Just one week remains until Crown Jewel: Perth, where Cody Rhodes will face Seth Rollins in a highly anticipated matchup for the Men’s Crown Jewel Championship. This event will take place in Western Australia’s capital, marking a critical moment in both wrestlers’ careers and showcasing the significance of the Cody Rhodes Crown Jewel encounter.
Last Friday’s episode of SmackDown further intensified the ongoing saga between Rhodes and Rollins, while also highlighting other notable developments and continuing challenges within WWE’s blue brand. The show exhibited both progress in certain storylines and glaring issues, setting the stage for Crown Jewel’s climactic battles.
The Revival of SmackDown Driven by Sami Zayn’s Rise
Sami Zayn’s transfer from RAW to SmackDown has been pivotal in reviving a struggling show, with his United States Championship win serving as a symbol of this transformation. Over recent weeks, Zayn has consistently delivered standout performances, combining charismatic mic work with compelling in-ring action that anchors SmackDown’s mid-card division.
His recent matches against talents like John Cena, Je’Von Evans, Rey Fenix, and Carmelo Hayes have been praised for their quality. Although a rematch with HIM seemed imminent, an unexpected attack by The Miz paved the way for Aleister Black to accept Zayn’s Open Challenge instead, resulting in a thrilling contest ultimately influenced by Black’s rival Damian Priest.
Through intricate storytelling and engaging rivalries, Sami Zayn has become the cornerstone of SmackDown’s gradual resurgence, helping maintain fan interest amid a complex and evolving wrestling landscape.
Visibility Issues Plague SmackDown’s Tag Team and Women’s Divisions
One of the persistent problems on SmackDown remains the absence of key tag teams and women’s tag champions from weekly programming. Neither the WWE Tag Team Champions, who are exclusive to SmackDown, nor the Women’s Tag Team Champions appeared on last Friday’s show, reflecting a continuity problem that has lasted for several weeks.
Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair, who had been a highlight for the women’s division, were notably missing, while the Wyatt Sicks were also absent despite their relevance. Their absence not only diminishes the perceived depth of the women’s division but also points to a lack of creativity and direction within the SmackDown creative team.
The consistent exclusion of top talents undermines the product’s overall appeal and leaves viewers questioning the booking priorities leading up to Crown Jewel in Perth.
The Miz’s Betrayal Sparks a New Era for Carmelo Hayes
A standout moment during SmackDown involved The Miz turning against Carmelo Hayes just as Hayes was about to respond to Sami Zayn’s United States Championship Open Challenge. This heel turn sets up a fresh rivalry, presenting Hayes with a critical opportunity to establish himself as a prominent babyface on the main roster.
Hayes, known for his charisma and wrestling skills, is poised for growth if WWE allows sufficient time for his feud with The Miz to unfold meaningfully. This angle offers a compelling narrative around Hayes’ transition and potential rise, promising engaging storytelling if well executed.
Challenges Surround Tiffany Stratton’s Character and Storylines
The build-up to the Women’s Crown Jewel Championship match has been complicated by issues with Tiffany Stratton’s portrayal and the booking decisions surrounding her role. A contract signing between Stephanie Vaquer and Stratton exposed shortcomings in Stratton’s delivery, where Vaquer’s ability to communicate despite language barriers contrasted sharply with Stratton’s lackluster presence.
Tiffany Stratton has struggled to gain credibility and audience connection, as her character lacks clear motivation and heat. Repeatedly cast as a babyface despite little organic support, her ongoing partnerships with inexperienced wrestlers further weaken the narrative impact.
With Crown Jewel’s sizable spotlight approaching, the question remains why fans should prioritize her match, particularly given its timing and the absence of strong promotional buildup within the U.S. market. The in-ring potential may be high, but interest suffers from weak character foundations and storytelling.
The Escalation of the Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins Feud
The rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins has steadily intensified, culminating in their championship match at Crown Jewel. Both men stand at a crossroads, with Rollins framing this bout as pivotal to wrestling’s future, while Rhodes represents the embodiment of perseverance and redemption after years of absence and hardships.
Last week’s SmackDown saw Rollins interfere in Rhodes and Randy Orton’s tag match against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, brutally attacking Orton when the referee was distracted by Paul Heyman. Rollins then attempted to finish a similar assault on Rhodes but was thwarted by a slick counter—the Cross Rhodes—demonstrating Rhodes’ resilience and ring savvy.
The complex interrelations between Rhodes, Orton, Breakker, Reed, Rollins, and Heyman add layers to this feud, but the central conflict remains Rollins’ desperate need to prove he is superior to Rhodes. This rivalry transcends championship gold, driven by personal vendettas and a psychological battle spiraling into obsession and madness.
Rollins’ inner turmoil and dependence on Heyman create a volatile dynamic that only amplifies the stakes heading into Crown Jewel, ensuring that this confrontation will be one of the event’s most intense and emotionally charged encounters.
Looking Ahead: Crown Jewel’s Impact and WWE’s Future Direction
Crown Jewel: Perth promises to be a defining moment for both Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, as well as a significant test for WWE’s ability to capitalize on its talent and storylines. With the Cody Rhodes Crown Jewel match taking center stage, the event could mark a turning point in career trajectories and championship prestige.
Moreover, the current state of SmackDown raises important questions about WWE’s booking strategies, particularly regarding the underutilization of key performers and divisions. The continued absence of champions from weekly shows and issues like Tiffany Stratton’s ineffective push illustrate broader challenges within WWE’s creative approach.
As Crown Jewel approaches, the company faces pressure to deliver compelling matches that not only satisfy fan expectations but also address some of these underlying issues. The event’s outcomes may shape narrative directions for months ahead, influencing title pictures, character developments, and brand perceptions worldwide.
