The first WWE PLE to stream on ESPN was Wrestlepalooza, and when the ESPN website graded the show a "C," it sent shockwaves among fans and WWE officials alike. The review also went viral on social media.
The reviewer in question, Andreas Hale, has now shared his take on yesterday's Crown Jewel event, and the show fared a little better...with an overall "B" grade.
In conclusion, he wrote, "A show that stumbled out of the gates with a relatively tame street fight and a far too brief affair between women’s champions was rescued by an absolutely stellar match between Cena and Styles that put an excellent bookend to their rivalry."
"Rollins finally getting his comeuppance against Rhodes — by any means necessary — and the women’s tag match were both strong and anchored a memorable bounce back for WWE after a middling Wrestlepalooza," Hale added.
The highest graded match was John Cena vs. AJ Styles with an "A," while Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins was given a "B" (the same as Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY vs. Asuka & Kairi Sane). Not faring quite so well was Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed in an Australian Street Fight, which received a "C" score.
However, the biggest loser of the night, in this ESPN reporter's opinion, was Tiffany Stratton vs. Stephanie Vaquer, who received a harsh "C-." As he put it, "Both women deserved more time to deliver something better."
Crown Jewel was a solid show, albeit one that felt very much like an international PLE, with little in the way of huge moments or future teases. The night ultimately belonged to Cena and Styles, and you can check out some highlights from all the matches in the X posts below.