My WWE Crown Jewel 2023 Predictions
This weekend will be another PLE in Saudi Arabia which actually has some great matches on the card, unlike last month’s Fastlane.
As usual I thought I’d share my predications on how I think the matches will go but I hope we do get some surprises.
Sami Zayn vs JD McDonagh
Being that this match is on the pre show, I expect it to be something quick and simple just to get Sami on the show. Although JD may get some backup and help, I don’t expect him going over so it’s pretty easy to pick a winner.
My Pick: Sami Zayn
Cody Rhodes vs. Damian Priest
It’s quite interesting as these two guys are both at a high point in terms of booking as Cody is being built up to take down Roman and Priest has the MITB contract. I personally don’t think a loss for either would hurt them, considering if Cody lost it likely wouldn’t be clean, whereas if Priest lost he could cash in later to show why that loss didn’t matter once he’s world champion. Because of this, I think the American Nightmare will likely pick up the win.
My Pick: Cody Rhodes
United States Championship – Rey Mysterio (c) vs Logan Paul
You’d be inclined to think that Logan Paul wouldn’t win due to him being part time, although it was reported that after the last boxing fight that he’d focus more on WWE and getting a title. I do think something like the US Title would be fine for Logan although that means SmackDown would have no single men’s title full time champion on the show if he stays part time. Regardless, I can see Rey putting over Logan and potentially having a small feud with Santos over control of the LWO.
My Pick: Logan Paul
WWE Women’s Championship – Iyo Sky (c) vs Bianca Belair
I’ll start by saying Bianca Belair is my favorite Superstar in the current Women’s roster but I don’t want her to win the title. Iyo’s title run hasn’t been that exciting, but that comes down to Triple H’s booking and not her fault. Iyo deserves a bit more time and some better booking before she drops it so I can see Charlotte costing Bianca the win which will put them on their own non title feud which can easily carry it’s own story.
My Pick: Iyo Sky
John Cena vs. Solo Sikoa
This match has been teased as something that could be Cena’s last match. He hasn’t had a meaningful win in a long time, so this is sort of a make or break match for him. When it comes to Solo, losing to someone like Cena is no issue so I do think it will be teased as the end of Cena’s run but he’ll come through to get the win and maybe even stick around after this until the strike is over.
My Pick: John Cena
Women’s World Championship – Rhea Ripley (c) vs Nia Jax vs Shayna Baszler vs Raquel Rodriguez vs Zoey Stark
I personally don’t feel Rhea’s reign has been that great. Either the champ makes the title or the title makes the champ. Rhea has been killing it as herself and it doesn’t feel like she needs the title, but it could help establish someone else like Raquel way more. Since there’s so many moving parts here, I could personally see Nia Jax pinning one of the other women in the match then holding it until Jade Cargill debuts and takes it from her.
My Pick: Nia Jax
World Heavyweight Championship – Seth Rollins (c) vs Drew McIntyre
I am struggling with this match as I really want Drew to win, but I just don’t feel it’s the right moment. He’s going through a character change so a big loss like this, especially not clean could be what we need to really push him over the edge and turn him into a monster heel that can’t be stopped. I would love for JD to screw him over after Rhea had promised not to get involved, then Seth winning followed by a cash in from Priest.
My Pick: Seth Rollins
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship – Roman Reigns (c) vs LA Knight
I don’t think there’s even anything to discuss as we always get the same boring match from Roman. The ref will go down, LAK will make it look like he got the 3 and could have beat Roman followed by Jimmy or Solo interfering, Roman hits the spear then gets the win. Even if Roman got a clean win it would impress me that they’re doing something different but I won’t hold my breath.
My Pick: Roman Reigns
