Overview of Crown Jewel


Overview of Crown Jewel

**Crown Jewel** is a recurring premium live event (pay-per-view / livestream) produced by WWE, which has become a high-profile show on WWE’s calendar. It was established as part of a multi-year partnership between WWE and the Saudi Arabian authorities, and for several years it was held in Saudi Arabia, often in Riyadh. In that context, the event became one of WWE’s marquee international shows.

The first Crown Jewel event took place in 2018, and since then it has typically occurred in October or November. Over time, WWE used Crown Jewel to host major title matches, special tournaments, and matches with international appeal. All previous editions up to 2024 were held in Saudi Arabia under that country’s “Vision 2030” entertainment strategy. However, in 2025, a significant shift occurred: the Crown Jewel event will be held in Perth, Australia, marking the first time Crown Jewel is hosted outside Saudi Arabia. This change reflects WWE’s evolving global strategy.

Crown Jewel often features matchups between top stars from WWE’s brands (Raw, SmackDown) and sometimes special “champion vs. champion” matches. Beginning in 2024, WWE introduced a **Crown Jewel Championship** title — a special belt (and ring) awarded to the winner of a match between world champions (Raw vs SmackDown) during the event. This means that Crown Jewel is not just a big show but now also a place where unique titles are decided.

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## History & Evolution

When WWE struck its partnership deal in 2018 with Saudi Arabia, it agreed to host premium events in the country as part of Saudi efforts to expand entertainment and tourism. Crown Jewel became one of those flagship events under that agreement. The name “Crown Jewel” references prestige, spectacle, and a sense of a special jewel in WWE’s annual lineup.

From 2018 to 2024, most Crown Jewel events took place in Riyadh (or other Saudi cities) as part of the “Riyadh Season” and with heavy promotional support. Over the years, the card quality, star power, and stakes increased. Some years were very well received, others less so, depending on the matches, storytelling, and production.

The 2024 edition was particularly notable because WWE introduced the Crown Jewel Championship — a title to be won afresh at the event by a top champion from Raw vs. SmackDown. It also was the last Crown Jewel held in Saudi Arabia before the shift in 2025.

The 2025 edition, branded as *Crown Jewel: Perth*, will be held on October 11, 2025, at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. It is the seventh Crown Jewel event and the first outside Saudi Arabia. This change shows WWE’s intention to expand beyond one localized host region and bring such marquee events to other global markets.

Also, the 2025 edition is part of John Cena’s retirement tour, making it more special for fans.

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## Significance & Impact

Crown Jewel is significant for several reasons:

* **Global branding and expansion**: Hosting a major event like Crown Jewel helps WWE showcase itself internationally and reach new audiences. Moving it to Australia underscores that global ambition.

* **High stakes matches**: Since it often features world champions and big names, Crown Jewel attracts attention. Introducing a Crown Jewel Championship further raises the stakes.

* **Cultural & political dimensions**: The partnership with Saudi Arabia attracted both praise and criticism. It has been part of efforts to modernize entertainment in the Kingdom, but also drew scrutiny over human rights issues. Over time, WWE’s cooperation with Saudi authorities became a matter of public debate.

* **Fan expectations and prestige**: As the event matured, expectations have risen — fans look for memorable matches, surprises, title changes, and major storyline payoffs.

* **Storytelling opportunities**: Because Crown Jewel sits later in the year, it often is used to push or shift narratives before the road to the next big season of WWE events.

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## 2024 Crown Jewel Recap & 2025 Preview

In the 2024 edition, the Crown Jewel Championship concept debuted. In the main event, WWE champion Cody Rhodes faced World Heavyweight champion Gunther, and Rhodes won, becoming the first-ever Crown Jewel Champion. On the women’s side, Liv Morgan defeated Nia Jax to become the women’s Crown Jewel Champion. That year’s show hosted matches with high stakes and marked a turning point in how WWE structured this event.

Now for 2025, *Crown Jewel: Perth* is expected to continue that model. The men’s and women’s Crown Jewel Championship matches will again feature top-tier champions from different WWE brands competing. Also, because it is outside Saudi Arabia for the first time, the event carries extra weight — it's a test of how well WWE can deliver this spectacle on foreign ground. Furthermore, having part of John Cena’s retirement tour as a feature adds emotional and nostalgic value that is likely to draw attention.

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## Common Questions About Crown Jewel & Their Answers

Here are some questions people often ask regarding Crown Jewel, with explanations:

1. **What is Crown Jewel in WWE?**
Crown Jewel is a flagship WWE premium event that features major matches, often with world champions, and high-profile storylines. It was originally held in Saudi Arabia, but now is expanding globally.

2. **When did Crown Jewel start?**
The first Crown Jewel took place in 2018 as part of WWE’s strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia.

3. **Where has Crown Jewel been held historically?**
From 2018 to 2024, Crown Jewel was hosted primarily in Saudi Arabia (often Riyadh or nearby venues). In 2025, it will be held in Perth, Australia for the first time.

4. **What is the Crown Jewel Championship?**
Introduced in 2024, this championship is awarded at the Crown Jewel event via a match between world champions from WWE’s different brands. It is not defended regularly afterwards, but rather is a special title contested annually at Crown Jewel.

5. **What are some of the most memorable matches in Crown Jewel history?**
Fans often cite matches like Seth Rollins vs. Edge (Hell in a Cell), Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar, and DX vs Brothers of Destruction (from the first events), among others, as standout moments.

6. **Why did WWE move Crown Jewel outside Saudi Arabia in 2025?**
The shift likely reflects WWE’s desire to globalize its marquee events, reach new regions, and test the event format in other markets beyond Saudi Arabia.

7. **Will Crown Jewel always have a championship match?**
As of now, the Crown Jewel Championship is part of the event structure. However, since it is a relatively new concept, WWE may evolve how the title is used in future editions.

8. **How do people watch Crown Jewel?**
The event is available via pay-per-view and streaming platforms, depending on region and WWE’s distribution rights in those markets.

9. **Has Crown Jewel been controversial?**
Yes. The partnership with Saudi Arabia, and holding major entertainment shows there, has drawn criticism related to politics, human rights, and “sports diplomacy.” Some fans also debate whether the quality of matches always justifies the event’s prestige.

10. **Is Crown Jewel as important as other WWE events like WrestleMania or SummerSlam?**
While WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble are traditionally considered WWE’s “big four” events, Crown Jewel has gained importance in recent years through star talent, major title matches, and its international significance. Many fans now view it as among WWE’s premium events.