This Saturday, WWE Crown Jewel 2026 will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring a card that, as of now, includes four matches—three of which are championship contests. The event will see the world tag team titles and both Crown Jewel Championship belts defended, while the only non-title match will showcase Cody Rhodes in his first-ever Last Man Standing match against his longtime friend and rival Randy Orton.
However, not all matches hold the same appeal when it comes to capturing fan interest. The WINC team weighs in on which bout they’re most eager to watch and which falls flat. Here’s a look at their top pick and biggest disappointment for WWE Crown Jewel 2026!
Highlight Match: Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes
Since Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE in 2022, fans have hoped for a WrestleMania showdown between him and Randy Orton, his former mentor. Although celebrity distractions previously spoiled their storyline, the rivalry has recently gained new momentum after Orton’s surprise RKO at SummerSlam and a follow-up rematch where Orton once again outsmarted Rhodes. Following his setbacks, Rhodes has shown a darker, more aggressive side—evident in his recent punt kick on Baron Corbin—which adds a captivating new dimension to their feud. With Rhodes stepping into his first televised Last Man Standing match, WWE has laid the groundwork for a compelling and hard-hitting chapter in this long-standing rivalry.
— Written by Ella Jay
Disappointing Match: Liv Morgan vs. Chelsea Green
Liv Morgan faces Chelsea Green in a contest between the WWE Women’s World Champion and WWE Women’s Champion for the Crown Jewel Championship—a title that is more ceremonial and exclusive to Riyadh rather than a defended prize. The problem is that Green feels like an interim, luck-driven champion struggling to assert dominance, partly shadowed by her alliance with Money in the Bank holder Tiffany Stratton. This partnership, mirroring Stratton’s previous alliance with Nia Jax, has undercut the legitimacy of Green’s reign and the storyline’s buildup. The match is bogged down by confusing dynamics and a lack of clear motivation, making it hard for fans to invest emotionally. Meanwhile, the Crown Jewel title works best as a stage for the very best to clash; unfortunately, this pairing doesn’t meet that standard.
— Written by Max Everett
Fan Take:
This event highlights the importance of strong storytelling and character development in wrestling, showing how rivalries like Rhodes vs. Orton can reignite fan passion. Meanwhile, matches lacking clear stakes, like Morgan vs. Green, remind us that even high-profile matches need meaningful context to engage audiences and elevate the sport.
Source: www.wrestlinginc.com
