Seth Rollins’ Controversial Triumph: Claims Crown Jewel Championship with a “Shortcut” Over Cody Rhodes
In a main event that electrified the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins finally broke his losing streak against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, capturing the prestigious Men’s Crown Jewel Championship on October 11, 2025, at WWE Crown Jewel—but not without controversy. Clocking in at a grueling 29:41, the match was a brutal showcase of their storied rivalry, ending with Rollins using a loaded fist (via Rhodes’ own Rolex watch) for a cheap shot while the referee was distracted, followed by a double stomp for the pin. This marks Rollins’ first-ever victory over Rhodes, who had previously bested him in high-stakes clashes at WrestleMania 38, WrestleMania Backlash 2022, and Hell in a Cell 2022.
The Build-Up: A Rivalry Reignited Down Under
WWE Crown Jewel 2025 marked the event’s first venture outside Saudi Arabia, shifting to Perth for a “Champion vs. Champion” spectacle. Rhodes entered as the defending Crown Jewel Champ (having dethroned Gunther in 2024), fresh off retaining his Undisputed title against Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza. Rollins, however, was on a mission: Haunted by past defeats and the pressure from his “Vision” stable (backed by Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed), he confronted Rhodes post-Wrestlepalooza, demanding a shot to prove he’s the true top dog.
Heyman upped the ante on SmackDown, warning Rollins: “If you lose… I have to ask myself why I picked you over Roman Reigns.” Rhodes, ever the “American Nightmare,” fired back by calling himself Rollins’ “Achilles heel,” setting the stage for a psychological war as much as a physical one. Rollins entered alone—no stable interference—carrying the weight of proving his “Vision” without backup.
Match Highlights: Epic Exchanges and a Dirty Finish
The bout was a workrate masterpiece, blending technical wizardry, high-flying risks, and raw intensity—earning near-universal praise as a 4-4.5 star affair. Key moments:
- Early Fire: Rhodes dominated with chain wrestling and a signature Cody Cutter, but Rollins countered with a coast-to-coast dropkick and superplex.
- Near Falls Galore: A top-rope Cross Rhodes from Rhodes got a dramatic 2.9-count; Rollins escaped a Pedigree attempt and hit a Falcon Arrow for his own tease.
- The Turning Point: Frustrated outside, Rollins grabbed the Rolex watch Rhodes had gifted him earlier in their arc (symbolizing respect). He loaded it on his fist, clocked Rhodes unseen by the ref, then sealed it with a flying stomp—1-2-3.
Post-match, a seething Rollins snapped at the booing Perth crowd, yelling for silence as he hoisted both the World Heavyweight and Crown Jewel titles—cementing his heel turn while protecting Rhodes for future rematches. Heyman later congratulated him backstage but reminded: “You did it alone… but did you prove you’re better?”
Broader Event Context and Fan Buzz
Crown Jewel 2025 was a hit, with other standouts including John Cena outlasting AJ Styles in a 25-minute classic (earning Match of the Night nods), Stephanie Vaquer topping Tiffany Stratton for the Women’s Crown Jewel title, and Bronson Reed upsetting Roman Reigns in an Australian Street Fight (aided by an accidental Jey Uso spear). The card’s five matches delivered surprises, with analysts calling it “the show of underdogs and redemption.”
On X, reactions exploded: Fans hailed the finish as “genius storytelling” for Rollins’ desperation, while others lamented Rhodes’ bad luck (“Cody deserved clean!”). Memes of Rollins’ post-match rant went viral, and ratings poured in—most at 4+ stars for the main event. One user summed it: “Rollins cheats to win but earns the belt—classic Vision chaos!”
This “shortcut” victory keeps Rollins’ momentum scorching into Survivor Series, but at what cost to his legacy? Rhodes, ever resilient, hinted on X: “One watch can’t tell time… or end a Nightmare.” Rematch incoming? What’s your take—fair play or foul?