WWE Crown Jewel (2018 TV Special) User Reviews

Worse Than I Expected.

[Movie-ManDan · 5/10 · 3 November 2018]

WWE has really been overdoing these super long shows in foreign countries. Since they are long, the superstars should really be trying their hardest to put on good matches. And the creative...well I gave up on them long ago. There was lots of controversy to this being held in Saudi Arabia, with WWE not mentioning the event's whereabouts weeks before, and John Cena and Daniel Bryan backing off at the last minute. All the panic aside, this was a bad night. This event sucked and I am really easy to please!

Preshow was Shinsuke vs Rusev for the US title. Who cares? Shinsuke won. 5/10

Next is Rey Mysterio vs Randy Orton for the World Cup tournament. I will give them all here now and not chronological: Rey defeats Randy. 7/10 Miz defeats Jeff Hardy 7/10 Seth Rollins defeats Bobby Lashley 8/10 Dolph Ziggler defeats Kurt Angle 7.5/10 Miz defeats Rey 7.5/10 Dolph defeats Seth 8/10 Shane steps in for Miz to defeat Dolph for the World Cup. 2/10

Bar retains the tag team titles against the New Day. I hate the New Day and am now getting sick of The Bar always getting the tag team gold whenever New Day isn't. This wasn't even that good of a match. 5/10

AJ Styles vs Samoa Joe was cool. These guys have natural chemistry. Pleasure in the TNA days and now. AJ won. 7.5/10

Since Roman had to leave because of medical reasons, the Universal title match became just Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman. Brock is the worst champion ever. In the rare times he shows up, he does 2 moves and never takes a bump. This match was just this lazy-ass doing 5 F5s to Braun. 1.5/10

DX faces Kane and Undertaker after the aftermath of Super Showdown. I could see Triple H really wanting himself to beat Undertaker that time, but not now. A win over Undertaker and Kane is something he is not worthy of at this point. And Shawn Michaels back in the ring? He retired due to back problems that could result in disaster. This great could not perform remotely to the level he once could. None of the others could either, but it was painful seeing HBK try. The match itself sucked and the result was awful. 2/10

Final: 5.2/10

The Crown Avarice

[CormacLovecraft · 4/10 · 2 November 2018]

WWE would rather put the title on a part timer that doesn't care about the business than someone who's been there full time, grafted and got over all on his own. They also rather put four 50+ year old wrestlers in the main event who can barely get into the ring without resulting in a hernia. They rather give the world cup trophy to a non-wrestler thus making him "the best in the world" than any of the active wrestlers that were participating in this tournament, I mean, Seth Rollins can't beat Dolph Ziggler in 15 minutes but Shane McMahon can beat Dolph in 2+ minutes? Are you having a laugh!?

I'm really having a hard time finding some pros, but here goes: The World Cup tournament was solid, everyone did their part and performed well considering they were giving limited time to perform their move-set but is such a shame the finale ruined it all. Shinsuke Nakamura VS Rusev ( I can't believe it was on the pre-show) was a good match, nice back and fourth. AJ Styles VS Somoa Joe was rather good albeit I expected the finish of the match to be a bit more grand, but they did well, considering they had to change the opponents. The crowd seemed more invested in this show than the Greatest Royal Rumble which did make the show more atmospheric. The Tag match between The New Day and The Bar and Big Show was alright but rather forgetful.

Respect to Daniel Bryan and John Cena to sticking to their principles, you also avoided a train-wreck.

I don't think WWE has any right to mock WCW anymore, this was a truly irredeemable show and WWE should apologise to the wrestlers involved in this farce.

This PPV hit every wrestling fan in their Crown Jewels. Its hurts to watch.

[ironhorse_iv · 3/10 · 8 December 2018]

I'm sorry to say this, but no amount of alcoholic 'Crown Royale,' can make this pay per view seem any better. It was still a royal pain in the butt for most fans to watch. Not only in terms of lousy storytelling, mediocre matches, but also the real life controversies surrounding the event. For example, the return of wrestler, Hulk Hogan to WWE programming, following since his 2015's leaked sex tape scandal, in which he was heard using racial slurs. Don't get me wrong, I believe that bigotry people can change for the better & forgiveness is indeed needed, but having him, host this foreign show, was not the best way to come at that. In truth, WWE should had aired a one hour documentary special like 'WWE 24' or 'WWE 365', that shows in details, that his opinions toward African Americans had change for the better. Without that, it looks like, he got away, scot free. As for the other controversies, such as the show not allowing women wrestlers to perform due to strict Islamic law in Saudi Arabia. Maybe, it would had been wise to host, two all-women pay per views in the United States, rather than one show before it. Why, because it would had couther, the negatively that the Saudi General Sports Authority has two major wrestling shows in the year, this PPV, and earlier 'the Greatest Royal Rumble' in April 2018. Still, what would be better yet, is for WWE not to cater to the state suppressing women's rights and honestly, fight for them to be on the show. Sadly, WWE didn't go, with any of these choices. As for the last controversy, surrounding the killing of journalist, Jamal Khashoggi by the Saudi Arabia government. The only way, I can see it, is that WWE had to promote it. They were not ways of backing out or cancelling the show, due to the prior legal obligations to the 10-year strategic multiplatform partnership between them and the General Sports Authority. Cancelling it would had cause heavy fines that could clearly bankrupted the promotion. Unless, the US government cease or boycott all businesses, dealing with Saudi Arabia, which, is very unlikely, due to the huge amount of weapon and oil deals. Instead, what the wrestling company should had done, is never openly promoted the show in the United States, and just focus on airing it, quietly in neutral countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Russia, in order to inline, with their prior support of Saudi Vision 2030. This was their biggest mistake, not only because WWE Stock prices dropped, but also the company came under harsh criticism and fire from the social media. The controversy also led to the company's top stars, John Cena and Daniel Bryan, choosing to bow out of the event, leading to some baffling last minute booking. One such example is the WWE Championship between champion, AJ Styles and Samoa Joe. Joe was quickly shoehorn as a replacement for Bryan, despite his feud with Styles ending very well, at the last PPV, 'Super-Show Down'. The match here was not great. There was no in ring story. It was just a generic series of key moves that had that little direction. It's clear that they had no time to prepare for this. As for the other title matches, the WWE United States Championship contest between champion, Shinsuke Nakamura against challenger, Rusev had no storyline build to it, and the short forgettable match was subjected to the preshow. Wow, talk about not making your champions seem important. Why was Shinsuke not in the World Cup tournament? He is the US champ. Shouldn't he be there? Anyways, the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship match between champions, The Bar (Cesaro and Sheamus) (c) (with Big Show) versus the challenger, The New Day (Big E and Kofi Kingston) (with Xavier Woods) was probably the best match of the night, even if, the fans seen these two teams fight, many times before. The highlight of night has to be, that magic carpet entrance. As for the Universal Championship match for the vacant title, between Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman. I hate that the duel was a quick squash. It makes Strowman look weak and Lesnar, so, so lazy. Anyways, if Roman Reigns didn't had to relinquish title to leukemia, the original triple threat would probably end, nearly the same way. That's truly pathetic. And as for the World Cup Tournament matches with Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, Kurt Angle, the Miz, Bobby Lashley, Seth Rollins and Jeff Hardy. They were all full of repetitive rest holds, over amount of posing, awful commentary & rushed finishes. None of them, worked. The finals with the twist ending with Shane McMahon made every other previous match seem like a waste of time. Plus, it's weird to have a World Cup with all only WWE American wrestlers. It doesn't make sense. That's bring us to the main event. D-Generation X (Triple H and Shawn Michaels) versus The Brothers of Destruction (The Undertaker and Kane) was botchy as hell, resulting in a lot of real life injuries to a lot of the pass their prime wrestlers. Also, HBK's return to wrestling after 8 years away was slightly disappointing, due to him, fighting the same people, rather than new opponents. It seem like a wasted. I also hate, that this match, ruins the 'End of the Era' storyline. Overall: I have to say, WWE has one of the best roster that they ever had, and they still put a miserable show. Nobody seem like the 'Best in the World' that night, not even the annoying fans chanting CM Punk. Bottom line, wrestling fans might be better off pretending this show held at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia got canceled. This is one jewel that deserved to be buried in the sands of time for real.

Worst thing I've ever watched in the history of history

[bdoan-19271 · 1/10 · 2 November 2018]

I'd rather go blind than watch this pile of garbage again. Kudos to John Cena and Daniel Bryan for their morals being more important than a pay check

Not worth your time

[stevenriggert-21708 · 1/10 · 2 November 2018]

The whole thing from start to finish was just bad. The decisions made by the creative team were horrible, and the political climate was clearly a factor in some of the outcomes. Just don't bother

Wtf just happened...

[connordrbs · 2 November 2018]

Well that was very strange... another Saudi Pay-Per-View down and hopefully the last. Clearly WWE we're writing stories in a way to not have to mention Crown Jewel ever again which deserves credit but Jesus Christ this was a mess.

Match Reviews:

Shinsuke Nakamura (c) def. Rusev (US Championship): 2.5 stars

Rey Mysterio def. Randy Orton (WC QF 1): 2.25 stars

The Miz def. Jeff Hardy (WC QF 2): 2.25 stars

Seth Rollins def. Bobby Lashley (WC QF 3): 2.5 stars

Dolph Ziggler def. Kurt Angle (WC QF 4): 2 stars

The Bar (c) def. New Day (SD Tag Team Championships): 3 stars

The Miz def. Rey Mysterio (WC SF 1): 3.25 stars

Dolph Ziggler def. Seth Rollins (WC SF 2): 3.5 stars

AJ Styles (c) def. Samoa Joe (WWE Championship): 3 stars

Brock Lesnar def. Braun Strowman (Vacant Universal Championship): 1 star

Shane McMahon def. Dolph Ziggler (WC Final): 1 star

DX def. Brothers of Destruction: 2.25 stars

The Good:

* Rey vs Miz was entertaining * Shinsuke vs Rusev could set up a future feud which seems to be somewhat enjoyable * Shawn still has some juice * No mention of location might mean no more shows?

The Bad:

* Brock Lesnar... * Rip Braun Strowman * Shane McMahon... best in the world * Kurt should've stayed at home * Money * Sucking up to the Saudi front row with every bump possible

Overall Rating: 4.8/10

WWE DOES IT RIGHT WITH THE MEANING ONCE IS NEVER ENOUGH!

[jamontjohnson-83319 · 3/10 · 3 November 2018]

I HAD ANOTHER REVIEW I SPENT ONE HOUR AND A HALF PREPARING THAT WAS NOT INCLUDED ON HERE DUE TO PROFANITY AND SUGGESTIVE LANGUAGE SO I AM NOT TYPING ANOTHER LONG DRAWN OUT ONE. I SAY JUST WHAT MY TITLE SAYS ABOUT THIS CROWN JEWEL EVENT THAT I WATCHED FIVE HOURS STRAIGHT WITH THE PRE-SHOW. I AM TRULY DEVASTATED BY THIS FAILURE OF THE YEAR THAT IS JUST SLIGHTLY BETTER THAN BACKLASH 2018 SINCE IT HAD A GREAT CARD BUT NO SURPRISES, NO OUTSTANDING WRESTLING MATCHES OR GOOD PROMOS/SEGMENTS BESIDES HULK HOGAN(STILL NOT PLEASED) FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT MISSED IT YOU ARE VERY FORTUNATE BECAUSE I BELIEVE EVERY ONE IN ATTENDANCE AND THOSE WHOM WATCHED AT HOME WANT HIS OR HER MONEY BACK AND TIME. I AM NOT EVEN GOING TO STATE ALL THE MISHAPS AND CALAMITIES THAT OCCURED AT THIS SHOWING BUT HERE IS A RUNDOWN: REY MYSTERIO/ RANDY ORTON MATCH WAS DECENT UNTIL IT WAS CUT SHORT FOLLOWED BY THE NEXT ONE WITH JEFF HARDY/THE MIZ SAME THING AND SETH ROLLINS BOBBY LASHLEY BOREFEST WORST SETH HAS LOOKED THIS YEAR DUE TO TIME CONSTRAINTS AND KURT ANGLE DOLPH ZIGGLER NOTHING REALLY SPECIAL JUST A HURRY UP TO GET THIS OVER WITH THE BAR AND THE NEW DAY TRIED TO DO THEIR BEST BUT DID NOT GET A CHANCE AND HAVE HAD BETTER MATCHES REY MYSTERIO BEATS THE MIZ IN THE BEST CONTEST OF THE NIGHT IN MY OPINION JUST NEEDED MORE TIME AND WAS MORE ENJOYABLE THAN DOLPH ZIGGLER DEFEATING SETH ROLLLINS THANKS TO MCINTYRE AGAIN- REAL HUGE MISTAKE SETH SHOULD HAVE WON SINCE DOLPH ALWAYS NEED HELP FROM HIS GUY TO WIN AND I THOUGHT ROLLINS WOULD ADVANCE TO THE FINALS TO FACE THE MIZ SO DEAN AMBROSE WHOM WAS THERE IN SAUDI ARABIA COULD COST HIM THE World Cup to add to The Shield Breakup Story but the IDIOTS THAT WRITE FOR WWE DID NOT DO THAT! AJ STYLES GOES OVER SAMOA JOE FOR THE WWE TITLE FOR THE BILLIONTH BUT 4TH TIME IN 4 MONTH TIME PERIOD AND THE RESULT THE SAME IN THEIR WORST ENCOUNTER YET! SAMOA JOE IS MADE TO LOOK LIKE A LOSER AND OFFICIALLY BURIED! SPEAKING OF THAT NEXT UP BRAUN STROWMAN BEAT DOWN AND LOSS TO THE BEAST MAN WITH FIVE F5S EVEN I WAS UP ON MY FEET IN FURY FOR THIS CALL LESNAR IS ALL ABOUT UFC AND NOT WANTING TO BE ON RAW WEEKLY BUT THE BEST OPPORTUNITY TO BE PUT OVER BY MONSTER AMONG MEN HE COULD NOT DO THAT(BARON CORBIN NEEDS HIS SELF EXTREMELY HURT AND GONE AWAY 2 FOR HIS PART) BUT HOW COULD WWE DO THIS TO A MAN THAT HAS A MONSTROUS YEAR WITH BEING OVER WITH THE CROWD JUST TO GO TO A GUY NO ONE CARES TO SEE NOW BECAUSE HE ONLY THERE FOR BIG MATCHES AND HIS CHECK! I AM SERIOUSLY DONE WITH WWE AFTER WM 35 BECAUSE IT IS 2 PREDICTABLE REDUNDANT AND DULL PLUS THE WRITERS ARE TERRIBLE WITH BOOKING! NEXT SHANE WINS THE World Cup AFTER I THOUGHT THE MIZ WAS LEGITIMATELY HURT AFTER HE CAME OUT THE APRON BUT IT WAS AN ACT FOR SHANE TO BECOME A HEEL IN THE FUTURE! I HAD NO PROBLEM WITH THIS SINCE I DID NOT CARE ABOUT THE TOURNAMENT OR World Cup BUT I WOULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING DIFFERENT! FINALLY DX VANQUISHES THE BROTHERS OF DESTRUCTION WITH SO MANY BLOOPERS AND MISHAPS GOING ON IN THIS MATCH IT IS PURE COMEDY SUCH AS SHAWN MICHAELS BALD HEAD, KANE MASK FALLING OFF AFTER MICHAELS PUNCHED HIM, THE UNDERTAKER AND TRIPLE H IRISH WHIP TANGLE UP(AWFUL) SHAWN GETTING BLOODIED AND FALLING ON HIS HEAD WITH THAT MOON SAULT AND TRIPLE H HURTING HIS PECTORAL MUSCLES AFTER KANE CHOKE SLAM THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE. I JUST LMFAO AT THIS SINCE THIS IS WHAT WWE IS ALL ABOUT NOW BUT THE MAIN EVENT WAS EASILY THE MATCH OF THE NIGHT DUE TO TIME AND MOVES DONE EVEN IF IT IS NOT A WRESTLING CLASSIC BUT A BRAWL WITH ERRORS. I AM STILL GIVING THIS CROWL JEWEL EVENT A RATING OF 3 OUT OF 10 BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN SO MANY GREATER ONES THAT DESERVE HIGH RATE BY THE WAY OF THIS CRAP BORE SHORT MATCH FEST EVEN THE ANNOUNCERS/OFFICIALS AND AUDIENCE SHOWED NO EMOTION SINCE THEY KNEW SO SAVE YOURSELF AND SO SHOULD WWE WITH THE IDIOM ABOVE DO IT ONCE AND NEVER AGAIN!(GREATEST ROYAL RUMBLE- THAT'S IT -NO MORE)

DX vs The Brothers of Destruction is so bad it's good

[barrosjavon · 2/10 · 8 June 2019]

DX vs The Brothers of Destruction is the funniest match I ever seen in my life

WWE Crown Jewel

[bobcobb301 · 6/10 · 2 November 2018]

The live crowd seemed to love the main event, but it felt like a mess all over the place. HBK is free to do whatever he wants, he has earned it, but he is not near the wrestler he once was.

Shane McMahon winning the World Cup off a fake injury was terrible booking.

Styles vs. Joe was solid, but I feel like it should have been a bigger move than the Phenomenal Forearm to take down Joe.

Had its good moments (discussed) like always!

[MuviFan73 · 7/10 · 6 November 2018]

When the matches were announced, it came to me that watching would be an epic journey, sadly it turned out a little disappointing. Discussed are the highs of matches that come to mind.

Crown Jewel was the prize to be won among eight competitors. Rey Mysterio won his first match. He showed a lot of determination and showed us for what he is known for.

The match of Miz vs Jeff Hardy made me realize two things, Jeff is not as good as I think and Miz is better than what I thought of him (respect). He further defeated Rey to reach the finals.

Seth vs Lashley, Lashley lost. It makes me say the one who needs it more and doesn't give up wins. The physique here was of no use.

Angle vs Ziggler, Angle was my favorite but Ziggler won. You don't stay at the same high throughout your carrier. Ziggler even won against Seth, the one who didn't give up like his competitor Ziggler. Ziggler turned out to be the best wrestler when we consider the entire event. Hats off!

Now what disappointed me, as the finale occurred (Miz vs Ziggler), Miz got injured (probably a fake) Shane McMohan cashed in and won the cup. The other event that disappointed me was DX winning against brothers Undertaker and Kane.