WWE Weekly Recap: LFG Finale, Crown Jewel, and John Cena’s Farewell Tour

This past week was an action-packed one, featuring plenty of excitement. Two new stars earned their NXT contracts on LFG (Legends and Future Greats), WWE traveled to Australia for Crown Jewel, and John Cena’s farewell tour continued. Let’s take a look back at what happened this week in WWE.

On Sunday, there was the LFG season finale, where four superstars competed for an NXT contract. Those four were Shiloh Hill, Harlem Lewis, Penina Tulipea (P Nasty), and Dani Sekelsy. Hill was a runner-up in season one, falling to Jasper Troy, while Harlem was the dark horse. Both P-Nasty and Dani were featured on last season and were determined to get that contract.

The show revealed the women’s winner first, as Sekelsky took home the prize and will look to appear on NXT first. Shiloh Hill won on the men’s side, meaning the Undertaker had an NXT contract for both men’s and women’s. Another feature of LFG was the coach’s belt, which was held by the Undertaker. This time, however, his wife, Michelle McCool, won, as Shawn Michaels claimed the belt would stay in the same household. McCool had the most points given to her team at the end of the year. Season three of LFG will be in the works soon, so be on the lookout for new faces and maybe even new coaches.

On Monday Night Raw, WWE fans were eager to see what was in store for the go-home show in Perth, Australia. Roman Reigns opened up the show and was interrupted by Paul Heyman, along with Bronson Reed. An Australian Street Fight was announced as the two would clash on Reed’s home soil. CM Punk also appeared on the show, looking for an opportunity at the World Heavyweight Championship. He was confronted by LA Knight as well as the Usos. The segment ended in chaos with Jey hinting at a heel turn. More on that later. Iyo Sky picked up a win against Kaire Sane. In the main event, Punk and Knight collided with the Usos, which ended in Knight stealing the pinfall from Punk, adding more fuel to the fire.

WWE then traveled to Perth, Australia, where two championship matches took place, as well as a Last Man Standing match. Sami Zayn held an Open Challenge for his US title, and it was answered by a returning Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura had his old theme song back, along with his attire. The two had a great match that ended with interference from Solo Sikoa’s crew, known as the NFTs.

Later on in the show, the Wyatt Sicks retained their titles against the Street Profits. However, they were met in a staredown by the NFTs, where Nikki Cross stood up to Solo Sikoa. In the main event, Damian Priest and Aleister Black battled to see who was going to be the Last Man Standing. Zelina Vega, Black’s wife, appeared and asked Priest for mercy. Black then blew a fireball into Priest’s face and performed his signature move, Black Mass, before being declared the winner.

Last but not least, the event you’ve all been waiting for: Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia, taking place at 7AM CT. There were plenty of skeptics, but the overwhelming feedback was that this was a great event. Roman Reigns and Bronson Reed opened the show with a banger Street Fight, featuring Bron Breakker and the Usos. The ending was controversial as Jey Uso accidentally speared Reigns through a table and essentially cost Reigns the match. Afterwards, Reigns told the Usos he could handle his own business and didn’t want to see them until Christmas. Who knows what’s next in the Bloodline saga?

Next up was the Crown Jewel championship match for the women between Stephanie Vaquer and Tiffany Stratton. Vaquer came home with the victory after a corkscrew moonsault, being the first competitor to defeat Stratton this year. What followed was an epic match and one that fans will likely never forget. John Cena couldn’t believe the ovation the crowd gave him during his entrance, but he also had a surprise of his own for AJ Styles. The ring announcer called Styles “Mr. TNA,” and even mentioned the Bullet Club, which caught Styles off guard.

Both superstars gave it their all, and plenty of tributes were going around. John Cena delivered the RKO, chokeslam, Walls of Jericho, and Sister Abigail. Upon giving Styles the Sister Abigail, the fans immediately turned their flashlights on in honor of Bray Wyatt, and Cena was seen a little emotional. AJ Styles gave Cena the Scorpion Deathdrop, Coquina Clutch, Sweet Chin Music, and Cena’s own AA. The match ended with Cena giving his opponent a Tombstone Piledriver and then an AA for the victory. Afterwards, the two showed their respect for one another before Cena gave his goodbyes to the WWE Universe.

Rhea Ripley was greeted with a thunderous ovation from her home country. Ripley and Sky took down the Kabuki Warriors, possibly laying rest to their rivalry.

In the main event, Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins put it all on the line to see who was going to walk away as the Men’s Crown Jewel Champion. Rollins had never beaten Rhodes upon his return and was seeking redemption. In a controversial fashion, the leader of the Vision knocked the American Nightmare out with his watch. This led to his first victory over Dusty’s son in the company. Overall, this event was met with praise, and plenty of fireworks happened.

Tomorrow morning on Raw, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria will take on Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez. Also, Penta will compete for a chance to win the Intercontinental Championship. Other superstars advertised to appear include Rhea Ripley, Seth Rollins, and LA Knight. Tune in bright and early to see the fallout of Crown Jewel.