WWE: Preview and last-minute predictions for Crown Jewel 2019
What's the story
The sporting season in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia would be headlined by WWE's second pay-per-view in the country this year, the Crown Jewel. This term, as well, the event would witness several top moments, including a historic match as women would be involved in action for the first time ever in the country. Here is the preview and last-minute predictions.
Battle Royal
The most phenomenal Battle Royal ever!
The show would kick off with a 20-man Battle Royal to determine the challenger for the United States Championship, held by AJ Styles. While the match would have some top superstars, judging by the current scenario, Humberto Carrillo looks like the ideal candidate to win it. After being humiliated by Styles last Monday on Raw, Carrillo would certainly eye payback. Prediction: Carrillo wins.
Personal
But Styles is not dropping the title yet!
Considering that Carrillo becomes the challenger for the US Championship, he is going to put a hell of a show, just like Monday. However, considering the fact that Styles draws crowd, WWE is likely to make him not drop the title. Prediction: Styles retains.
Lacey vs Natalya
Lecey Evans and Natalya to make history, regardless who wins
As for the ground-breaking match, women would be performing in Saudi for the first time ever, as Lacey Evans would face off against former women's champion Natalya. Both women have a rich history and going by their rivalry, both would look to win this historic match. However, regardless of who wins, it would certainly be emotional for both. Prediction: Lacey wins.
Hogan vs Flair
A clash of the team of the legends
While Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair seem to have re-ignited their epic rivalry, they would test it out via their five-man team. Currently, Flair's team looks stronger, with stars like Randy Orton, King Corbin, Bobby Lashley, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Drew McIntyre. Hogan's team might have minnows like Ricochet, Shorty G, and Ali, but Rusev and Roman Reigns could make the difference. Prediction: Hogan wins.
Fury vs Strowman
Will the undefeated Heavyweight boxer Get These Hands?
Speaking of celebrities, undefeated heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury made headlines when he challenged Braun Strowman, after the latter insulted him. While Fury might be unbeaten in a boxing ring, WWE is a different ball game. Moreover, going against someone like Strowman is surely going to be a monumental task, unless Fury has something special down his sleeve. Prediction: Fury wins.
Lesnar vs Velasquez
Has The Beast finally found his match in WWE?
While Brock Lesnar is not scared of a fight with anyone in WWE, he will face a big task, courtesy of the arrival of Cain Velasquez, who beat the former, nine years ago, for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. However, it would be interesting to see if Velasquez can deliver the same performance in a WWE ring, especially for the WWE Championship. Prediction: Lesnar retains.
Mansoor vs Cesaro
Will the Riyadh boy be twice luck in Saudi?
Mansoor made history by becoming the first WWE superstar from Saudi. He made it even special by winning the largest Battle Royal during Super ShowDown in June 2019. While Mansoor did outlast 50 other men the last time, a one-on-one action against Cesaro would be a monumental task. Nonetheless, WWE is likely to make the home crowd happy. Prediction: Mansoor wins.
Tag-Team World Cup
Tag-Teams to fight their heart out for the World Cup
The Riyadh event has a special tradition of conducting the WWE World Cup. While Shane McMahon won it the last time in singles competition, it has been converted to tag-team action this time. With nine top teams competing, the action would certainly be mind-blowing. However, as per our analysis, a champion team is likely to come out on top. Prediction: The Viking Raiders win.
Rollins vs Wyatt
Will Seth Rollins be twice lucky against The Fiend?
Reigning Universal Champion Seth Rollins was lucky to edge out of Hell in a Cell with the win, under controversial circumstances. However, The Fiend still has some unfinished business with the champion, as this time, the action is Falls Count Anywhere, with no stoppage. Thus, with no rules around, Fiend could pull out something mean this time. Prediction: Wyatt wins.
Event details
When, where and how to watch
Event: Crown Jewel. Venue: King Fahd International Stadium, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Date and Time: Kick-off show- 9.30 PM (IST), Main show- 10.30 PM (IST), on October 31 (Thursday). Where to watch (TV): Sony Ten 1 (English), Sony Ten 3 (Hindi) and Sony SIX (Tamil and Telugu), also available in HD. Where to watch (Online): WWE Network.