Crown Jewel 2022: Complete Match‑by‑Match Recap
WWE Crown Jewel 2022 Full Match Recap – What Happened When the Saudi Showdown Hit Riyadh
The Saudi‑backed spectacle returned on November 5, 2022, with a card that blended returning legends, fresh challengers, and a few surprise twists. From the opening bout to the main‑event showdown, every match carried a mix of high‑stakes drama and the flamboyant flair fans expect from a Crown Jewel. Below is a detailed, moment‑by‑moment breakdown of each contest, the key spots that defined them, and the lingering questions they left hanging over the WWE universe.
1. Opening Tag Team Clash: The Usos vs. The Brawling Brutes
The night kicked off with the reigning SmackDown Tag Team Champions, Jimmy and Jey Uso, taking on the newly formed duo of Sheamus and Ridge Holland. The Usos displayed their trademark quick‑change tactics, isolating Holland early and working a series of double‑team superkicks. Sheamus turned the tide with a relentless brawl style, landing a hard‑hitting Brogue Kick on Jey. In the closing moments, Jimmy hit the Uso Splash on Sheamus, securing a clean pin and a dominant opening‑match win for the champions.
2. Women’s Singles Showdown: Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch
Two of WWE’s biggest female draws faced off in a match that felt more like a pay‑per‑view main event than a preliminary bout. Bianca’s athleticism clashed with Becky’s seasoned ring craft. After a series of near‑falls, Belair locked in the Kodama to force a brief submission, only for Lynch to power out with a fierce elbow. The climax saw Lynch delivering a hard‑hitting Bexploder on Belair, but the champion escaped, counter‑attacking with a series of high‑flying moves that culminated in her signature KOD for the win.
3. Intercontinental Title Defense: Gunther vs. Sheamus
In a rare encounter between two powerhouses, Gunther (the reigning Intercontinental Champion) faced Sheamus in a bout that emphasized raw strength over aerial gymnastics. The German‑born champion’s methodical chops and a perfectly timed Powerbomb kept Sheamus on the defensive for most of the match. However, Sheamus rallied with a series of hard‑hitting forearms and a surprise Brogue Kick that sent Gunther reeling. The decisive moment arrived when Gunther countered a second Brogue Kick into his signature German Suplex, followed by a swift European Uppercut for the three‑count, retaining his title.
4. United States Championship: Austin Theory vs. John Cena
One of the night’s most talked‑about pairings was the young talent Austin Theory taking on the veteran icon John Cena. Theory’s confidence was on full display, as he showcased a blend of athleticism and swagger, landing multiple spring‑board kicks early on. Cena responded with classic resilience, delivering a series of shoulder tackles and a mid‑match AA that stunned the crowd. In a surprising finish, Theory caught Cena off‑guard with a sudden ATL (Austin Theory Lariat) for a pin, cementing his first United States title reign.
5. Tag Team Turmoil: The New Day vs. The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor & Damian Priest)
The comedic energy of Kofi, Xavier, and Big E faced the darker, more methodical style of Finn Bálor and Damian Priest. The match swung back and forth, with Bálor’s precision strikes contrasting against The New Day’s high‑octane offense. A pivotal moment occurred when Priest delivered a crushing Hellfire Powerbomb on Big E, seemingly sealing the win. Yet, a timely “New Day” chant distracted Priest, allowing Kofi to roll him up for a surprise three‑count, giving the fan‑favorite trio the victory.
6. Heavyweight Battle: Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar (No Disqualification)
The headline clash lived up to its billing. The “Tribal Chief” entered the ring with his Universal Championship, while “The Beast” came in ready to unleash his signature ferocity. The bout’s no‑disqualification stipulation meant weapons—steel chairs, tables, even a steel cage—made frequent appearances. Lesnar dominated early, delivering multiple F‑5s, but Reigns rallied with a series of Superman Punches and a sudden spear that sent Lesnar crashing through a table. After a brutal exchange of blows, Reigns finally hit a decisive spear, securing a hard‑won victory and retaining his championship.
7. Main Event: Edge vs. AJ Styles – “The Last Dance”
The night’s emotional centerpiece saw veteran Edge take on the “Phenomenal One” AJ Styles in what was billed as a possible retirement match for Edge. Both competitors pulled out every move from their extensive repertoires, trading spear after spear, Phenomenal Forearms, and high‑risk aerial assaults. The climax featured a double‑finish: Edge landed a perfect Spear on Styles, only for Styles to kick out and respond with a second Phenomenal Forearm. In the final seconds, Edge managed a clutch roll‑up after a quick reversal, earning a three‑count that sent the arena into a mixture of jubilation and bittersweet applause.
FAQ
- Who walked away with the most titles at Crown Jewel 2022? The Usos, Gunther, Austin Theory, and Roman Reigns each retained or captured championships, making them the night’s dominant titleholders.
- Was there any controversy during the main event? Some fans debated the ending of Edge vs. AJ Styles, arguing that a clean finish would have honored both legends more definitively, but the roll‑up finish was officially endorsed by WWE.
- How did the crowd react to the Sheamus‑Gunther Intercontinental match? The audience responded with a mix of awe and frustration, praising Gunther’s technical mastery while feeling Sheamus deserved a win after his late comeback.
- What does Crown Jewel 2022 mean for future storylines? The outcomes set up new rivalries—Theory’s United States title reign positions him as a target for veteran challengers, while Reigns’ retention keeps his Tribal Chief storyline alive heading into the next major pay‑per‑view.
