Veteran NFL writer and Pat McAfee Show correspondent Mark Kaboly gives his predictions for WWE Crown Jewel, streaming live on Saturday at noon ET/9 a.m. PT on the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited plan in the United States and on Netflix everywhere else.
MEN’S CROWN JEWEL TITLE MATCH
World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns vs. Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn
The OTC hasn’t lost a match since the last Crown Jewel a year ago and has been defeated in a singles match only twice since late in the 2019 season — a span of 84 matches. Reigns' dismissal of Zayn as a legitimate challenger in the lead-up to Crown Jewel has been well documented, as has Zayn’s deep-burning resentment at being disrespected as the Undisputed WWE Champion. Zayn is in the midst of some of his best work over the last month or so, both inside and outside the ring. Reigns isn’t taking Zayn seriously, and his issues with The 946 and the upcoming Survivor Series: WarGames are on his mind. Call me crazy, but I anticipate a clean win by Sami Zayn.
PREDICTION: Sami Zayn defeats Roman Reigns.
WOMEN’S CROWN JEWEL MATCH
WWE Women's Champion Chelsea Green vs. Women's World Champion Liv Morgan
It’s nice to see Chelsea Green get an opportunity like this after what she’s endured over her career. Facing Liv Morgan without the WWE Women’s Title on the line and becoming the Crown Jewel Champion is a perfect scenario for Green. That is especially true after she admitted she's doubted herself in the past and believes a win over Morgan will make her legitimate. All of that can happen at Crown Jewel, but it could still leave the feeling of “poor Chelsea.” If any match is prime for shenanigans, it is this one. Any of the Superstars associated with either champion could potentially have a say in the outcome.
PREDICTION: Chelsea Green defeats Liv Morgan.
LAST MAN STANDING MATCH
Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton
To punt or not to punt; that is what this match is built around. Will Cody Rhodes finally give in to temptation or will he hesitate? To borrow a line from the movie "Point Break": Fear causes hesitation, and hesitation will cause your worst fear to come true. Cody is at a crossroads in his career (no pun intended). Will he move forward as the guy with the suit and tie, kissing the babies, selling the merchandise, and having tons of pyro for his entrance? Or will he finally give in to his dark side, after what seems like years of flirting with it? The Rhodes vs. Orton rivalry has lingered for a long time, and here is a perfect chance to put a bow on it with one simple kick to the head. That’s the cleanest way for this to end.
PREDICTION: Cody Rhodes defeats Randy Orton with a punt kick to the head.
WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Bron Breakker and Austin Theory (C) vs. Penta and Je’Von Evans
Ask yourself who a win and a World Tag Team Championship would benefit the most. That’s where the rub comes in. You can see Je’Von Evans with gold around his waist, but does Penta need a tag team partner he shares a title with right now? The same goes for Breakker. He's been biding his time to get back into the championship conversation, and he's come across as a guy who is almost at his breaking point. That will ultimately be the undoing for the champs in this matchup. With Logan Paul potentially, but not likely, close to returning from the torn triceps he suffered nearly six months ago, could that play a role in this? It’s time for Breakker to go his separate way, whether it is his choice or his stablemates forcing him. They might just be tired of his complaining. Penta could go the way Breakker has over the past few months.
PREDICTION: Penta and Je’Von Evans defeat Bron Breakker and Austin Theory.
