lesnar’s body with relentless chops, trying to wear down The Beast. Lesnar, in turn, used his explosive power to throw Gunther around like few have ever been able to. The match was a stalemate for a long time, with neither man able to keep the other down for the three-count. The turning point came when Gunther was able to counter an F-5 attempt and lock in a sleeper hold.
Lesnar fought with all his might, his face turning purple as he tried to escape the Ring General’s grasp. But Gunther’s hold was too strong. In a shocking moment, Brock Lesnar began to fade. The referee checked his arm once, twice, and on the third time, it fell limp. Gunther had done the unthinkable: he had made Brock Lesnar pass out. His dominant reign as World Heavyweight Champion continues, now with perhaps his most impressive victory to date. The sight of Gunther standing tall over a fallen Brock Lesnar is an image that will be etched in WWE history. This was a defining moment for the WWE Crown Jewel 2024 event.
The Intercontinental Title: A Battle of Styles
Sami Zayn, the beloved underdog champion, put his Intercontinental Championship on the line against the brash and arrogant “Bronco Nima” himself, LA Knight. The contrast in styles and personalities made this a must-see match. Sami, the heart and soul of the locker room, and LA Knight, the fastest-rising star in WWE whose charisma is off the charts. The crowd was electric for this one, chanting “YEAH!” in unison with Knight’s every move.
The match was a back-and-forth classic. LA Knight tried to use his power and mind games to get under Sami’s skin, but Zayn’s experience and resilience kept him in the fight. Sami’s high-flying, energetic offense was a perfect counter to Knight’s more grounded, brawling style. The near-falls came fast and furious, with both men coming within a hair’s breadth of victory multiple times.
The crowd was torn, showing their love for both competitors. In the end, it was Sami Zayn’s veteran instinct that made the difference. He caught LA Knight off guard with a surprise Helluva Kick as Knight was grandstanding to the crowd. The kick sent shockwaves through the arena, and the three-count that followed was a formality. Sami Zayn retained his Intercontinental Championship in a hard-fought battle, proving once again why he is considered one of the best in the world. After the match, both men showed a sign of respect, a moment the crowd greatly appreciated.
The United States Championship: A New Champion Crowned
The United States Championship was also defended in a thrilling contest that saw Logan Paul’s controversial reign come to an end. He faced the rising star “The Prince” Ricochet in a match that promised high-flying action and did not disappoint. Logan Paul, ever the provocateur, entered the arena to a shower of boos, using his social media fame to antagonize the WWE Universe. Ricochet, on the other hand, was all business, focused on capturing his first singles title in years.
The athleticism in this match was simply breathtaking. Ricochet flew around the ring with an ease that defies gravity, while Logan Paul used his own impressive athletic background to keep pace. They traded high-risk maneuvers that had the entire arena holding its breath. Logan, as always, tried to use his underhanded tactics, attempting to use his signature brass knuckles.
However, this time, his plan backfired. The referee caught him in the act, ejecting the foreign object from the ring. While Logan argued with the official, Ricochet saw his opening. He climbed to the top rope and delivered a spectacular 630 Senton that landed perfectly on the champion. The crowd counted along with the referee: one, two, three! We have a new United States Champion! The pop for Ricochet’s victory was deafening. It was a feel-good moment and a well-deserved victory for one of the most exciting performers in WWE. The result adds another significant chapter to the story of WWE Crown Jewel 2024.
Other Standout Moments from the Night
While the championship matches delivered, the rest of the card was filled with memorable moments that contributed to the overall spectacle. A brutal No Disqualification match between Randy Orton and Kevin Owens saw both men use tables, chairs, and kendo sticks to settle their deeply personal score. Orton ultimately picked up the win with an RKO onto a steel chair, but both men left a piece of themselves in that ring.
We also witnessed a major surprise when “The Scottish Warrior” Drew McIntyre made an unexpected appearance. He came to the ring to deliver a fiery promo, putting the entire locker room on notice. He declared his intention to reclaim the World Heavyweight Championship, setting his sights on Gunther. The staredown between McIntyre and the champion from the ramp sent a clear message: a new challenger has emerged. The promise of that future match added another layer of excitement to the night.
The tag team division was also showcased in a fantastic triple-threat match for the WWE Tag Team Championships. The champions, #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa), defended against The Creed Brothers and A-Town Down Under. The action was non-stop, with all six men delivering a clinic in tag team wrestling. In the end, #DIY managed to isolate Grayson Waller and hit their “Meeting in the Middle” finisher to retain their titles in a show-stealing performance. This match was a perfect example of the incredible depth of talent on the WWE roster.
A Final Reflection from Ringside
As the final pyrotechnics exploded, lighting up the Riyadh night sky, I took a moment to reflect on what I had just witnessed. WWE Crown Jewel 2024 was more than just a series of wrestling matches; it was a grand spectacle of athleticism, drama, and pure entertainment. From Cody Rhodes’ triumphant title defense to Gunther’s shocking victory over Brock Lesnar, the night was filled with moments that will be talked about for a long time.
Leaving the arena, the buzz from the crowd was still in the air. Fans were passionately debating their favorite matches, celebrating their heroes’ victories, and lamenting their favorites’ defeats. This shared experience is what makes WWE so special. It brings people together from all walks of life, united by a love for this unique form of storytelling.
My trip to Riyadh for WWE Crown Jewel 2024 was an unforgettable experience. It was a powerful reminder of the global reach and cultural impact of WWE. The event delivered on every promise, providing a night of action and drama that lived up to the massive hype. For those who watched at home, I hope you felt the energy. But take it from me, Mohit, being there in person is a whole other level. It was a night where legends were solidified, new stars were born, and the WWE Universe was treated to a spectacle like no other.
