Top 5 things to watch at WWE Crown Jewel | Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins

 

By Mark Kaboly – Veteran NFL Writer & Pat McAfee Show Contributor

WWE is headed Down Under for a blockbuster Champion vs. Champion showdown. The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes takes on World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins at WWE Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia – live Saturday at 8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT streaming in the U.S. on ESPN App and on Netflix worldwide.

These two juggernauts have crossed paths before, but this battle may define their legacies. Rhodes, the face of WWE, and Rollins, perhaps at the peak of his in-ring game, clash for supremacy and pride. There’s no love lost between the two, and the tension could fuel something unforgettable.

Here are the Top 5 Things to Watch when Rhodes and Rollins collide:

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1. What Time Is It?

Cody gifted Seth a watch after WrestleMania 40 to thank him for helping "finish the story." But Rollins never wore it—until he questioned the sincerity behind it on a September episode of Raw. Seth gave a lot, including battling on a bad knee, to help Rhodes reach the mountaintop. Now, he wonders if he was ever truly appreciated—or just used. This watch might represent more than time… it might symbolize trust broken.

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2. RKO Out of Nowhere?

Randy Orton’s uneasy tension with Cody resurfaced recently, with Paul Heyman subtly reminding everyone of their past issues. In a tag match against Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker, Rhodes left Orton out to dry. With Reed likely in Rollins’ corner in his home country of Australia, will Orton return the favor and stand by Rhodes? Or will the Viper strike in pursuit of a 15th world title?

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3. Respect Issues

Rollins’ resentment toward Rhodes stems from more than just wins and losses—it’s personal. Cody proclaimed himself the ideal “quarterback” of WWE, a jab Rollins didn’t appreciate. Rollins never left WWE, never needed to “find himself.” And let’s not forget: Rhodes once beat Rollins by grabbing a handful of tights at Hell in a Cell. Is that how a true company man behaves?

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4. The (Not) Top Dog

Rollins has never defeated Cody Rhodes in a singles match—ever. From NXT in 2010 to their high-profile clashes in 2022, Rhodes has always come out on top. While Cody might be WWE's poster boy, Rollins believes his resume speaks louder. At Crown Jewel, the question is simple: Who is the top dog in WWE today?

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5. One and (Not) Done?

This might be the beginning, not the end. Crown Jewel could set the stage for a longer rivalry building toward WrestleMania 42. But for that to happen, someone may need to drop a title. Could Orton insert himself into the championship picture and turn this feud into a three-way saga?

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Prediction

Cody may be the champion, but momentum—and frustration—are on Rollins’ side. Add in potential outside interference, and this could be Seth’s night. Don’t be surprised if Rollins scores his first win over Rhodes—by any means necessary.

Winner Prediction: Seth Rollins