9 Match Star Ratings For WWE Crown Jewel 2019
6. Mansoor Vs. Cesaro
The perfect match in a profoundly imperfect context, this was a genuinely inspired pairing.
Cesaro is so good that he'd impress your dad, who always wondered aloud why you watch "that sh*t", complete with a problematic insult. Mansoor, emblematic of hope and progression, is a hero to the Saudi fans. This all but guaranteed the sort of heated and exciting match these propaganda exercises are by default incapable of producing.
Cesaro proved his incredible, vastly under-utilised value in this match; he clearly carried his far greener opponent through an entertaining and energetic match elevated by a simple, traditional and well-received dynamic. Cesaro played very well to Mansoor's raw, impressive athleticism, though there's a Seth Rollins dorky quality to the way in which he carries himself. This obviously didn't matter to the crowd.
Cesaro sold his frustration very well, in that it wasn't at all cartoonish or overblown, and this veteran display of psychology further drove the loud, emotional response.
This decidedly was not "hope", nor was it a perfect match in itself - but, eccie'd expressions aside, Mansoor punctuated the drama of the near-falls well enough at the very well-worked finish.
Star Rating: ★★★¾