9 Match Star Ratings For WWE Crown Jewel 2019

3. Natalya Vs. Lacey Evans

WWE Crown Jewel 2019 Lacey Evans Natalya
WWE.com

In which Full Gear comes early!

This match was clearly totally meaningless in shaping the future complexion of Saudi Arabia - if there's any hope in true equality, Lacey Evans probably isn't going to drive it - but it clearly meant a great deal to Natalya in particular.

Clouded by the sight of an errant water bottle thrown in Natalya's direction, and the sight of both women covered head to toe, the enthused crowd reaction did help to create an atmosphere of acceptance. The match marked a further improvement on Lacey's part; after the usual, rest hold-driven formula mandated by a pushed, not-great WWE heel, she manoeuvred herself well into convoluted tweaks on Natalya's usual comeback routine. It was solid and polished, elevated by a quasi-sincere if wildly optimistic framing of progression - a near-complete subversion of their disastrous exchanges at Royal Rumble.

That's the real story, and that's what Natalya should hold real pride over: through her training prowess, she has made a wrestler, or something close to it, out of Lacey Evans.

She's given her a right foot.

Star Rating: ★★½

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!