Summary
WWE King and Queen of the Ring was held in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
The 23rd King of the Ring winner in WWE history was crowned, and the 2nd Queen of the Ring was named.
Despite the fact that the six-match schedule on Saturday featured three championship contests, only one title was awarded.
Dominik Mysterio inadvertently enabled Liv Morgan to dethrone Becky Lynch by inserting himself into the WWE Women’s World Championship match.
In the most noteworthy match of the evening, a triple-threat match for the Intercontinental Championship, Bronson Reed, Chad Gable, and Sami Zayn captivated the audience.
The Queen and King of the Ring tournaments were won by Nia Jax and Gunther, respectively, and they secured championship matches at WWE’s SummerSlam event in August.
The American Nightmare emerged from Saudi Arabia with his Undisputed WWE Championship reign intact, as Logan Paul and Cody Rhodes demonstrated their exceptional talent in a compelling main event.
WWE King and Queen of the Ring results In 8:04, Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill successfully defended their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships against Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae.
Grade: B- Highest point: The tandem finish of Belair and Cargill
Analysis: A pre-show match that was both entertaining and engaging, with a few memorable moments.
Even in a brief showcase like the one on Saturday, it will be uncommon for a match between Cargill and Belair to fail to generate enthusiasm, as they continue to be popular among spectators and dominant forces in the ring.
Liv Morgan successfully defended the WWE Women’s World Championship against Becky Lynch in a mere 15 minutes.
Letter grade: B The optimal location is when Morgan and Lynch exchange submission holds.
Examination: Dominik Mysterio’s participation in this event safeguards Lynch, and it seems likely that there will be a rematch between the two women on Monday night.
This was a strong start to the main card action on Saturday.
During the match, Morgan employed submission maneuvers to a significant extent, which introduced a new aspect to her repertoire.
Lynch, as usual, was exceptional and should remain one of the most prominent figures in WWE, regardless of whether or not he is a champion.
Sami Zayn successfully defended the Intercontinental Championship by defeating Bronson Reed and Chad Gable in 13:40.
Best location: Reed’s suicide dive Grade: A
Analysis: The most significant match of the evening.
In a tense matchup that enabled each competitor to have their moment in the spotlight and demonstrated a variety of styles, these three performed phenomenally.
Zayn continues to be one of WWE’s most beloved champions, Gable contributed to the captivating Alpha Academy narrative, and Reed was the event’s breakout star.
Win-win-win for all parties.
Nia Jax emerged victorious in the Queen of the Ring tournament by defeating Lyra Valkyria in a mere 9:39.
Grade: C The optimal position is when Valkyria avoids two Jax finishers and the lone offensive onslaught.
Analysis: Although not particularly thrilling, Jax will serve as an effective adversary for Bayley, or the current WWE Women’s Champion, at SummerSlam.
Valkyria’s remarkable performance in the Queen of the Ring tournament should provide her with a substantial advantage as she proceeds to mature on the primary roster.
Gunther emerged victorious in the King of the Ring Tournament by defeating Randy Orton in 22:56.
Grade: A-
Gunther’s launch sequence into an RKO is the optimal location.
In the final of King of the Ring, Orton and Gunther delivered a classic that was a masterclass in psychology.
For the most part, Orton was able to match Gunther’s destructive force and execute the strikes, and the Ring General was able to demonstrate the threat he poses from both a physical and mental perspective within the ring.
Gunther and his opponent at SummerSlam are anticipated to deliver another physically taxing performance. (Drew McIntyre was announced as Damian Priest’s opponent for the World Heavyweight Championship at Clash at the Castle next month.)
Cody Rhodes maintains the Undisputed WWE Championship by defeating Logan Paul in 24:17.
Grade: B+ The optimal location is Paul’s impact through the announce table.
Analysis: Rhodes was almost undoubtedly going to leave Saudi Arabia with his championship; however, this match did a superior job of presenting a legitimate threat to his reign due to Paul’s underhanded shenanigans.
Despite my expectation that Paul would forgo the brass knuckles for this competition, they were a factor in the outcome.
Rhodes continues to deliver remarkable main-event matches, and I believe that Paul is equally adept at creating anticipation and executing when the moment is opportune.
There is currently no discernible course of action for either champion; however, this is expected to change in the near future.
Check out the summaries from our live coverage below for a comprehensive match breakdown and analysis.
Logan The Undisputed WWE Championship will be decided between Paul and Cody Rhodes.
It is not remarkable that Rhodes received the most enthusiastic reception during his arrival.
Throughout the pre-match festivities, commentator Michael Cole continued to reference Paul’s utilization of brass knuckles and the fact that Maverick had forfeited them to Cole earlier in the week.
Rhodes initiated the bout by promptly appealing to the audience prior to executing a collar-and-elbow.
Paul endeavored to confound Rhodes and engage in trash talk subsequent to the breakage of the hold.
Before the two men exchanged arm grips, this sequence was repeated.
Rhodes knocked out at 1, but Paul attempted a swift, early cover.
Rhodes attempted his patented drop backhand, but Paul successfully thwarted him after a brief sequence.
In a fit of frustration, Rhodes launched an offensive, exchanging strikes with Paul and delivering a modified standing suplex to the United States Champion.
Rhodes’ attempted quick submission was ineffective, and Paul gained the upper hand by sending the champion outside the ring and landing a splash on the floor.
Commentator Corey Graves referred to Paul’s initial near-fall as a “overbomb.”
Paul maintained his offensive stance and attempted an additional submission following a standing moonsault.
Rhodes promptly recovered and executed a top-rope arm drag on Paul; however, he began to fabricate a rib injury.
With a Disaster Kick, Rhodes ejected Paul from the ring and proceeded to execute a dive.
Rhodes demonstrated awareness of both parties by withdrawing as Paul was about to move out of the way.
Two members of Paul’s retinue became embroiled in the ongoing action outside, and one of them presented him with a pair of brass knuckles.
Paul struck Rhodes in the midsection with the weapon, but instead of trapping him back in the ring, he focused on Cole.
Rhodes engaged in a protracted offensive and struck Paul with a suicide dive while distracted.
Rhodes experienced a near-fall subsequent to the Bionic Elbow after failing to execute a Disaster Kick.
The champion maintained control by securing in the Figure Four before Paul compelled a rope break.
Rhodes countered Paul’s attempt at a slingshot clothesline with a Cody Cutter, resulting in a two-count.
By reversing a potentially devastating move from Rhodes into a CrossRhodes finisher, Paul regained control.
Paul utilized the announce table and escorted the action outside the ring following a brief fright from Rhodes.
Paul initially targeted a Pedigree on Rhodes; however, he converted it into a Cody Cutter on the table.
The referee counted out Paul as Rhodes returned to the ring, but the champion waived off the count at eight.
Maverick pushed Rhodes into the steel steps, setting the champion up for a top-rope frog splash through the Arabic announce table, and Rhodes went outside to administer additional punishment to Paul.
Rhodes kicked out at two, leaving the challenger dazed, and Paul pushed him back into the ring, where he hit another splash.
Rhodes would refrain from executing a Paul turnbuckle strike, which instead made contact with the referee.
Paul was struck by Rhodes with a Vertebreaker and subsequently held, but the referee was unable to determine the outcome due to his incapacitated state.
Paul capitalized by striking Rhodes with a low strike before attempting to deliver the knockout blow with the metal knuckles.
Paul was halted by the special ring announcer Ibrahim al Hajjaj, which enabled Rhodes to recoup and execute three CrossRhodes to secure the victory.
Cody Rhodes maintains the Undisputed WWE Championship by defeating Logan Paul in 24:17.
Randy Orton versus Gunther in the King of the Ring Final
Gunther emerged initially amid minimal fanfare.
The fans in Saudi Arabia sang Orton’s theme song “Voices” as he made his deliberate march toward the arena, a practice that has become increasingly common in the aftermath of Backlash earlier this month.
The match commenced with a stare-down between the two men, during which the audience chanted.
Gunther compelled Orton to the corner before releasing him from the collar-and-elbow tie-up.
Orton acquired the upper hand this time around as they repeated the sequence.
Before they reached another impasse, both males engaged in a physical altercation.
The initial series of genuine offense was executed by Orton, who executed a shoulder tackle and two headlocks.
Gunther initiated a series of vicious strikes to Orton’s torso after forcing him into a corner.
Orton, who was temporarily incapacitated, successfully evaded a fourth chop attempt and proceeded to unleash a barrage of blows on the Ring General.
Orton attempted a rapid-response knockout (RKO) that Gunther successfully evaded.
Orton commenced the sale of a back injury, which enabled Gunther to concentrate on that region of the Viper’s body.
Gunther maintained his authority by following the injured Orton around the ring.
Orton was struck by a backbreaker by Gunther, who then attempted to secure the first submission of the match.
Orton’s ability to grapple and elevate Gunther for a standing suplex and a brace of clotheslines resulted in a change in momentum.
Gunther, aware of Orton’s offense, successfully evaded a snap powerslam and subsequently regained the advantage for a brief period.
Orton would ultimately execute the powerslam and deliver his signature draped DDT to Gunther.
Orton received enthusiastic support from the audience as he prepared Gunther for an RKO.
Gunther, once more, countered the RKO by striking Orton with a body slam and landing a top-rope splash.
Orton evaded Gunther’s second attempt, and he ultimately executed his finisher.
Orton was unable to reach Gunther in time for the hold, which resulted in the arena General being able to exit the arena.
Orton twice struck Gunther onto the announce table as the action shifted outside the ring.
Gunther recovered and pushed Orton into the ring apron, providing a brief respite.
Orton’s third attempt at a powerbomb resulted in a back-body drop, and he again propelled Gunter onto the table.
Both men returned to the ring, and Gunther began to concentrate on Orotn’s knee, resulting in a half-crab in the center of the ring.
Orton made numerous attempts to break free, but Gunther persisted in maintaining his grip.
Orton executed an RKO and pursued a pin on Gunther, resulting in an abrupt conclusion to the match.
Gunther kicked out at two, struck Orton’s knee, and subsequently rolled him up for the pinfall triumph.
Gunther emerged victorious in the King of the Ring Tournament by defeating Randy Orton in 22:56.
Becky Lynch requests a repeat
Lynch was depicted in a backstage segment castigating Dominik Mysterio for interfering in her match with Liv Morgan earlier in the event.
Lynch declared that she would activate her rematch clause against Liv Morgan on Monday.
Final of Queen of the Ring: Nia Jax vs. Lyra Valkyria
Nia Jax made her entrance first, showcasing her intensity.
However, Lyra Valkyria’s entrance was more memorable, as she adorned her black bodysuit with a gigantic pair of raven’s wings.
Valkyria’s inaugural appearance at a Premium Live Event.
Valkyria made numerous attempts to subdue Jax by employing a slumber hold and grappling combinations.
Jax, demonstrating her strength, refused to submit until she was compelled to exit the arena.
Valkyria executed a drop kick through the ropes while Jax was on the outside, but Jax was able to avoid the fall.
Jax delivered a powerful elbow to secure the match’s initial near-fall as the action resumed in the ring.
Jax persisted with the punishment, ultimately securing a submission hold.
Valkyria’s fleeting rally was abruptly terminated by a Samoan drop.
Jax attempted to execute her Annihilator finisher from both the ring and the apron.
However, Valkyria maneuvered out of the way and executed a bulldog, missile drop kick, and tornado DDT, which was her most impressive offensive display to that point in the match.
Jax was able to maneuver out of the way as Valkyria reached the top rope, and he landed another Samoan drop.
Jax’s subsequent attempt at her finisher was once again blocked, resulting in a double stomp from Valkyria and a near-fall.
Jax recovered Valkyria and transported her to the summit for an avalanche Samoan drop.
Valkyria attempted to counter into a sunset flip powerbomb, but Jax executed a tremendous Annihilator finisher to secure the victory.
Nia Jax emerged victorious in the Queen of the Ring tournament by defeating Lyra Valkyria in a mere 9:39.
Bronson Reed vs. Sami Zayn for the Intercontinental Championship Chad Gable was the first to enter, initially accompanied by Maxxine Dupri and Otis.
However, the Alpha Academy commander ordered Dupri backstage, furthering an ongoing narrative from “Monday Night Raw.”
The Saudi throng serenaded Gable with “You Suck” chants, which is understandable given his similarities to Kurt Angle.
Before Otis entered the ring, Gable recommended that he “stick to the plan” in a precarious manner.
Reed was the next to enter, and the ongoing QR code malfunction storyline continued as he approached the ring.
Before emerging in a traditional Thawb, Sami Zayn received a brief, special video package upon his return to the Middle East.
Zayn was the clear darling of the audience, as he is in nearly every location where he performs on Earth.
When the bell tolled, Reed emerged as the dominant force.
Reed was eliminated by Zayn’s stunner after the action overflowed outside the ring.
Zayn’s momentum was momentarily maintained before Reed once more employed his power to dominate both of his opponents.
Zayn was ensnared in the ring apron by Gable, who was acting as the apparent villain, and Reed was eliminated with a missile drop kick.
A recovered Reed and Gable were both sent outside the ring by Zayn, who then executed a senton to eliminate both men.
Zayn would deliver the initial near-fall of the match by performing a top-rope, sunset flip powerbomb on Reed.
Following the submission, Zayn attempted to execute the Blue Thunder Bomb on numerous occasions; however, he was unsuccessful.
The action resumed when Gable returned and attempted a superplex on Zayn.
However, Reed successfully eliminated both men by transforming the move into a Tower of Doom-style reversal.
Reed then attempted a tremendous moonsault on Zayn, but he failed.
Gable then executed a moonsault of his own on Reed, and Zayn then struck the large man with a tornado DDT.
The rapid tempo remained unabated.
In another tribute to Angle, Gable applied the ankle lock to both men.
Zayn delivered a Blue Thunder Bomb to Reed, causing a near-fall that Gable was able to break up.
Reed then executed a double Samoan drop into a suicide dive through the ropes, which may have been the highlight of the match.
Zayn, Reed, and Gable would exchange German suplexes until Gable, the smallest man in the match, executed a double German suplex to eliminate both opponents.
Gable then requested that Otis eliminate Reed and Zayn; however, the Alpha Academy member declined to strike Zayn.
Gable began to belittle and strike Otis, and they ultimately came to a consensus.
Regrettably, Zayn evaded the attack, and Otis struck Gable with a clothesline.
Zayn returned to the ring, executed the Helluva Kick on Reed, and secured the victory with a pinfall.
Sami Zayn successfully defended the Intercontinental Championship by defeating Bronson Reed and Chad Gable in 13:40.
On Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 8:10 p.m. GMT+3,
Anthony Sulla-Heffinger
Becky Lynch versus Liv Morgan for the WWE Women’s World Championship
Morgan and Lynch initiated the primary card of The King and Queen of the Ring.
Lynch, the champion, made his entrance first, donning a body costume that was inspired by a tuxedo.
The crowd responded with an overwhelming enthusiasm.
Morgan, on the other hand, was met with a lukewarm response from supporters given that she entered the match as a distinct heel.
The match commenced with a collar-and-elbow tie-up, followed by a series of shoves between the two ladies.
Lynch acquired an advantage in the early phases, both within and outside of the ring.
Lynch attempted a second-rope leg drop, but Morgan countered it, resulting in the first near-fall of the match. Momentum shifted.
Morgan maintained the intensity of the assault, employing submission holds to slow down the tempo and counteract numerous turnbuckle/rope maneuvers.
The two women would eliminate each other with a pair of clotheslines as the action progresses, characterized by numerous near-falls and reversals.
Lynch executed a Becksploder suplex finisher and baseball slide kick after the champion and challenger engaged in a slugfest in the center of the ring.
Morgan briefly countered Lynch’s attempt at another top rope move, but he was ultimately struck with a missile drop kick, resulting in a near-fall.
Morgan countered Lynch’s two Disarm-her submissions, the second of which resulted in a Code Breaker and another near-fall.
Morgan’s missile drop kick of her own and her final maneuver, ObLIVioun, nearly concluded the match, as the theme of Lynch’s high-risk moves being countered/dodged persisted.
Lynch responded by initiating a tumultuous series of near-falls and back-and-forth pinning combinations.
Both women rose to their feet and exchanged strikes before exchanging submission holds:
Lynch with the Disarm-her and Morgan with the Rings of Saturn.
Dominik Mysterio emerged, distracting Lynch and nearly securing a victory for Morgan, as Lynch appeared to be on the brink of securing a victory.
The champion executed a superplex as Morgan attempted to exploit Lynch’s distraction and physical exhaustion.
Morgan utilized the chair to her advantage and struck ObLIVion, thereby securing the victory and establishing herself as the new WWE Women’s World Champion, after Mysterio hurled a chair into the ring and occupied the referee.
Liv Morgan successfully defended the WWE Women’s World Championship against Becky Lynch in a mere 15 minutes.
On Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 7:50 PM GMT+3,
Anthony Sulla-Heffinger
Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae will compete for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships against Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair.
The festivities in Saudi Arabia commenced with the Women’s Tag Team Championship match.
The heel team of Hartwell and LeRae were the first to make their entrance.
Cargill and Bianca, the champions, entered separately, both of which elicited applause from the audience.
However, Cargill appeared to elicit a more significant response.
The action commenced with Hartwell and Cargill, with the champion utilizing her physical dominance to land a fall-away slam and some tandem offense on the challenger.
The action then transitioned to Belair and LeRae, with the former revealing that she has been coping with a knee injury in the storyline for the past few weeks.
Belair would attempt a gorilla press takedown, but LeRae would counter, and the heels would focus on Belair’s knee.
Hartwell continued to administer the punishment to Belair’s knee, isolating her from her support system and ridiculing the multi-time women’s champion.
Belair’s numerous attempts to tag in Cargill were unsuccessful, and Hartwell and LeRae maintained their momentum.
Ultimately, Belair applied the hot tag to Cargill following a rollthrough and reversal.
Cargill unleashed on the challengers, landing multiple smashes on both women and a sit-down powerbomb on Hartwell, resulting in a near-fall.
Hartwell and LeRae promptly regained momentum, with the latter successfully executing a pair of high-risk maneuvers on Cargill.
Cargill was relegated to her own corner for a tag after LeRae’s missile drop kick backfired.
Belair and Cargill subsequently executed a tandem finale to secure the abrupt victory.
Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill successfully defended their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships by defeating Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae in a quick 8:04 match.
Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 7:16 p.m. GMT+3
Anthony Sulla-Heffinger
Recap the journey that led to the establishment of the King and Queen of the Ring.
The following is a summary of the video buildup packages that WWE has prepared for certain matches that are scheduled to take place today.
Predictions for the WWE King and Queen of the Ring card
Here is a summary of the event’s program for Saturday, as well as my predictions for the progression of each match.
Logan Paul will compete against Cody Rhodes (c.) for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
I do not anticipate that the WWE’s top championship will be transferred so soon after WrestleMania, similar to Rhodes’ match at Backlash earlier this month.
However, the development of this story has been Rhodes’ criticism of Paul’s deceptive strategies during his tenure as WWE United States Champion.
Paul is one of the most promising talents and most popular attractions in WWE today, despite the fact that he lacks Rhodes’ level of experience in the industry.
I can easily envision Paul abandoning his brass knuckles approach and the two of them exchanging a moment of mutual admiration following Rhodes’ second successful defense of his premier live event title.
Prediction: The Undisputed WWE Championship will be retained by Cody Rhodes.
Liv Morgan will compete against Becky Lynch (c.) for the WWE Women’s World Championship.
I anticipate that Morgan will emerge from Saudi Arabia as the WWE Women’s World Champion; however, it is probable that a prolonged program will be presented between the two.
Lynch is a prominent enough figure to consistently be featured in or near the title image; however, the “Liv Morgan revenge tour” is more logical in light of her championship victory.
This is the most effective and expeditious method of elevating Morgan to the summit of Raw’s women’s division, as she has already acquired the title of Money in the Bank early in her career.
I anticipate that this will facilitate Lynch’s entry into Money in the Bank, as well as her potential victory, and will allow her to continue her dispute with Morgan throughout the summer.
Prediction: Liv Morgan will secure the WWE Women’s World Championship.
Bronson versus Chad Gable Reed will compete against Sami Zayn (c.) for the Intercontinental Championship.
The downfall of Alpha Academy and Chad Gable is one of the more compelling angles in WWE at the moment, so I do not particularly see how his gaining the championship here furthers that.
Gable and Otis were the only ones remaining in Alpha Academy after Maxxine Dupri and Akira Tozawa declined to intervene in his match with Zayn on the go-home Raw.
The most probable result is that Otis ultimately refuses to assist Gable in winning, thereby distracting him while Zayn secures the victory over Reed.
The Intercontinental Championship match between Gable and Zayn is shaping up to be an exceptional SummerSlam opener.
Sami Zayn is expected to retain the Intercontinental Championship.
Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell will compete for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship against Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill.
Belair and Cargill, who were introduced to the card relatively late, have both suffered defeats to Nia Jax in the past two weeks.
The outcome of this match is genuinely unpredictable; however, I do not anticipate the end of Belair and Cargill’s reign at this time.
Belair and Cargill are expected to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship.
Final match of King of the Ring:
Randy Orton versus Gunther – Orton has yet to secure the King of the Ring in his Hall of Fame-worthy tenure, and this may be his final opportunity to do so.
However, following the conclusion of his record-breaking Intercontinental Championship tenure at WrestleMania, it is logical for Gunther to secure a victory at King of the Ring in order to secure a spot in the World Heavyweight Championship race and to ensure that Cody Rhodes’ opponent remains undetermined for SummerSlam.
Prediction: Gunther emerges victorious to be proclaimed King of the Ring.
The final of Queen of the Ring will feature Lyra Valkyria and Nia Jax.
Lyra, I apologize; however, Jax/Belair will unquestionably be the recipients of the crown this year.
To establish a championship match for SummerSlam, it is logical to establish Jax as a significant threat on SmackDown, given Bayley’s status as a babyface champion.
Jax is currently the ideal candidate for the role of the King/Queen of the Ring, as they are typically more effective when they have an unbearable heel.
Prediction: Nia Jax will be crowned Queen of the Ring.