As the dust settles on the sands of Saudi Arabia following WWE’s Crown Jewel 2023, fans are left speculating about the implications of Roman Reigns’ latest successful title defense. The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion’s victory over a surging superstar in LA Knight not only cements his current reign as one of the greatest in pro wrestling history but also puts him on track to potentially surpass Hulk Hogan’s iconic tenure as champion. This is no small feat, considering Hogan’s larger-than-life presence and impact on the industry.
In a match that was far from a foregone conclusion, Reigns faced a formidable opponent in LA Knight. From the outset, it was clear that Knight was not there to merely play a part; he was there to win. The Riyadh crowd sensed the moment’s magnitude, quickly rallying behind The Megastar, whose meteoric rise had him poised as a credible threat to The Tribal Chief’s dominion.
The bout itself was a masterclass in storytelling and in-ring psychology. Reigns, who has long since established himself as the cornerstone of WWE, displayed the kind of dominant performance fans have come to expect from him. However, Knight proved to be a resilient and resourceful adversary. Throughout the match, Knight not only matched Reigns move for move but also came perilously close to ending the champion’s historic run. At one point, Knight’s finisher, the BFT, nearly secured him the championship, only for outside interference to ensure Reigns’ foot found the rope and thus continuation of his title reign.
The involvement of The Bloodline has become a recurring theme in Reigns’ matches, and Crown Jewel was no different. Despite the loss, Knight’s valuation remains as high as ever. If anything, losing enhanced his stock within the WWE. Each kick-out, each near-fall, built Knight’s credibility as a main-event level competitor. It’s proof of the nuanced storytelling of WWE where a loss can simultaneously be a win; Knight emerged from the match not diminished but emboldened, his status as a bonafide main event star rising with every count of the referee’s hand that didn’t quite make it to three.
This isn’t to say the match was without its criticisms. Some argue the interference from The Bloodline was predictable, a narrative device overused to the point of exhaustion. Others point out that the match lacked a certain novelty, given the established formula. However, these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things. The outcome of the match served a dual purpose – it preserved Reigns’ reign while elevating Knight to the upper echelons of WWE’s roster.
Looking to the future, Reigns’ path is set with challenges and potential pitfalls. His reliance on The Bloodline, a strategy that has drawn the ire and scrutiny from his peers, could very well be his undoing. It’s a story arc ripe with potential, a narrative that could lead to explosive confrontations and perhaps the eventual dissolution of Reigns’ support system. Jey Uso, who was the first pin Roman Reigns in years, had already left earlier this year and is now firmly a singles star over at Monday Night RAW. This, paired with a roster brimming with talent ready to step into the spotlight, ensures that Reigns’ road to surpassing Hogan will be anything but smooth.
In contrast, LA Knight’s trajectory is one of promise and potential. Despite the loss, his performance at Crown Jewel has solidified his status as a main-event contender. His popularity, which now spans continents, coupled with his undeniable charisma and in-ring prowess, has him poised for greatness. It’s not a question of if Knight will taste championship gold, but when.
Roman Reigns stands at the pinnacle of his career, his legacy growing with each championship defense that takes him a step closer to reigning for 1,475 days. However, the seeds of his downfall have been sown, and it’s only a matter of time before they take root, presumably bearing fruit with a Cody Rhodes win. LA Knight, on the other hand, finds himself on an upward trajectory, his star rising in the wake of a valiant defeat.
With Survivor Series confirmed for November 26 at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, wrestling fans won’t have to wait too long to find out what else WWE has in store before the year ends.
