WWE Crown Jewel Delivers Thrills: From Fan Singalongs to Oba Femi's Shocking Return

WWE's Crown Jewel event unfolded in Riyadh on Saturday evening, overcoming initial uncertainties about its proceeding. The spectacle, initially slated for the expansive outdoor Riyadh Season Stadium, was relocated to the more intimate, indoor ANB Arena (The Venue). Despite the last-minute venue adjustment and a reduced capacity, the 8,000-strong audience generated considerable excitement, with continuous cheers, chants, and standing ovations throughout the night. Here are the key highlights from the event.

Fans Find Their Voice with Singalongs and Cheers

The Riyadh crowd demonstrated their full enthusiasm from the very first match. Fans enthusiastically sang along to the entrance themes of Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton as the two prominent stars made their way to the ring. Their Last Man Standing bout provided ample action, culminating in Rhodes defeating his former mentor in a grueling contest.

Oba Femi's Surprise Return

Oba Femi made an unannounced return to the Riyadh event. During a chaotic World Tag Team Championship match, Bronson Reed intervened to support the champions, Bron Breakker and Austin Theory, collectively known as The Vision. Femi, who was not part of the advertised lineup, entered the arena to equalize the situation, forcefully removing the imposing Reed from the stage and through a table. This crucial distraction enabled Je'Von Evans to execute an OG Cutter and secure the pinfall on Theory, thus winning the tag titles for himself and Penta, who notably entered the match already holding the 2026 Men's Money in the Bank briefcase.

Chelsea Green Wins... But Then Loses

Chelsea Green experienced a rapid shift in fortune, achieving significant success only to lose it moments later. Green defeated Raw's Liv Morgan to claim the ceremonial 2026 Women's Crown Jewel Championship. However, her celebration was abruptly halted by the arrival of Tiffany Stratton. Initially appearing to offer support, Stratton instead attacked Green with her Money in the Bank briefcase, successfully cashing in her contract to win the WWE Women's Championship.

Sami Zayn Finally Gets His Respect

The main event featured a highly anticipated champion-vs-champion showdown, with WWE World Champion Roman Reigns emerging victorious over Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn to claim the Men's Crown Jewel Championship. Zayn, who has Syrian heritage, received the loudest ovation from the regional audience. After a hard-fought match that saw Zayn nearly secure a win with a Helluva Kick, Reigns ultimately prevailed, delivering two consecutive Spears for the pinfall. In a poignant post-match moment, Zayn extended his hand in a gesture of respect. Reigns, after a brief hesitation, reciprocated with a powerful hug, bringing a meaningful conclusion to their extensive rivalry.

A Bigger Date Ahead for Riyadh

The successful staging of Crown Jewel provided a significant boost to Riyadh's entertainment calendar, especially after a series of postponements and cancellations affecting other events, including several Saudi Pro League football fixtures. The city's winter schedule is now stabilizing, with the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition set for December 27-30, all building towards Riyadh's hosting of WrestleMania 43 in 2027, marking the first time WWE's premier event will be held outside North America.