'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQf/2gAIAQEAAAAAjxn/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAE/9oACAECEAAAAF//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAB/9oACAEDEAAAAH//xAAdEAACAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABAwQRAAIFMoLR/9oACAEBAAE/AE8pxJW5W0GSXM67FwoV5wvi2a0kD2Pmf//EABgRAAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAhIh/9oACAECAQE/AJKuo//EABcRAQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAyH/2gAIAQMBAT8Ar1Sf/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
WWE are set to host Crown Jewel this Thursday, the second Saudi Arabia PPV of 2019. The show will feature nine matches, including the first-ever women's match in the Saudi Arabia PPV.
Brock Lesnar will have a rematch with Cain Velasquez, this time in a WWE ring, as the two battle it out for the WWE Championship, while Braun Strowman welcomes boxer Tyson Fury to the WWE ring on Thursday.
Let's take a look at the last-minute rumors for Crown Jewel:
#1 Natalya and Lacey Evans to wear full-body suits at Crown Jewel
Natalya and Lacey Evans will face off in a women's singles match for the first time ever at a Saudi Arabia PPV, which is a huge step in WWE's relationship with the Saudi Arabia government, as well as for the Saudi Arabian state.
It has now been revealed by Stephanie McMahon (via TMZ) that both female Superstars will wear full-body suits, adhering to the customs and traditions of the Saudi Arabian culture. This is similar to what Alexa Bliss and Sasha Banks wore when they wrestled in Abu Dhabi a few years ago.
Natalya spoke of her joy at wrestling in Saudi Arabia, and revealed her reaction after the announcement was made.
"I'm so excited. I don't even feel like it's really sunk in. For me, it's life-changing. It was like 3 or 4 in the morning when the news broke back in the States. I texted my mom like, 'I'm so sorry to wake you up, but I'm so excited.' My mom was so happy. To me, I can't believe that I'm getting to do this and I get to be part of history. I'm so excited for our WWE fans in Saudi Arabia and around the world. For women around the world, it's transcending," said Natalya. (H/T Fightful)
#2 Ric Flair bump at Crown Jewel
Ric Flair will be a part of Crown Jewel as he leads Team Flair in a 5-on-5 tag team match against Team Hogan. Flair and Hogan are in non-wrestling roles for the show, but the WWE Hall of Famer teased a possible involvement in the match, rather than just being ringside.
Speaking to Corey Graves in Graves' After The Bell podcast, Flair said he's been cleared to take a bump.
“I’ve been cleared, I’ve got a medical release. Never, ever forget who the dirtiest player in the game is, man. I’ll be equipped, and I’ll be ready," said Flair.
#3 Crown Jewel fireworks
One major grouse that WWE fans have had over the last few years is the lack of fireworks and pyro during Superstar entrances as well as the start of the show.
But, WWE have brought it back recently, even for both RAW and SmackDown, as well as for PPVs. The shows in Saudi Arabia have had incredible pyro and fireworks, and we will see more of it this Thursday as well.
A Twitter user revealed a sneak peek of what fans can witness at the Crown Jewel PPV.
#4 Favourites at Crown Jewel
Crown Jewel 2019 will have nine matches, which includes three title matches, as well as one to determine the best tag team in the world with the winners taking home the WWE World Cup trophy.
WWE Champion Brock Lesnar faces off against former UFC fighter Cain Velasquez, which will be the Mexican's first match in WWE. According to SEScoops, Lesnar is the favourite to win the match and retain his title, which he won from Kofi Kingston.
In the other big title match, Seth Rollins defends his Universal title against Bray Wyatt. The Beastslayer is the favourite to prevail over The Fiend, in what is a rematch from Hell in a Cell.
Braun Strowman, who faces against a debuting Tyson Fury, is the favourite to win the match, while local hero Mansoor is also expected to defeat Cesaro.
Team Hogan are the favourites to win against Team Flair in the huge 10-man tag team match, while The New Day could win the WWE World Cup in the tag team turmoil match according to the odds.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
