In a dramatic showcase at Crown Jewel, Seth Rollins once again demonstrated his championship mettle by retaining the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Drew McIntyre. The event, set against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s ever-ecstatic crowd, marked a potential turning point in McIntyre’s WWE tenure, one that left audiences thinking hard about the Scottish Warrior’s future trajectory within the company.
The match itself was nothing short of a rollercoaster. Both McIntyre and Rollins pushed each other to their limits, with each star executing their marquee moves to no avail. The encounter reached its crescendo when Rollins executed one of his finishing moves, a Pedigree, followed by The Stomp, sealing a hard-fought victory. However, the post-match events added layers of complexity to the narrative. Damian Priest’s attempted cash-in of his Money in the Bank contract was thwarted by a hooded Sami Zayn, adding intrigue to the unfolding drama.
This pivotal encounter followed weeks of escalating tensions. McIntyre’s request for a title shot in Riyadh, accepted by Rollins, had followed several chaotic incidents involving The Judgment Day. Moreover, McIntyre’s recent demeanor has all but confirmed a potential departure from his long-standing role as a valiant babyface, hinting at a darker, more self-centered approach. His refusal to aid Jey Uso against The Judgment Day and his bitter reminiscence of being robbed by The Bloodline at Clash at the Castle underscored this transformation.
Notably, the Riyadh crowd, primarily backing McIntyre despite his brooding attitude, witnessed the Scottish Warrior’s display of strength, resilience, and tactical prowess. Rollins, battling not only McIntyre but also nursing a chronic back injury, utilized his agility and innovative offense to counter McIntyre’s brute force. Their exchange of high-impact and dangerous maneuvers, coupled with McIntyre’s taunting and Rollins’s spirited comebacks, culminated in an exhilarating finale that left audiences in awe.
The aftermath of Crown Jewel presents an uncertain path for McIntyre. His current WWE contract, nearing expiration, and the unresolved nature of his negotiations with WWE, both paint a complex picture. McIntyre’s commitment to the WWE and his quest for a lucrative deal to stay, as well as the company’s recent merger with UFC and its new approach to contract renewals, raises questions about his long-term prospects.
To make matters worse, WWE’s current landscape, brimming with top-level talent, doesn’t afford McIntyre too much leverage. The brand, now more significant than individual stars, could withstand his potential departure. But, with his exceptional and show stopping performance against Rollins, coupled with his gradual heel turn, could persuade the WWE to shell out the right kind of creative freedom, money, and tenure, that McIntyre desires to stay around for the long term.
The narrative of Rollins’ back injury, reminiscent of similar long-term storytelling in the wrestling industry, adds another layer to the ongoing saga. How WWE chooses to progress this storyline, possibly culminating in a title change via a Money in the Bank cash-in, remains to be seen.
As McIntyre grapples with his future and contemplates aligning with The Judgment Day, his trajectory following one of his best showings in recent memory is shrouded in ambiguity. Whether this compelling bout marks the beginning of a descent into villainy or a strategic pivot aimed at reclaiming his top spot in WWE, McIntyre’s narrative journey going forward will be pivotal to his legacy.
Crown Jewel was a massive success for WWE, which saw Solo Sikoa possibly retire John Cena, Logan Paul finally become a WWE champion, and LA Knight proving his main event mettle despite the loss as well as Cody Rhodes beating Damian Priest.
