WWE Crown Jewel 2025 delivered a night filled with shocking outcomes and pivotal moments that will shape the landscape of WWE in the months ahead. While some superstars elevated their status substantially, others faced setbacks that could reshape their storylines. Below, we break down the biggest winners and losers from the event, highlighting key matches and backstage insights.
Seth Rollins: The Visionary Emerges Triumphant
The undisputed biggest winner of Crown Jewel 2025 was unquestionably Seth Rollins, who walked out as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion after a high-stakes clash against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Despite entering the match plagued by self-doubt and the heavy pressure of defending his title, Rollins overcame all obstacles including scripted attempts by rivals Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed not to assist him showcasing his resilience and unwavering focus.
According to a WWE insider, “Rollins’ victory wasn’t just a title win; it represented a passing of the torch in WWE’s vision for its future. The company sees him as the cornerstone of the brand’s next chapter.” This win, being Rollins’ first clean victory over Cody Rhodes, solidified his role as the industry’s leading figure and injected fresh momentum into his career.
Stephanie Vaquer: WWE’s Rising Star Breaks New Ground
Another standout performer was Stephanie Vaquer, who captured the Women’s Crown Jewel Title in a swift and decisive victory over Tiffany Stratton. Vaquer’s rapid ascent has surprised many, with WWE elevating her from a former CMLL star to a top-tier attraction faster than most in recent memory.
Her win positions her among an elite group of Crown Jewel Women’s Champions, which includes household names like Liv Morgan and Cody Rhodes. A source close to Vaquer noted, “There’s genuine belief backstage that she’s just getting started she’s already hit milestones that took other stars years to reach.”
Vaquer’s dominance at Crown Jewel reinforces WWE’s commitment to spotlighting new international talent and expanding the women’s division with dynamic characters rapidly ascending the ranks.
Roman Reigns: Momentum Lost Amid Unexpected Defeat
In contrast to Rollins and Vaquer, Roman Reigns experienced a surprising setback at the event, losing his Australian Street Fight match against Bronson Reed due to an accidental spear from his cousin, Jey Uso[1]. The loss shattered Reigns’ aura of invincibility and has thrown his role as the “Tribal Chief” into question.
Backstage sources revealed that Reigns was visibly frustrated following the match, lamenting that he wanted to prove he could win battles on his own. “That loss has definitely hurt his standing,” a WWE creative team member admitted. “Reigns now faces a challenge to regain momentum and reestablish himself as the World Champion.”
This defeat could mark a turning point in Reigns’ storyline, potentially leading to new rivalries or internal family conflict angles that WWE is known for exploring.
John Cena and Bray Wyatt’s Legacy: Mixed Results
The emotionally charged match between John Cena and AJ Styles carried layers of significance, especially with the unexpected presence of Bray Wyatt’s memory influencing Cena’s performance. While the match captivated the audience, Cena did not walk away victorious, which some interpret as a deliberate storytelling choice to pass the torch while honoring Wyatt’s legacy.
One WWE insider commented, “Cena’s involvement here was more about legacy and respect than a competitive win. It’s a move to connect the past with the present while setting up future narratives.”
This nuanced outcome adds depth to Cena’s character arc and keeps fans invested in the evolving storylines surrounding the veteran wrestlers.
Other Notable Winners and Losers
Liv Morgan and Iyo Sky looked strong in tag team competition, signaling WWE’s confidence in their tag division depth.
Newly crowned WWE North American and Women’s North American Champions saw their potential spotlighted, though some fan favorites such as AJ Styles ended the night on the losing side.
Tiffany Stratton, despite her loss to Vaquer, displayed impressive skills that promise a compelling comeback storyline.
Behind the Scenes: Creative Directions and Future Implications
Sources within WWE’s creative team disclosed that the booking for Crown Jewel 2025 had a clear intent: to elevate new blood while preserving established legends. A key reason behind putting Vaquer and Rollins over was to prepare fresh faces for headliner roles, especially with major events like Survivor Series on the horizon.
Regarding Roman Reigns, a creative insider said, “The decision to have Reigns lose was about shaking up the status quo and giving other talents a chance to shine. It’s less a demotion and more of a narrative reset.”
These decisions, reflecting WWE’s adaptive storytelling approach, align with the company’s broader strategy to build sustainable main-event talent capable of leading WWE globally.
What’s Next After Crown Jewel?
Looking forward, Seth Rollins is expected to launch a high-profile title defense campaign, with Cody Rhodes likely seeking rematch opportunities. Stephanie Vaquer’s trajectory suggests she will be at the forefront of the women’s division, possibly headlining future pay-per-views.
Roman Reigns’ path is less defined but poised for dramatic storyline developments, especially involving the Usos and emerging challengers like Bronson Reed. The outcomes at Crown Jewel 2025 have set up a captivating landscape as WWE dives into the final quarter of the year.