Growing up, Triple H was plagued by questions.
“When I was a kid, I used to wonder, what would happen if Bruno Sammartino or Bob Backlund were to step into the ring with Harley Race or Dusty Rhodes? If Ric Flair at his peak stepped in the ring with Hulk Hogan?”
While those matches didn’t always come to fruition, or reach a satisfying conclusion if they did, this generation will get the answers to their what-ifs at WWE Crown Jewel.
Speaking during Crown Jewel Kickoff, the WWE COO explained the idea behind pitting the heads of Raw and SmackDown against one another.
“This is us creating a moment in time where the WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will step into the ring with the World Heavyweight Champion Gunther … it’s a moment in time to take two great champions and determine one time who is the absolute best.”
The winners of the matches between both Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther and Liv Morgan vs. Nia Jax will be presented with bejeweled title belts, signifying them the Crown Jewel Champion.
The belts themselves are to stay in Saudi Arabia at the permanent WWE Experience exhibit, while a “Super Bowl-style ring” will remain with the winner.
But who will that be? Join the NZPWI Roundtable as we break down the card for WWE Crown Jewel.
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Men’s Crown Jewel Championship:
Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther
Grady Hooker (83% accurate in 2024):
Both champions are looking really focused, but I can’t help but give the edge to The Ring General. He’s got that extra level that I think Rhodes might not be prepared for.
Winner: Gunther
Steve McCleary (79% accurate in 2024):
Ever since Rhodes and Gunther clashed at the 2023 Royal Rumble, we’ve wondered what’d happen if they faced off one-on-one. Wonder no more – as much as Cody is special, he’s going to find out why Gunther is unstoppable.
Winner: Gunther
David Dunn (67% accurate in 2024):
Between Kevin Owens, Roman Reigns, the new-look Bloodline etc, Cody Rhodes has been stretched thin over the course of 2024. Gunther, meanwhile, has been thinking about this moment since their Royal Rumble collision.
Winner: Gunther
AJ Murtagh (64% accurate in 2024):
Going in to this match, Cody has been distracted by the falling out of his friendship with Kevin Owens, while Gunther has been riding waves of confidence and momentum. This will make Gunther too dangerous to overcome.
Winner: Gunther
Sammy G (52% accurate in 2024):
As is the case with most champion vs. champion or brand vs. brand matches, the stakes are high! As a champion, you represent your company, your brand, your General Manager, and yourself. This is going to be an intense match, and when the dust settles, Gunther will be Crown Jewel Champion for 2024.
Winner: Gunther
Picks Summary:
Men’s Crown Jewel Championship:
Cody Rhodes: – (0%)
Gunther: Grady, Steve, David, AJ, Sammy (100%)
Women’s Crown Jewel Championship:
Liv Morgan: Grady, Sammy (40%)
Nia Jax: Steve, David, AJ (60%)
The Bloodline: Grady, Steve, Sammy (60%)
Roman Reigns & The Usos: David, AJ (40%)
“Big” Bronson Reed: Grady, AJ, Sammy (60%)
Seth “Freakin” Rollins: Steve, David (40%)
Kevin Owens: Grady, Steve, David, AJ (80%)
Randy Orton: Sammy (20%)
United States Championship:
Andrade: Sammy (20%)
Carmelo Hayes: Grady (20%)
LA Knight: Steve, David, AJ (60%)
Women’s Tag Team Championship:
Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill: Grady, Steve, David, AJ Sammy (100%)
Chelsea Green & Piper Niven: – (0%)
Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane: – (0%)
Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend: – (0%)
WWE Crown Jewel 2024
Sunday, November 3
6am NZDT (WWE Countdown from 4am)
Netflix & WWE Network
