WWE Crown Jewel 2026 takes place Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring a stacked card headlined by a historic clash between Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn. CBS Sports wrestling experts Shakiel Mahjouri and Brent Brookhouse have weighed in on every match, offering their picks for the premium live event.
WWE Crown Jewel Championship: Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn
World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns puts his title on the line against Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn in a match years in the making. The two former Bloodline allies have a deep history, with Zayn turning on Reigns and The Usos to chase the WWE title. Now Zayn holds the undisputed championship while Reigns reigns with the world heavyweight belt. The experts note that Reigns' title is not on the line, so he can afford a loss. Interference from The 946, who are feuding with The Bloodline, is expected. Both Mahjouri and Brookhouse pick Sami Zayn to win, avenging his near-miss at Elimination Chamber 2023.
WWE Women's Crown Jewel Championship: Liv Morgan vs. Chelsea Green
Women's World Champion Liv Morgan defends against WWE Women's Champion Chelsea Green. Green's reign has been framed as a fluke after she won a five-woman ladder match at SummerSlam to become interim champion before being elevated. Morgan has the backing of The Judgment Day, while Green is positioned as a scrappy underdog. The experts agree Morgan benefits more from a victory character-wise and predict she will retain. Both Mahjouri and Brookhouse pick Liv Morgan to win.
Last Man Standing Match: Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton
Cody Rhodes faces his mentor Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing stipulation, implying finality to their feud. After Orton added a punt kick to his arsenal, the experts believe Rhodes is unlikely to lose a second time to Orton. They expect Rhodes to carry winning momentum into a new program. Both Mahjouri and Brookhouse pick Cody Rhodes to win.
World Tag Team Championship: The Vision vs. Penta & Je'Von Evans
Champions The Vision (Bron Breakker and Austin Theory) have not defended the titles since winning them on July 6, a fact highlighted as evidence of WWE's low regard for tag team wrestling. Challengers Penta and Je'Von Evans enter with Penta holding the Money in the Bank briefcase. The experts suggest a tag title run for Penta could keep him busy while building momentum for a future world title cash-in. Both Brookhouse and Mahjouri pick Penta and Je'Von Evans to capture the championships.
