Introduction
Picture this: some of the biggest names in professional wrestling stepping into a ring surrounded by thousands of roaring fans in one of the world’s most opulent settings. That’s WWE Crown Jewel for you. This premium live event has become one of the most talked about shows on the wrestling calendar, and for good reason. Whether you love it or have mixed feelings about it, you can’t ignore its impact on the industry.
WWE Crown Jewel takes place in Saudi Arabia as part of a long-term partnership between WWE and the Kingdom. The event showcases championship matches, legendary returns, and moments that wrestling fans discuss for months afterward. If you’re curious about what makes this show special, why it generates so much conversation, or how you can watch it, you’re in the right place. We’ll cover everything from the event’s history to its most memorable moments, plus answer the questions fans ask most often.
What Is WWE Crown Jewel?
WWE Crown Jewel stands as one of the premier wrestling events WWE produces each year. The company created this show as part of its partnership with Saudi Arabia’s General Sports Authority, which began in 2018. The Kingdom hosts multiple WWE events annually, and Crown Jewel represents the flagship presentation among these shows.
You’ll find Crown Jewel typically scheduled in late October or early November. The event takes place in massive stadiums across Saudi Arabia, with past locations including Riyadh’s King Fahd International Stadium and King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. These venues hold tens of thousands of fans, creating an atmosphere that rivals WrestleMania in scale.
What sets Crown Jewel apart from regular WWE programming? The company often saves major championship matches and career-defining moments for this event. You might see title changes, surprise returns of legendary wrestlers, or unique match types that don’t happen on weekly shows. WWE treats Crown Jewel with the same production quality and star power they bring to their other major premium live events.
The event streams globally on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network in other territories. This means fans worldwide can watch the action regardless of the time zone difference.
The History Behind WWE Crown Jewel
The story of WWE Crown Jewel begins with a broader partnership. In 2018, WWE and Saudi Arabia announced a 10-year deal bringing multiple wrestling events to the Kingdom each year. The first event under this agreement was Greatest Royal Rumble in April 2018, which set the stage for what would follow.
Crown Jewel debuted later that same year in November 2018. The inaugural show featured a tournament to crown the first-ever WWE World Cup winner. Shane McMahon walked away with that honor after replacing The Miz in the finals, defeating Dolph Ziggler. That first Crown Jewel also included a WWE Championship match between AJ Styles and Samoa Joe, plus Daniel Bryan versus Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship.
Since then, Crown Jewel has become an annual tradition. Each year brings fresh storylines and matches designed specifically for the Saudi audience. The 2019 edition saw Brock Lesnar defeat Cain Velasquez and “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt battle Seth Rollins in a controversial Falls Count Anywhere match. The 2021 show featured Edge versus Seth Rollins inside Hell in a Cell, while 2022 brought us Roman Reigns defending against Logan Paul.
Recent years have seen WWE introducing new championship concepts at Crown Jewel. The event continues evolving while maintaining its position as a cornerstone of WWE’s international expansion strategy.
Notable Matches and Moments
Crown Jewel has delivered several unforgettable moments since its inception. Let’s explore some matches that left lasting impressions on wrestling fans.
Championship Showdowns
You’ve witnessed some incredible title matches at Crown Jewel over the years. Roman Reigns has defended his championships multiple times at this event, including his 2022 match against Logan Paul that surprised critics with its quality. The YouTube star held his own against the Tribal Chief, earning respect from the wrestling community.
Goldberg made his return to WWE at Crown Jewel 2019, defeating “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt in just minutes for the Universal Championship. While controversial, this moment created massive buzz online. The match divided fans, with some appreciating Goldberg’s star power and others disappointed by the booking decision.
Legendary Returns
Crown Jewel has become known for bringing back wrestling legends. The 2018 show featured Shawn Michaels coming out of retirement to team with Triple H, forming D-Generation X for a tag team match against Brothers of Destruction (The Undertaker and Kane). Seeing HBK in a ring again after eight years created genuine excitement among fans.
Tyson Fury stepped into the WWE ring at Crown Jewel 2019 to face Braun Strowman. The heavyweight boxing champion’s appearance demonstrated WWE’s ability to attract mainstream attention to these Saudi shows.
Historic Firsts
Women’s wrestling at Crown Jewel marked a significant milestone. The first-ever women’s match in Saudi Arabia took place at Crown Jewel 2019, with Natalya facing Lacey Evans. This represented progress in a country where women’s participation in sports had been restricted. Since then, women’s matches have become regular features at Saudi events.
The Controversy Surrounding Crown Jewel
You can’t discuss WWE Crown Jewel without addressing the controversies. This event has sparked more debate than perhaps any other WWE show, and understanding these concerns helps you form your own perspective.
Human Rights Concerns
Many wrestling fans and wrestlers themselves have expressed discomfort with WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom’s human rights record includes restrictions on freedom of expression, women’s rights issues, and other concerns documented by international organizations. When WWE announced the partnership, critics questioned whether a entertainment company should engage with a government facing such scrutiny.
The 2018 Crown Jewel occurred shortly after journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, which U.S. intelligence linked to Saudi officials. WWE faced pressure to cancel the event, but the show proceeded as scheduled. This decision generated significant backlash from media outlets, fans, and even some WWE performers.
Wrestler Concerns
Several WWE superstars have declined to participate in Saudi shows. John Cena has never appeared at a Crown Jewel event. Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and others have sat out various Saudi shows, though WWE typically doesn’t publicize the reasons. These absences fuel ongoing discussions about whether performers should be required to work these events.
Daniel Bryan (now known as Bryan Danielson in AEW) famously refused to perform in Saudi Arabia, citing personal beliefs. His principled stance resonated with fans who shared similar concerns.
Women’s Evolution
Initially, WWE’s partnership prohibited women from competing at Saudi events. This contradicted WWE’s “Women’s Evolution” messaging and created an awkward contradiction. The company eventually negotiated for women to perform, but progress has been gradual. Some fans view this as a positive development, while others see it as insufficient given WWE’s rhetoric about equality.
How Crown Jewel Fits Into WWE’s Global Strategy
WWE views Crown Jewel as crucial to its worldwide expansion. Understanding this context helps explain why the company maintains this partnership despite criticism.
Financial Considerations
Reports suggest WWE receives substantial payment for each Saudi event. While exact figures aren’t publicly confirmed, wrestling journalists estimate the deal brings WWE tens of millions annually. This revenue stream supports WWE’s overall business operations and stockholder interests.
For a publicly traded company, maximizing revenue while expanding into new markets represents standard business practice. Saudi Arabia offers WWE access to a region where professional wrestling hasn’t traditionally had strong presence.
Growing International Fanbase
WWE has always pursued global audiences. From running shows in Europe to expanding throughout Asia, the company seeks fans wherever they can find them. Saudi Arabia’s young population and growing entertainment industry make it an attractive market.
The Kingdom has invested heavily in sports and entertainment as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. This modernization plan aims to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy beyond oil production. WWE’s partnership aligns with these broader societal changes.
Balancing Business and Ethics
WWE faces a dilemma that many international corporations encounter. Should business decisions consider only financial factors, or do companies have responsibility to consider political and social contexts? Different people reach different conclusions.
Some argue that engagement promotes gradual change, pointing to women now performing at Saudi events as evidence. Others contend that WWE’s presence provides legitimacy to a government with serious human rights issues. This debate continues among fans and within the wrestling industry.
What Makes Crown Jewel Different From Other WWE Events
Beyond controversy, Crown Jewel has unique characteristics that distinguish it from typical WWE programming.
Production Scale
WWE goes all out for Crown Jewel. The staging, pyrotechnics, and overall presentation rival WrestleMania in spectacle. You’ll notice elaborate entrances, special video packages, and production values that exceed weekly shows. The company wants to impress both the live audience and viewers worldwide.
Match Selection
WWE often saves special attractions for Crown Jewel. You might see champion versus champion matches, unique stipulations, or dream matches that wouldn’t happen on regular programming. The 2021 event featured a 50-man battle royal, demonstrating the scale WWE pursues for these shows.
Cultural Adaptations
WWE makes certain adjustments for the Saudi audience. Commentary teams sometimes include Arabic broadcasters. The company incorporates local customs into the presentation where appropriate. These modifications acknowledge the specific cultural context while maintaining WWE’s core entertainment formula.
Time Zone Challenges
For fans in North America, Crown Jewel airs at unusual times. The event takes place during Saudi afternoon or evening hours, which translates to morning or midday in the United States. This scheduling creates different viewing dynamics compared to typical WWE shows.
How to Watch WWE Crown Jewel
If you want to catch Crown Jewel, you have several options depending on your location.
Streaming Options
In the United States: Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, carries all WWE premium live events including Crown Jewel. The service costs around $5.99 monthly for the ad-supported tier or $11.99 for ad-free viewing. You’ll get access to WWE’s entire archive plus the live event.
International Viewers: WWE Network remains available outside the United States through various providers. Check WWE’s official website for your country’s specific streaming option. Many territories offer WWE Network as a standalone service or through partnerships with local broadcasters.
Traditional TV: Some countries broadcast Crown Jewel on traditional television networks. These arrangements vary by region, so checking local listings helps ensure you don’t miss the show.
What to Expect
Crown Jewel typically runs three to four hours. The card usually includes five to seven matches, though this varies by year. You’ll see a mix of championship matches, featured attractions, and sometimes celebrity appearances.
Plan for a potential start time around noon Eastern if you’re watching from the United States. WWE typically announces exact timing about a week before the event.
Recent Crown Jewel Events and Highlights
Looking at recent shows gives you perspective on how Crown Jewel has evolved.
Crown Jewel 2023
The 2023 edition took place on November 4 in Riyadh. Roman Reigns defended his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against LA Knight in the main event. The Bloodline storyline continued dominating WWE programming, and Crown Jewel provided another chapter.
Cody Rhodes defeated Damian Priest in a hard-hitting match. John Cena made a surprise appearance, thrilling fans with his presence even if he didn’t compete. These moments demonstrated WWE’s continued commitment to making Crown Jewel feel special.
Crown Jewel 2024
The 2024 event introduced the Crown Jewel Championship concept. WWE created special championships awarded specifically at this event, adding another layer to the show’s significance. This innovation aimed to give Crown Jewel its own identity beyond being “just another premium live event.”
Cody Rhodes defeated Gunther to become the inaugural Crown Jewel Champion in the men’s division. Liv Morgan defeated Nia Jax to claim the women’s Crown Jewel Championship. These victories added accolades to the winners’ resumes while establishing a new tradition.
The event also featured Randy Orton versus Kevin Owens, continuing their intense rivalry. LA Knight challenged Andrade in an exciting midcard bout. Each match served storylines while delivering the in-ring action fans expect.
The Future of WWE Crown Jewel
Where does Crown Jewel go from here? Several factors will shape this event’s future.
WWE Under New Ownership
WWE’s merger with UFC under TKO Group Holdings in 2023 changed the company’s structure. New leadership may approach the Saudi partnership differently than previous management. However, contractual obligations likely mean Crown Jewel continues for several more years regardless.
Evolving Cultural Context
Saudi Arabia continues implementing social reforms. Women’s participation in sports and entertainment has expanded significantly since the partnership began. As the Kingdom changes, WWE’s events there may face less criticism, or concerns may shift to different issues entirely.
Wrestling Industry Changes
Competition from AEW and other promotions affects how WWE positions all its events. Crown Jewel needs to deliver memorable moments to justify its prominent place on the calendar. You can expect WWE to continue investing in making this show must-see television.
Fan Reception
Ultimately, fan interest determines whether Crown Jewel thrives. If viewership remains strong and the event generates positive buzz, WWE will maintain its current approach. Conversely, declining interest could lead to changes in how the company approaches these shows.
Why Crown Jewel Matters to Wrestling Fans
Whether you love or hate Crown Jewel, it impacts professional wrestling in meaningful ways.
Career Opportunities
Crown Jewel provides exposure for WWE performers. Winning at this event can elevate a wrestler’s status within the company. For mid-card performers, a strong showing in Saudi Arabia might lead to better positioning on future cards.
Storytelling Moments
Major storylines often pivot at Crown Jewel. Title changes, heel turns, and surprise returns that happen here affect WWE programming for months afterward. If you follow WWE regularly, Crown Jewel episodes matter to understanding ongoing narratives.
Industry Economics
WWE’s Saudi deal influences the entire wrestling business. The financial boost helps WWE sign and retain talent, invest in production quality, and maintain its position as the industry leader. Competitors must account for WWE’s enhanced resources when planning their own strategies.
Global Wrestling Culture
Crown Jewel represents wrestling’s worldwide reach. Seeing WWE perform in diverse markets demonstrates the art form’s universal appeal. For fans in Saudi Arabia and surrounding regions, these events provide rare opportunities to experience professional wrestling live.
Conclusion
WWE Crown Jewel stands as one of the most complex events in professional wrestling today. The show delivers spectacular matches, memorable moments, and top-tier production values. At the same time, it raises legitimate questions about business ethics, cultural engagement, and the responsibilities of entertainment companies.
You’ve now got the full picture of what Crown Jewel represents. From its origins as part of WWE’s Saudi partnership to its evolution into an annual tradition, this event occupies a unique space in wrestling. The controversies surrounding it won’t disappear, but neither will the undeniable fact that Crown Jewel produces moments that matter to WWE’s ongoing storylines.
Whether you choose to watch Crown Jewel, skip it entirely, or engage critically while viewing comes down to your personal values. Wrestling fans hold diverse perspectives on this event, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters is staying informed, understanding different viewpoints, and making choices aligned with your beliefs.
Will you be tuning in to the next WWE Crown Jewel? The decision is yours, but now you’ve got all the information you need to make it confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does WWE Crown Jewel take place each year?
WWE Crown Jewel typically occurs in late October or early November. The exact date varies by year depending on WWE’s overall schedule and coordination with Saudi officials. WWE usually announces the specific date several months in advance, giving fans time to plan their viewing.
Can I watch WWE Crown Jewel on Peacock?
Yes, if you’re in the United States, Peacock streams all WWE premium live events including Crown Jewel. You need either the ad-supported or premium subscription to access the live show. International viewers should check WWE Network availability in their region.
Why is WWE Crown Jewel controversial?
Crown Jewel generates controversy due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and specific incidents like the Khashoggi murder. Some fans and wrestlers believe WWE shouldn’t partner with the Saudi government. Others view engagement as promoting gradual positive change. The debate involves complex ethical considerations.
Do women wrestle at WWE Crown Jewel?
Yes, women now compete at Crown Jewel. The first women’s match in Saudi Arabia took place at Crown Jewel 2019. Since then, WWE has featured women’s matches at most Saudi events, though the evolution has been gradual. This represents progress from the partnership’s early days when women couldn’t perform.
How much does WWE get paid for Crown Jewel?
WWE hasn’t officially disclosed exact payment amounts, but wrestling journalists estimate the Saudi deal brings WWE tens of millions annually for multiple events. Crown Jewel represents the flagship show under this agreement. The financial arrangement significantly impacts WWE’s overall revenue.
Has John Cena ever appeared at Crown Jewel?
No, John Cena has never competed at or appeared at a Crown Jewel event. While WWE hasn’t confirmed his reasons, his absence from all Saudi shows has been noted by fans and media. Several other wrestlers have also declined participation over the years.
What is the Crown Jewel Championship?
WWE introduced Crown Jewel Championships in 2024. These titles are awarded specifically at the Crown Jewel event to winners of champion versus champion matches. Both men’s and women’s divisions have Crown Jewel Championships. The titles add unique prestige to the event itself.
Where can I find the Crown Jewel match card?
WWE typically announces the Crown Jewel match card gradually over the weeks leading up to the event. You can find the card on WWE’s official website, their social media channels, or through wrestling news websites. The full card is usually set about a week before the show.
How long does Crown Jewel usually last?
Crown Jewel typically runs three to four hours, similar to other WWE premium live events. The exact length depends on how many matches WWE books and whether any special segments or surprises extend the runtime. Plan for at least three hours when watching.
Will WWE continue doing Crown Jewel events?
The original 10-year partnership announced in 2018 suggests Crown Jewel will continue through at least 2028. WWE’s contract with Saudi Arabia covers multiple events annually, with Crown Jewel serving as the premiere show. Unless major changes occur, you can expect Crown Jewel to remain part of WWE’s calendar for years to come.
