Crown Jewel 2026: The Dust Has Settled, but the War Is Just Beginning

HHWShow | Ovi's Take

Crown Jewel 2026 is officially in the books, and while champions were crowned, rivalries intensified, and friendships were betrayed, the biggest question is simple: What's next?

WWE has an opportunity to build compelling storylines heading into Survivor Series: WarGames, the Royal Rumble, and eventually WrestleMania 43.

Here is my breakdown of where WWE should go next.

1. Cody Rhodes: Victory Comes With Questions

Cody Rhodes defeated Randy Orton in a brutal Last Man Standing Match. In my opinion, this victory should close the chapter between these two superstars, at least for now.

However, I have one major question: Will Kevin Owens question Cody Rhodes' actions?

Cody using Randy Orton's own Punt Kick to finish the match was a significant moment. Cody has always portrayed himself as a fighting champion who believes in doing things the right way. But was this victory about justice, or did Cody allow his emotions to take control?

Kevin Owens, who has his own complicated history with Cody, could certainly use this moment to challenge his character.

And if Owens doesn't step forward, another superstar should.

I don't necessarily believe Cody is turning heel. However, WWE has an opportunity to explore a more aggressive and ruthless version of the American Nightmare.

2. Randy Orton: The Chase for Number 15 Continues

Randy Orton may have lost at Crown Jewel, but that doesn't mean his championship aspirations should disappear.

Orton is still chasing his 15th world championship, and I believe that story deserves another opportunity.

What better way than winning the 2027 Royal Rumble?

Imagine Randy Orton entering the Royal Rumble with something to prove. He has already accomplished almost everything in WWE, but championship number 15 remains unfinished business.

A Royal Rumble victory could give Orton a fresh opportunity without immediately restarting his rivalry with Cody Rhodes.

The Viper doesn't need another match with Cody right now. He needs a new road to WrestleMania.

3. Penta and Je'Von Evans: The Vision Is Beginning to Crumble

Congratulations to Penta and Je'Von Evans on becoming the new World Tag Team Champions.

I believe this was the right decision.

The Vision has dominated much of the conversation, but now that Oba Femi has his eyes on Bron Breakker, the faction could begin to lose its grip on WWE.

And that brings me to Survivor Series.

Bron Breakker versus Oba Femi should be on the Survivor Series match card.

These are two powerful, explosive superstars who could deliver one of the most physical matches of the year.

The question is whether WWE allows these two to settle their differences in a singles match or uses their rivalry to create a larger faction conflict.

Either direction could work, but I would prefer to see them collide one-on-one.

Meanwhile, Penta and Je'Von Evans have an opportunity to establish themselves as legitimate tag team champions.

4. Penta's Money in the Bank Briefcase: Put It on Hold

Penta now has championship responsibilities alongside Je'Von Evans.

That means his Money in the Bank briefcase should temporarily take a back seat.

There is no reason to rush another cash-in storyline.

Let Penta enjoy his tag team championship run, build chemistry with Evans, and establish the team as a legitimate threat.

However, the briefcase should never be forgotten.

At some point, WWE could create an interesting situation in which Penta must choose between his individual championship ambitions and his loyalty to Je'Von Evans.

That could become a compelling storyline heading toward WrestleMania.

5. Chelsea Green: Give This Woman Her Flowers

Let's give Chelsea Green the recognition she deserves.

Chelsea defeated Liv Morgan and became the Women's Crown Jewel Champion. That was a major accomplishment, and she deserved her moment in the spotlight.

Unfortunately, Tiffany Stratton ruined the celebration.

Tiffany attacked Chelsea, cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase, and walked away with the WWE Women's Championship.

Was it shocking? Not really.

In my opinion, the cash-in was too predictable.

However, predictable doesn't necessarily mean bad storytelling.

This betrayal has the potential to create an outstanding rivalry.

What I want to see now is a different Chelsea Green.

For too long, Chelsea has been presented primarily through her entertaining personality and comedic character. But she has demonstrated that she can compete at a high level.

It's time to bring out a more aggressive Chelsea Green.

I want to see anger, determination, and a superstar who refuses to be embarrassed again.

Chelsea doesn't necessarily have to win the championship immediately.

In fact, I would prefer WWE to build this rivalry over several months.

Chelsea Green versus Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania 43 could be an outstanding payoff.

Give Chelsea a meaningful storyline, allow her to develop a more serious edge, and let the audience invest in her pursuit of revenge.

6. Roman Reigns: The Tribal Chief Still Rules

Roman Reigns defeated Sami Zayn to become the Men's Crown Jewel Champion.

And once again, Roman demonstrated why he considers himself the most dominant superstar in WWE.

But what happened after the match may have been more important than the victory itself.

Roman and Sami embraced.

Was that simply a sign of respect, or was WWE planting the seeds for something much bigger?

Could Sami Zayn be returning to The Bloodline?

Remember, Sami Zayn has significant history with The Bloodline, and he certainly knows what it takes to compete inside WarGames.

That brings us to the possibility of The Bloodline facing 946 at Survivor Series: WarGames.

Sami could become a critical addition to Roman's team.

But there is another major question.

What happens when Jacob Fatu returns?

Would Roman welcoming Sami back be interpreted as an insult to Jacob?

Could Jacob believe that Roman has chosen Sami over his own family?

And if that happens, could Jacob Fatu shock everyone by aligning himself with 946?

Now that would create an interesting storyline.

The Bloodline has always been about family, loyalty, and power. But we've learned that those three things don't always coexist peacefully.

Sami Zayn's return could strengthen Roman's position, or it could become the very decision that tears the family apart again.

7. Ethan Page: The New Intercontinental Champion

Ethan Page is the new Intercontinental Champion, and now WWE must establish the importance of his championship reign.

I would like to see two potential challengers.

First, Rey Fenix.

Fenix brings incredible athleticism, speed, and creativity. His style against Ethan Page could produce an exciting championship match.

Second, Chad Gable.

A rematch between Gable and Page would provide a completely different challenge. Gable's technical wrestling ability could force Page to demonstrate that he is more than a confident champion.

Either matchup could elevate the Intercontinental Championship.

8. Trick Williams: It's Time to Defend the United States Championship

Trick Williams has the personality, charisma, and athletic ability to become one of WWE's biggest stars.

But championship credibility comes from defending the title.

My suggestion is simple.

Have Trick Williams issue an open challenge.

Let him stand in the ring, grab a microphone, and challenge anyone in the locker room to step forward.

That would give Trick an opportunity to showcase his ability against different opponents while strengthening the importance of the United States Championship.

The crowd already knows how to chant, "Whoop That Trick!"

Now it's time to give them championship matches worth chanting about.

9. Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins: Where Are They?

Two major names remain part of my unanswered questions heading into Survivor Series.

When will Drew McIntyre return?

Drew brings intensity, physicality, and credibility to any championship picture.

His return could immediately shake up the main-event scene.

And what about Seth Rollins?

Rollins has the personality and history to make an immediate impact, especially if Roman Reigns is once again building alliances.

Could Seth return to challenge Roman? Could he confront Cody Rhodes? Or could WWE surprise everyone with a completely different direction?

I believe both superstars should have meaningful roles heading into the Royal Rumble season.

Their returns should matter, not simply provide a momentary surprise.

Final Bell: Ovi's Take

Crown Jewel 2026 wasn't just about determining winners and losers.

It was about creating opportunities.

Cody Rhodes has questions to answer about his actions. Randy Orton still has a championship legacy to complete. The Vision may be falling apart. Chelsea Green deserves a serious championship storyline. And Roman Reigns may have opened the door to another Bloodline civil war.

Meanwhile, WWE must continue building its secondary championships and give superstars like Ethan Page, Trick Williams, Rey Fenix, and Chad Gable opportunities to shine.

But here is my biggest question.

Will WWE take advantage of these opportunities, or will these storylines lose momentum before WrestleMania?

Because in professional wrestling, winning a match is only one chapter.

What happens next determines whether the story becomes legendary.

This is Ovi, and that's my take on the HHWShow.