It’s WWE King And Queen of the Ring featuring two tournament winners, plus a Cody Rhodes-Logan Paul WWE Title match.
The WWE King And Queen of the Ring PLE is a show with five matches on the main card plus a match on the Countdown show. It was announced by WWE’s Paul “Triple H” Levesque that the King and Queen of the Ring winners will get a WWE or World Title match at SummerSlam depending on what brand they are on. To me, that’s a great idea because it adds a lot more to the tournaments instead of just having a King and a Queen winner. Rewarding winners with a major championship at one of WWE’s biggest shows is a smart move. I like it a lot.
This show is starting at 1 p.m. ET for me here in southern Ontario, Canada just like Backlash France was earlier this month. As I said for that show, I like the afternoon start time. It’s going to be an afternoon show for Clash at the Castle from Scotland on June 15th too. I’m glad that I get to cover a show in the afternoon. Let’s get to it.
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There was a match on the King And Queen of the Ring Countdown show.
The team of Candice & Indi are heels now. They were taunting fans at ringside before the match. Big ovations for Jade and Bianca as the Women’s Tag Team Champions. Belair lost the Queen of the Ring Semifinal match on Smackdown and was selling a left knee injury during that match.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill vs. Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell
Bianca and Jade were in pink outfits along with silver boots, so they were matching champions. Jade started as Indi ran the ropes and Jade hit a fallaway slam. Jade ran over Indi with a shoulder tackle. Belair tagged in leading to Jade slamming Belair onto Indi. LeRae tagged in leading to Belair slamming LeRae onto the right knee. Belair went for a press slam, but the knee gave out and Indi tagged in. LeRae did a chop block to the left knee of Belair. Indi stomped on Belair’s left knee along with some taunting. Indi did a snapmare to Belair into the ropes. LeRae back in as she rammed Belair’s knee into the mat. Indi back in with some hair pulling on Belair. LeRae back in with a stomp on the left knee. Indi tagged in, stopped Belair from tagging out and knocked Jade off the apron. Belair broke free and Jade got the hot tag. Jade hit a pump kick on Indi and spinebuster for LeRae. Jade hit Stinger splashes on both opponents and Jade tossed LeRae across the ring. Jade hit a corner splash on both opponents at the same time. Jade hit a sitout Powerbomb on Indi for two because LeRae made the save. Indi hit Jade with a forearm, LeRae tagged in and hit a springboard moonsault that wasn’t executed perfectly, but it was okay. Jade sent Indi into the ring post and LeRae made the tag. LeRae hit a missile dropkick that sent Jade into her own corner, so Belair tagged in with a chop block to LeRae’s knee. Belair and Jade hit a DDT combo followed by Belair kicking LeRae into Jade hitting an Ocean Cyclone Suplex. Belair covered LeRae for the pinfall win after eight minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill
Analysis: **1/2 It was a solid match that was pretty much what we expected with the dominant champions getting the win. There wasn’t much of a story going into it. I doubt anybody watching thought the challengers had a chance here. Belair sold for a few minutes, Jade got the hot tag and it was done soon after that. I did like the double team move by Bianca & Jade to get the win. They are going to be a tough team to beat.
It’s onto the main show now. The Becky Lynch-Liv Morgan match is up first.
WWE King And Queen Of The Ring
From Jeddah Superdome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Saturday, May 25, 2024
The show started with Michael Cole welcoming us to the show while talking about the city, country and venue. They showed some arrivals from earlier in the day. They showed the arrivals of Cody Rhodes, Logan Paul, Randy Orton, GUNTHER, Nia Jax, and Lyra Valkyria.
There was an excellent video package that aired to set up the show.
Becky Lynch was up first as the WWE Women’s World Champion in black/white gear almost like a suit. As you probably know by now, the women on the shows in Saudi Arabia have to wear gear that covers their bodies except for their heads and hands.
The commentary team of Michael Cole & Corey Graves welcomed us to the show from their seats at ringside. The Arabic commentary team was at ringside too.
Liv Morgan was a woman in red while looking confident as usual. Mike Rome was the ring announcer even though he’s on NXT now.
WWE Women’s World Championship: Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan
Lynch and Liv got into a shoving match to start. Liv got some offense with a couple of punches. Lynch came back with a kick to the body to knock Liv down. A shoulder tackle by Lynch knocked Liv out of the ring. Lynch followed Liv out of the ring by ramming Liv into the apron and barricade. Back in the ring, Liv tripped up Lynch when Lynch was on the turnbuckle. Lynch came back with kicks, but Liv blocked a kick and Liv hit a clothesline. Liv dropkicked Lynch in the back while Lynch was against the ropes. Lynch got a boot up to stop a charging Liv. When Lynch went for something off the ropes, Liv tripped her up and got a two count out of it. Liv applied an armbar on the left arm. Liv sent Lynch into the turnbuckle and Lynch kicked out of a pin attempt. They did a double clothesline spot to knock both women down. When they got back up, they exchanged strikes and Lynch hit multiple clotheslines along with a jumping kick. Lynch hit a forearm smash along with an Exploder Suplex to send Liv across the ring. Lynch hit a baseball slide kick on Liv on the floor. Lynch put Liv back in the ring. Lynch went up top, but Liv tripped her up on the turnbuckle. Lynch came back with a missile dropkick off the top. Liv punched Lynch to stun the champion followed by Liv hitting a springboard Codebreaker for a double knee attack for a two count. Liv charged, Lynch avoided her and Lynch hit a clothesline for two. Lynch jumped off the top, Liv moved and Liv came back with a missile dropkick of her own for a two count.
Liv went for Oblivion. Lynch countered and Lynch hit a reverse DDT for two. Cool counter. Liv countered a move into a pin attempt and Lynch got her own two count right after. Liv hit a running knee strike for a two count. Liv was frustrated that it was only a two count. Lynch countered Liv’s attempt at a move and Lynch applied an armbar. Liv got out of it and applied the Rings of Saturn submission pulling back on both arms. Lynch broke free leading to her Disarm-her submission on the left arm. Dominik Mysterio appeared at ringside with his left arm in a sling. During the Countdown show, Dominik told Liv he was there to make sure that Liv didn’t win the championship. Lynch went for the Manhandle Slam, but Liv countered with a Codebreaker double knees for a two count. Liv went up top, but Lynch met here there leading to Lynch hitting a superplex off the middle turnbuckle. The referee checked on Liv, so Dominik slid a chair into the ring towards Lynch. Dominik went on the apron to distract referee Daphanie LaShaunn, so Liv gave Lynch a DDT onto the steel chair. The referee never saw it. Liv hit Oblivion for the pinfall win after 15 minutes.
Winner by pinfall AND NEW Women’s World Champion: Liv Morgan
Analysis: ***1/2 I thought it was a very good match that was very even most of the way. Both women came close to winning a few times. It’s good to see Morgan booked like a threat. The story was obviously about Dominik getting involved and appearing as if he was throwing the chair to Lynch, but did he really want to use it? After all, we have seen Dominik talking to Liv in the background on Raw at times, so it could be revealed that Liv manipulated Dominik to help her and that led to Liv’s win. Anyway, Lynch had a short title reign while there have been reports that Lynch hasn’t signed a new WWE deal yet, so maybe WWE felt like they had to change the title. I don’t mind it being on Morgan because it will be good if she’s champion when Rhea Ripley comes back.
After the match, the announcers called Dominik an idiot for ruining the match and helping Liv Morgan win even though Liv took out Rhea Ripley.
Liv Morgan held up the Women’s World Title on the ramp while the fireworks went off in the stadium. Liv celebrated with the title. Meanwhile, Dominik was sad at ringside while Lynch was furious in the ring.
They aired some commercials for WWE merchandise and other things.
A video aired to set up the Intercontinental Championship triple threat match.
Chad Gable made his entrance with Otis and Maxxine Dupri. Chad told Dupri to go to the back while Otis walked with Gable to the ring. The fans were chanting “You Suck” at Gable during his song like he’s Kurt Angle, but the song doesn’t have the same rhythm to it. Gable told Otis to stick to the plan and do what Chad told him when the time is right.
Bronson Reed was up next as the second challenger in this triple threat match. The QR Code appeared as Reed made his entrance with the announcers mentioning it.
A quick video aired about Sami Zayn, who is an Arabic Canadian superstar and that makes him beloved by this crowd. Sami Zayn made his entrance as the WWE Intercontinental Champion to a huge ovation. The fans were very loud for Zayn’s entrance as you would expect.
Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn vs. Bronson Reed vs. Chad Gable (w/Otis)
There are no disqualifications and no countouts in a triple threat match. The first pinfall or submission wins.
Reed used his power early to overpower both opponents. The fans were singing Sami Zayn’s song even after the match began. Zayn dove onto Reed on the floor. Zayn worked over Gable with punches against the turnbuckle and then an elbow smash. Reed ran over Zayn with a clothesline. Reed got a hold of both guys so he slammed Zayn onto Gable, who clutched his right knee on his way out of the ring. Zayn knocked Reed down. Gable pulled the ring apron to wrap up Zayn against the apron and Gable punched Zayn repeatedly. Gable went up top and hit a missile dropkick on Reed. They did the “Ole” chants for Zayn, who dumped both opponents out of the ring. Zayn ran the ropes leading to a somersault dive onto both guys on the floor. They were back in the ring with Zayn countering Reed with a sunset flip Powerbomb for a two count. Zayn tried a lift on Reed, but that didn’t work and Reed set up Zayn against the turnbuckle. Gable did a chop block to Reed’s left knee. Reed was back up for the Tower of Doom (Powerbomb/Superplex combo) out of the corner. Reed went up top and jumped off with a moonsault, Zayn moved and Gable jumped off the top with moonsault on Reed for two because Zayn broke up the pin. Zayn hit a Tornado DDT on Reed for two because Gable broke it up leading to Gable doing an Ankle Lock to Zayn. Reed tried to break it up, so Gable took down Reed leading to Gable doing the Ankle Lock on Reed. Zayn gave Gable an Ankle Lock too. Zayn picked up Reed leading to a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. That was an awesome nearfall because of the visual of Zayn having to lift up Reed and Zayn did it fine. Zayn battled with Gable for a bit, so Reed recovered and Reed hit a double Samoan Drop on both opponents. The fans chanted “this is awesome” as Reed ran the ropes leading to a suicide dive on both guys on the floor.
They were back in the ring with Reed jumping off the top rope, but Zayn avoided the Tsunami splash. Zayn charged right into Gable, who hit two German Suplexes in a row. Zayn came back with two German Suplexes of his own. Reed grabbed Zayn around the waist, so Gable broke free and Gable did a German Suplex to both guys at the same time! That was awesome. Reed is about 330 pounds so it looks very impressive to see him suplexed like that. Gable told Otis that now is the time, so Otis nailed Reed with a clothesline on the floor. Gable sent Zayn out of the ring and told Otis to do it to him too. The fans chanted “no” at Otis, who thought about it. Gable yelled at Otis to do it. Gable held up Zayn, but Otis stopped himself. The fans cheered that. Gable yelled at Otis and told him to listen to his coach. Gable shoved Otis in the chest. Gable told Otis to wake up and slapped Otis in the face. Otis charged while Gable held Zayn, then Zayn ducked and Otis nailed Gable with a lefty clothesline on the floor. In the ring, Zayn hit Reed with a Helluva Kick for the pinfall win after 14 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Sami Zayn
Analysis: ***3/4 I thought it was really fun match that was full of action from the moment it began. The Otis story was obviously the big thing going into it because Gable wanted Otis to take out Zayn just like Otis hit Reed with the clothesline, but Otis didn’t want to do that to a babyface like Zayn, who is his friend. I thought maybe they could have had Zayn do more to Reed to weaken him before the finish, but I guess the idea is that Reed was weakened by that clothesline on the floor. Zayn retaining was the right result.
Sami Zayn celebrated with the Intercontinental Title while the fans continued to cheer and sing his song. Chad Gable was staring at Otis on the floor without saying anything. Zayn celebrated some more.
Analysis: The rumor is that Chad Gable will have a new heel group with The Creed Brothers, so I assume Otis turns face officially soon and we see Chad with the Creeds soon.
There were some videos and commercials after that.
They showed highlights of Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair beating Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.
Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair were interviewed by Byron Saxton. Jade said that they had each other’s backs. Bianca said they had something to prove, so they proved it. Jade invited other teams to “come apply” to try to beat them. Belair said that they are still the Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Analysis: A very basic interview with the champions happy about their win. I like them as champions. It will be tough to beat them.
A video package aired about the Queen of the Ring tournament leading to the match up next. It was a longer video narrated by Wade Barrett as a recap of the whole tournament so far.
The WWE Tag Team Champions A-Town Down Under’s Grayson Waller & Austin Theory were at ringside. They also showed #DIY’s Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano at ringside and The Street Profits along with B-Fab were also seated around ringside.
Nia Jax from SmackDown was up first for the Queen of the Ring tournament finals. She was booed as usual. Lyra Valkyria from Raw got a mild reaction as the babyface who is a “rookie” on the WWE main roster since she was only drafted from NXT about a month ago.
Queen of the Ring Tournament Finals: Nia Jax vs. Lyra Valkyria
Jax had the big size advantage so when Lyra jumped on Jax’s back, Jax drove her back first into the turnbuckle. Lyra sent Jax out of the ring leading to Lyra’s running kick on the floor. Back in the ring, Lyra hit a dropkick, but Jax tossed Lyra down. Lyra went for a sleeper, so Jax slammed her down hard. Jax tackled Lyra into the turnbuckle. Jax hit an elbow drop to Lyra’s back for a two count. Lyra tried to fight back, but Jax nailed her with a forearm to the back. Jax slammed Lyra into the turnbuckle. Jax applied a chinlock submission of sorts, so Lyra hit some elbows and Jax spun Lyra around to slam her into the mat. Lyra hit a jumping kick to the head followed by Jax hitting a Samoan Drop for two. Jax sent up Lyra by the turnbuckle, Lyra went to the apron and Jax tried a splash there, but Lyra moved so Jax hit the apron hard. Lyra kicked Jax on the floor. Lyra hit a bulldog on the floor. They were back in the ring with Lyra hitting a missile dropkick and a Tornado DDT off the ropes for two. Lyra jumped off the top, Jax avoided it and Jax hit a Samoan Drop. Jax went for her splash off the turnbuckle, but Lyra avoided it and Lyra hit a double foot stomp for two. Lyra jumped off the top with a leg drop to the back to send Jax into the mat for a two count. Jax sent Lyra into the turnbuckle followed by a splash to the back. Lyra went for a Powerbomb out of the corner, but Jax blocked it and Jax sat on Lyra with an Annihilator splash for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall and Queen of the Ring: Nia Jax
Analysis: *** A good match, but not at the level of the earlier women’s match. This was a shorter match that was full of action. I thought Lyra did well in terms of weakening her bigger opponent and coming close to getting the win, but I didn’t really think that Lyra had a shot. Nia getting the win was the right call here to give her some more momentum as a heel on Smackdown. Lyra has had an impressive month even though she lost here.
The Queen of the Ring win by Nia Jax also means she will also challenge the WWE Women’s Champion Bayley at SummerSlam.
The WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque was in the ring to present Nia Jax with the Queen of the Ring crown. Triple H hugged her and they talked. There was no robe or anything else. Jax had the crown on her head as Triple H raised her head with Jax being announced as the Queen of the Ring.
Nia Jax was interviewed by Kayla Braxton in the ring. Jax didn’t want Kayla’s congratulations while saying none of you are happy for her, but she is happy for herself. Jax said that she’s going to become the WWE (Women’s) Champion and your Queen at SummerSlam. Jax posed with her crown as fireworks went off behind her.
Analysis: Good job by Nia Jax being heelish with that promo. She’s at her best as a cocky heel like that. Triple H and Jax hugging was a cool moment since he’s the one that re-hired her. Jax has been at her best in this current WWE run.
There was a replay of Liv Morgan’s controversial Women’s World Title win over Becky Lynch thanks to Dominik Mysterio’s involvement.
Becky Lynch was shown backstage verbally obliterating Dominik Mysterio as Byron Saxton was there to interview Lynch. That led to Lynch saying she didn’t know what was going on with Ripley, Dominik or Liv, but Lynch knows she has a rematch clause in her contract. Lynch said she’d talk to Raw GM Adam Pearce and she wants her rematch this Monday on Raw. Lynch left angrily.
Analysis: A rematch sounds good to me. It would be a big match to do on Raw.
A video package aired for the King of the Ring Finals between GUNTHER and Randy Orton. The video was narrated by Wade Barrett as he summarized the tournament.
They showed WWE superstars sitting around ringside: Tiffany Stratton was there and Carmelo Hayes was also there sitting in another part of the building.
It was time for the King of the Ring Finals. GUNTHER from Raw was up first and there were some boos, but not that loud for the heel former Intercontinental Champion. Graves put this match over in a big way putting them over as two of the best wrestlers in the world. Randy Orton from SmackDown got a thunderous ovation from the crowd. The fans were also singing some of Orton’s “Voices” song, which Orton really liked. Orton took a long time to get into the ring. Good job by the fans singing Orton’s song for most of the way.