The top champions of Raw and SmackDown collided as WWE headed to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel 2026. The show featured three championship matches and a Last Man Standing match that teased a future heel turn of one of SmackDown’s biggest babyfaces. New champions were crowned, and bragging rights were claimed, and Riyadh witnessed the end of a friendship as a heel turn led to a title change. Each match had its own story, but did it deliver in-ring storytelling and match quality? Here are letter grades for each match at Crown Jewel 2026.
Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing Match
Although this match might not rank among the best Last Man Standing matches of all time, it was still a hard-hitting affair as both men did their best to hurt one another. Randy Orton’s sadistic, methodical antics felt lethal at times, as he made sure to slow Cody Rhodes whenever he gained any momentum. ‘The American Nightmare’ once again struggled to find the inner demon hiding inside him, often taking his time to hurt Orton instead of striking as fast as possible. In the end, Rhodes found that darkness inside, delivering a punt kick to a bloodied Orton and leaving him on the ground long enough for the 10-count. Although he won the match, Rhodes was not happy as he made his way toward the back. He may have won the match, but ‘The Viper’ may have gotten what he wanted after all.
Grade: B
The Vision vs. Pénta and Je’Von Evans for the World Tag Team Championship
In what could be the most surprising moment of the night, Pénta and Je’Von Evans walked out of Saudi Arabia as the new World Tag Team Champions. Bron Breakker was his usual self, dominating and unleashing his strengths to take control of the match. When it seemed like The Vision was losing control, Maxxine Dupri helped by causing a distraction, allowing ‘Big’ Bronson Reed to come in and attack the challengers behind the referee’s back. Just when it looked like The Vision was about to walk away with another successful title defense. Oba Femi’s music hit, and the big man laid waste to Reed, throwing him off the stage and straight through a table. This distraction was enough for Pénta and Evans to capitalize, take out The Vision, and become the new champions. Everyone looked great in this match, and with new tag team championships on the red brand, the Tag Team Division will surely benefit.
Grade: B+
Liv Morgan vs. Chelsea Green for the Women’s Crown Jewel Championship
The finish came as a surprise, as Chelsea Green picked up a roll-up victory over Liv Morgan after the Women’s World Champion missed an oblivion. The match felt lackluster as WWE once again pushed the narrative of a champion struggling with their confidence, getting dominated throughout the match but somehow still getting the victory. Green had some highlights, but the match never built to a crescendo, making the finish feel rushed and out of the blue. The ending played into the post-match segment, when Morgan attacked Green before Tiffany Stratton came out to make the save for the WWE Women’s Champion. It didn’t take long to find out whether Stratton would cash in her briefcase before the end of the year, as ‘Tiffy Time’ turned on her best friend and cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase, becoming the new Women’s World Champion. Green may have won the Crown Jewel championship, but she looked completely weak throughout the whole ordeal. The match needed more time and suspense to wake the crowd up, but it never got there.
Grade: C
Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn for the Men’s Crown Jewel Championship
Since capturing the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42, Roman Reigns has been on top of his game in every match he’s competed in. He promised he would show up more often and compete without the help of the Bloodline, and the ‘OTC’ has followed through. His encounter against Sami Zayn was no exception, as both men left it all in the ring with their storytelling. ‘The Last Real Good Guy’ made it his mission to earn Reigns’ respect, and though he didn't win the match, he earned more than respect when the ‘OTC’ hugged him, followed by a handshake and a raised hand at the end. Similar to their previous encounter at Elimination Chamber 2023, Zayn gave Reigns everything he had and even came close to pulling off the shocking upset win, but alas, it wasn't meant to be for him on this night, either. Despite most of his moves being countered, Reigns still delivered the final Spear to pick up the win and become the new Crown Jewel Champion.
Grade: A
