WWE is bringing a stacked card to Saudi Arabia for the 2023 edition of Crown Jewel. The event features five championship matches and promises to deliver exciting action for fans.
The main event will see Roman Reigns put his undisputed WWE universal championship on the line against LA Knight. In another top men’s title match, Seth Rollins will defend the world heavyweight championship against Drew McIntyre.
The women’s championships will also be on the line, with Rhea Ripley defending the women’s world championship in a fatal five-way match and Iyo Sky defending her WWE women’s championship against former champion Bianca Belair.
Let’s take a look at the predictions of CBS Sports experts for each match at WWE Crown Jewel, which will be live-streamed on Peacock at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday with a kickoff show starting one hour before.
2023 WWE Crown Jewel card, predictions
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship — Roman Reigns (c) vs. LA Knight
Reigns is expected to retain his title against Knight, considering the ongoing storyline involving Reigns and The Bloodline. It is also worth noting that Reigns’ historic title reign is reaching impressive lengths. With no other scheduled matches for Reigns until the Royal Rumble, it is likely that he will come out on top in this match. Pick: Roman Reigns retains the title — Brent Brookhouse (also Shakiel Mahjouri)
World Heavyweight Championship — Seth Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
The world heavyweight championship has been a solid title under Rollins’ reign, but McIntyre is seen as a compelling character who is overdue for a world title. McIntyre winning the belt could lead to fresh feuds and storylines on Raw. However, there is a possibility of Damian Priest cashing in his Money in the Bank contract during or after this match, adding drama to the event. Pick: Drew McIntyre wins the title — Mahjouri
Women’s World Championship — Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Nia Jax vs. Zoey Stark vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Raquel Rodriguez
In this match, Ripley is expected to retain her title. She has been gaining momentum as champion, and it doesn’t seem like Crown Jewel will mark the end of her reign. Pick: Rhea Ripley retains the title — Brookhouse (also Mahjouri)
United States Championship — Rey Mysterio (c) vs. Logan Paul
Logan Paul has been surprisingly impressive in the ring and has shown potential as a natural heel. While it may be unusual for part-time talents to hold both of SmackDown’s top men’s titles, WWE might take this opportunity to put the belt on Paul. Pick: Logan Paul wins the title — Brookhouse (also Mahjouri)
Cody Rhodes vs. Damian Priest
This match is likely to see Rhodes come out on top. Rhodes is an important player on Raw, and Priest’s status as Money in the Bank winner and tag team champion might be enough to justify the loss. Pick: Cody Rhodes wins — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
John Cena vs. Solo Sikoa
Given the ongoing story surrounding Cena’s self-doubt and his long-awaited singles win, it is highly likely that Cena will come out victorious in this match. Pick: John Cena wins — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
WWE Women’s Championship — Iyo Sky (c) vs. Bianca Belair
Sky is the current champion, but Belair’s newfound edge might lead to her getting screwed out of the title. Belair’s character development would benefit from this setback, and it is possible that Sky will retain her title. Pick: Iyo Sky retains the title — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
Sami Zayn vs. JD McDonagh (Kickoff Match)
Zayn is expected to win this match against McDonagh, as Zayn is a bigger player and the first match on a Saudi show is usually designed to warm up the crowd. Pick: Sami Zayn wins — Brookhouse (also Mahjouri)
