If the COO of a publicly traded, billion dollar company has to — on multiple occasions — assure the safety of an upcoming company event, maybe that says all there is to know about said event? Just a thought.
Mark Shapiro has been the poor sap that’s been the face of TKO Group and WWE’s hypocrisy when it comes to Saturday’s Crown Jewel PLE in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Shapiro’s favorite line? “All systems go.” As if anyone thought they might actually not go. Ha!
The guy tried. He tried to pretend to care about the safety of his WWE talent and employees, but then coughed up hundred dollar bills and blurted out his truth. Shapiro said the safety of his employees is most important and the priority over financial success. He then reminded everyone that the Saudi Arabia shows are imperative in order for TKO Group to hit their annual revenue goals. In other words … safety is important, BUT …
The biggest Crown Jewel fight is outside the ring
This “should they go, or shouldn’t they go” battle has been the biggest story surrounding this year’s Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia. It’s been the biggest story around these shows since WWE entered into a billion dollar partnership with the country in 2018. Should they go, or shouldn’t they? Take the money, or don’t?
A missile hit the Riyadh international airport less than a month ago, wiped out two entire gates, and killed 13 people. Violence has engulfed the country and the US Embassy has ordered non-essential people to take their families and leave. If threats like that don’t force TKO Group to rethink things, nothing will.
WWE is willingly entering a violent war zone, so the Crown Jewel matches better be damn good. The company hit the mark on that. Not only will the show feature the biggest stars in the company, but the Crown Jewel Championship matches have been well-built and the event is anchored by a grudge match with a special stipulation. That’s three of four matches with significant meaning.
The men’s world champion vs. world champion WWE Crown Jewel Championship match this year is between Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn. Former faction-mates in The Bloodline. This feud wrote itself. Reigns and Zayn tapped into their history together, but then used that history to explain the issues they have with one another now. Respect is the key. Zayn wants it. Reigns won’t give it. Fight.
Roman Reigns doesn’t do jobs to often, but that’s exactly what will happen during this match. Sami Zayn is going to pin him. What a visual that’ll be.
Zayn over Reigns thanks to 946
Zayn won’t get the clean win, but this is the perfect opportunity to get 946 added heat ahead of their inevitable showdown with The Bloodline inside WarGames at Survivor Series at the end of the month. It’s one thing for Royce Keys and company to continue attacking The Bloodline, but actually getting involved in Tribal Chief championship business? That’s an entirely different thing and ups the stakes considerably for the 946 vs. Bloodline story. On the Zayn side, he gets a talking point to use forever the moment he wins. Is it a little predictable? Sure, but sometimes wrestling needs to be. This is one of those times.
The women’s world champion vs. world champion match for the WWE Crown Jewel Championship is Liv Morgan vs. Chelsea Green. This outcome is clear.
Morgan pinned Green to the mat this week on Raw. We know what happens next. Green gets revenge. When Green wins the WWE Crown Jewel Championship this year, it’ll be a significant boost for her. Show to show she’s building credibility as a top champion and another win on a major stages adds to it. Morgan has been there. Another Crown Jewel ring for her won’t mean nearly as much as it will for Green.
As for the grudge match on the show, well, it’s Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton of course! Again. Though this time, I think we’re actually getting the blowoff match. Will Rhodes crack and do what he needs to do in order to beat his rival? Everyone knows the answer to that.
Cody Rhodes cracks then punts
Of course he will. If you’re looking for swerves and curveballs, don’t look anywhere near this match. This one will be as straightforward as anything. Rhodes punts Orton in the head, is tortured by the move, gets the win, and then Orton raises his hand because the older brother figure “didn’t think he had it in him.” The audience cheers both guys and that’s that. What was the point of the last nine months then? Good freaking question.
WWE Crown Jewel 2026 airs live on ESPN Unlimited and Netflix internationally on Saturday afternoon. The full match card and The Takedown On SI preview of the show is below.
WWE Crown Jewel 2026 Full Match Card
Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn - WWE Men’s Crown Jewel Championship
Liv Morgan vs. Chelsea Green - WWE Women’s Crown Jewel Championship
Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton - Last Man Standing Match
The Vision vs. Penta and Je’Von Evans - WWE World Tag Team Championships
WWE Crown Jewel 2026 Preview
Predict the WWE Crown Jewel 2026 match of the night!! Let us know in the comments!
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