Remember when you were a kid and you cozied up to the family table to eat your best cereal and watch your favorite cartoons? That is what watching WWE and ESPN's second premium live event Crown Jewel: Perth felt like. In the United States, fans woke up to watch a show that would have normally been met with apathy due to its past connections with Saudi Arabia. This year, it took place in Western Australia in front of a passionate and outspoken crowd. Each match held diverse implications as certain athletes fought for gold, while others fought for pride, sisterhood and legacy. But love seemed to be at the core of the show as many sentimental moments took center stage and reminded us of why we love professional wrestling. It also served as an example of how to appreciate the special times as they happen. Here are some first thoughts after WWE Crown Jewel 2025.
Tiffany Stratton Deserves More Credit as an Adaptable In-Ring Performer
One of the best matches of the show was Stephanie Vaquer versus Tiffany Stratton for the 2025 Women's Crown Jewel Championship. Matches that involve champions of differing brands clashing always have a larger-than-life vibe to them and this one was no different. The Buff Barbie had been undefeated in singles action for her Women's title and sought to continue her winning ways. Stephanie came into the match riding high from her Women's World title victory at Wrestlepalooza. The intrigue of their clash lied in wondering how a young athlete like Tiffany could step up to a well-traveled veteran like Vaquer. The blonde starlet left no doubt that she is on her way to greatness as she adapted to La Primera's arsenal. Though Stephanie had some of Tiffany's best moves scouted, the former NXT Women's Champion stood on business by utilizing her quickness and acrobatic skills to get the better of Vaquer.
Though Stratton would be on the losing end of the bout, she proved why she should be more respected as a consistent performer. Due to discourse about her booking as a dominant champion, fans seem to have grown tired of Tiffany to the point of discrediting her abilities. Though her character may seem to be a weird place due to being a fan favorite now and starting off as a mean girl, Stratton's talent is not to be underestimated. This is the same woman who stood across from WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus at Evolution and gave a valiant effort against the decorated Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania. Tiffy Time should not be brushed aside.
John Cena vs. AJ Styles Put the Heart of Wrestling on Display
Thanks to the rousing voices of the WWE universe, wrestling legend AJ Styles got to become a part of the polarizing John Cena retirement tour. On last week's Monday Night Raw on Netflix, Styles declared that their match did not need a formal story and that their history was enough to carry them to Perth. Though the wrestling community expected an all-time match from these men, no one could have predicted what else would take place. First, Cena made his entrance and basked in the moment with WWE cameraman Stu and ring announcer Alicia Taylor. But the match took a sentimental turn as the "Never Seen Seventeen" gave Taylor a handwritten introduction that gave Styles his flowers as an icon of TNA and member of the Bullet Club. It was a sincere moment that showed the amount of respect that Cena had for AJ as an opponent and as a fellow brother-in-arms. But the love of the game did not end there.
As the match went on, both men paid tribute to many of their greatest opponents by performing their finishers or submissions. Watching Cena listen to the voices in his head a la Randy Orton was comical at best and potent at its absolute best. Then seeing Styles tune up the band like Shawn Michaels and pay tribute to TNA legend Frankie Kazarian was lovely as well. John Cena would then turn up the emotion as he locked the Phenomenal One in a Sister Abigail to pay tribute to the late Bray Wyatt. The fans reacted accordingly by shining their "Fireflies" throughout the RAC Arena. And though John Cena would earn his 100th premium live event win, it was a great showcase on the part of Styles who is looking to cement his legacy further before he ends his career. So much of wrestling is focused on rumors and darkness. But the sport is at its best when joy and athleticism are illuminated. This match was proof of that.
The John Cena Retirement Tour Could Be a Little Longer
After John Cena defeated AJ Styles, he held up four fingers to signal his last four dates before his farewell to us. But let's be selfish for a moment. During that match, Cena paid tribute to active stars that he has not faced in years. He executed The Miz's skull-crushing finale, Rusev's accolade and Chris Jericho's walls of Jericho. With those stars being active and one rumored to return to WWE, why couldn't John prolong his retirement a couple of months?
Imagine him completing his final match in December and then telling the audience that he is not ready to leave just yet. This would open the door to an even-more satisfying tour with more rivalries to revisit. With Rusev being back on Raw with Cena, there is a chance to see if an evolved Bulgarian brute could take on a Cena with nothing to truly lose. Then he could travel back to the blue brand and get in The Miz's face to see who the better A-list star and wrestler is. If Y2J were to actually make his grand return, that standoff could break the internet. Then there is always the possibility of John facing stars of the future like Carmelo Hayes, Bron Breakker or Oba Femi. But this could only happen if the action movie star were up to it. If not, then we'll just have to cherish the time we have left. Cena vs. Styles left a lot to imagine and fantasize about.