Crown Jewel 2026 dominates this week’s coverage as WWE’s Saudi Arabia event looms just days away. The go-home Raw from Brooklyn is setting up major feuds while several storylines simmer beneath the surface—particularly around injuries, absences, and unexpected character pivots.
#1. Sami Zayn
Currently WWE Champion with what’s being called the best title reign of 2026, Zayn is actively involved in championship defense storylines and has even begun directing younger talent like Trick Williams in the ring. His prominence as the flag-bearer of the Red Brand heading into Crown Jewel cements his top spot.
🏆 WWE Championship
#2. Cody Rhodes
Facing Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing match at Crown Jewel, Rhodes is positioned as the company’s top babyface and is receiving major interview coverage discussing his greatest opponents and the state of the industry. His ability to make other stars look credible while remaining in the main event picture is on full display.
#3. Solo Sikoa
Actively feuding with Royce Keys on Raw with heavy Bloodline integration, Sikoa’s segment generated backstage discussion about production techniques. His role in WWE’s tribal storyline keeps him prominently featured in main event programming.
#4. Liv Morgan
Women’s World Champion who just successfully defended against Becky Lynch in an impromptu Raw main event, showing strong momentum and credibility as a title holder entering Crown Jewel.
🏆 Women’s World Championship
#5. Randy Orton
While positioned as a heel, Orton’s natural babyface popularity is creating compelling storyline tension heading into his Last Man Standing match with Rhodes at Crown Jewel. His feuding activity keeps him in title-picture discussions.
#6. CM Punk
Despite losing cleanly to Chad Gable at a live event (reportedly intentional booking to generate buzz), Punk is receiving substantial coverage around his SmackDown appearances and upcoming NXT Holiday Live Tour dates. His involvement in multiple feuds keeps him actively talked about.
#7. Chad Gable
Intercontinental Champion riding momentum from his televised upset win over CM Punk, Gable’s push as a credible midcard threat is being highlighted in multiple backstage reports about WWE’s live event strategy.
🏆 Intercontinental Championship
#8. John Cena
Making his first Raw appearance since retirement—a major return angle—Cena’s presence on the go-home show before Crown Jewel guarantees significant viewer attention and storyline implications for the weeks ahead.
#9. Grayson Waller
NXT Champion who retained his title against Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc with post-match drama involving Danhausen. Waller’s title defenses and main event positioning keep him relevant in NXT’s upper echelon.
🏆 NXT Championship
#10. Trick Williams
Current Undisputed WWE Champion receiving multiple story mentions for his interactions with Sami Zayn and positioning as a rising main event star. His championship status and visibility on SmackDown push him into the conversation.
🏆 Undisputed WWE Championship
Paul Heyman’s extensive interview coverage about career decisions and family moments, plus backstage chatter around his Brock Lesnar comments, suggests the Oracle remains influential enough to monitor closely despite his manager role.
