WWE has committed to two matches for Crown Jewel at Bad Blood: Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther, and Nia Jax vs. Liv Morgan. It is world champion vs. world champion in the men’s and women’s divisions.
These contests are awkward to build as no star should be better protected than a world champion, yet two will lose on November 2 in Saudi Arabia.
Rhodes was established as the most dominant star in WWE in 2024, but Gunther may have stepped over him since after a dominant run to the World Heavyweight Championship.
Morgan and Jax have the opposite problem. Both are trying to keep their credibility at a time when they have been frequently overshadowed by their challengers.
The losers of these matches will be established as lesser champions, thus devaluing them and the challengers seeking their gold.
Moreover, these championship competitions leave out the potential challengers.
Kevin Owens is on the verge of a breakout heel role on SmackDown but needs to wait for Rhodes to be available to challenge.
Naomi has pinned Jax twice and looks to finally be building momentum. Rhea Ripley is still chomping at the bit to defeat Morgan and taking out both champions in her way.
These stories all have more substance than the championship showdowns that are simply about who is better.