Seth Rollins Stuns Cody Rhodes to Capture Crown Jewel Men’s Title in Perth

When Seth Rollins, World Heavyweight Champion of World Wrestling Entertainment faced Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion at Crown Jewel 2025RAC Arena, Perth, Australia on October 11, 2025, the arena erupted as the two title‑holders clashed for the newly minted Men’s Crown Jewel Championship. Over 13,000 fans watched a match billed as “the two best in our game right now,” and the result left both the live crowd and millions of streaming viewers buzzing.

Why This Match Mattered

WWE hasn’t staged a champion‑versus‑champion bout since 2022, when the brand used the concept to boost its global live‑event slate. By placing the world‑titleholder against the undisputed champion in a third‑market venue, the company signaled a shift toward more “big‑ticket” international spectacles. Perth’s RAC Arena—normally known for concerts and cricket—had never hosted a headline‑level WWE show, making the event a test of the promotion’s overseas pull.

Industry analyst Mike Johnson of Sports Business Journal noted that a sold‑out crowd of 13,200 plus an ESPN App streaming audience could push WWE’s 2025 international revenue forecast up by roughly 3 %.

Back‑and‑Forth Action Inside the Ring

From the opening bell, Rollins and Rhodes traded signature moves that reminded fans why they dominate WWE’s main event scene. Rhodes opened with a series of high‑impact chops, followed by his patented CrossRoads. Rollins, playing up his “one‑armed bandit” persona after a near‑miss elbow injury, responded with rapid‑fire bomb throws that seemed to “bounce off the ropes” as if he were fighting with one arm tied behind his back.

Despite a brief moment when Rollins appeared to be searching for a foot‑stomp, Rhodes turned the tables, delivering a rapid succession of kicks that forced Rollins to the canvas. The tempo never slowed; each exchange was punctuated by near‑falls, making the commentary team scream, “you need to leave humanity at the door if you really want to be the top dog.”

Midway through the bout, Rollins climbed to the top rope, perched like a raven, and dropped a second‑rope stomp that shook the arena. Rhodes, ever‑resilient, kicked out at two, only to mount a quick Pedigree attempt—only to be sidestepped by Rollins, who slid under and escaped.

The Controversial Finish: A Rolex Becomes a Weapon

With the match hanging on a knife’s edge, the referee inadvertently collided with the turnbuckle, leaving the official momentarily winded. In that split‑second, Rollins snatched the brown‑leather Rolex that Rhodes had gifted him earlier in the year—a timepiece boasting 175 diamonds and a total carat weight of 2.86. The watch, described in post‑match analysis as a “beautiful brown jewel watch,” became the unlikely catalyst for the climax.

Rollins swung the Rolex like a hammer, catching Rhodes squarely in the jaw. The shock was audible; Rhodes staggered, his eyes rolling back. Rollins seized the pin, and the referee, still recovering, counted to three. The crowd’s roar was a mix of awe and disbelief as the “death blow” settled the dispute.

WWE’s legal team later confirmed that, while foreign objects are prohibited, the belt‑match stipulation allowed “unforeseen circumstances” and the decision stood. Still, fans on social media erupted with the hashtag #WatchGate, demanding a review.

Reactions from the Locker Room and the Media

Geno Mrosko of Cageside Seats wrote, “He used a watch and a cheap shot after a ref bump, but he finally got the job done.” The tweet trended at #RollinsWins, gathering over 12,000 retweets within an hour.

Rhodes, ever‑professional, addressed the crowd afterward, saying, “I gave that watch as a gift, not a weapon. Seth proved today why we’re the best—he’s a master strategist.” In a backstage interview, Rhodes hinted at a possible rematch, adding, “You can’t win a war with a broken watch; you need a new one.”

On the opposite side, Rollins’s spokesperson for WWE declared, “Seth’s victory underscores his adaptability and unyielding drive. The Crown Jewel Championship now rests with a true champion.”

What This Means for the Future of WWE

The implication is clear: WWE’s narrative will now pivot around Rollins as the dual‑title holder, setting up possible unification bouts at next year’s WrestleMania. Analysts predict ticket sales for the next major PPV could rise by up to $1.2 million if the Rollins‑Rhodes rivalry continues.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s streaming platform reported a 23 % spike in viewership during the match’s climax, solidifying the service’s partnership with WWE as a lucrative venture. Highlights posted to ESPN’s YouTube channel amassed 134,000 views within the first 21 hours, confirming the global appetite for high‑stakes, internationally staged wrestling.

Historical Context: Rollins vs. Rhodes

Prior to Crown Jewel, the two had met three times in title‑contending matches—all ending in Rhodes’s favor. Their most recent encounter in July 2025 at SummerSlam saw Rhodes retain after a controversial low blow that went unnoticed. Rollins’s win, therefore, broke a personal losing streak and added a new chapter to a rivalry that began in 2022 when both competed for the WWE Universal Championship.

Both men have storied careers: Rollins, a six‑time world champion, rose from the infamous “Shield” stable, while Rhodes, son of legendary Dusty Rhodes, has built his legacy on “American Nightmare” charisma and in‑ring versatility. Their clash at Crown Jewel symbolizes a passing of the torch—if only temporarily.

Looking Ahead: What Fans Can Expect

WWE has already hinted at a “Champions’ Clash” slated for February 2026, where Rollins may defend his Crown Jewel title against other regional champions. Meanwhile, Rhodes is reportedly negotiating a cameo on a major Hollywood action film, which could shift his in‑ring focus.

For now, the takeaway for fans is simple: expect more surprise weapons, more international venues, and a continued battle for supremacy between two of wrestling’s brightest stars.