The end of an era for physical wrestling media
In short: While professional wrestling often feels like a modern spectacle, its distribution is undergoing a quiet revolution. The 2023 Crown Jewel event marked a definitive turning point: the final time WWE would officially distribute its content on DVD in Europe and one of the last times it would do so in the United States.
Held on November 4, 2023, at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Crown Jewel was more than just a premium live event. It represented the 10th installment of a decade-long strategic multiplatform partnership between WWE and the Saudi Ministry of Sport. This collaboration is designed to support 'Saudi Vision 2030,' a massive national program aimed at social and economic reform. By hosting these events as part of the annual Riyadh Season festivities, the promotion integrates scripted sports entertainment into the country's broader cultural rebranding.
The 2023 event also signaled a shift in how fans consume 'brain food' versus 'brain rot.' It was the first Crown Jewel to livestream on platforms like Disney+ (Philippines), Binge (Australia), and Abema (Japan). This transition reflects a move toward global streaming ecosystems over traditional physical media. Consequently, WWE opted not to renew its contract with Fremantle for home video releases after 2023, effectively shutting down its dedicated home video division at the end of that year.
On the ring, the event featured eight matches built on months of scripted storylines across the Raw and SmackDown brands. Highlights included Roman Reigns defeating LA Knight to retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship and Seth 'Freakin' Rollins defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Drew McIntyre. While the results are predetermined by writers, the narrative complexity—ranging from Logan Paul’s pursuit of the United States Championship to multi-person 'fatal five-way' matches—serves as a modern form of serialized storytelling.
The event also served as a platform for high-profile returns and appearances. Kairi Sane returned to the promotion after a three-year absence, while Saudi actor Ibrahim Al Hajjaj made an appearance. These elements combine to create a hybrid of sports, theater, and international diplomacy, all packaged within a single night of entertainment.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Crown Jewel (2023)
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