WWE Crown Jewel 2026 is just hours away, and it looks like Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton won’t have to wait long to settle their issues. The two WWE stars are now expected to kick off the Premium Live Event in Saudi Arabia with their Last Man Standing match.
According to Viper Reports, the early match lineup for Crown Jewel has Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton scheduled to open the main show. However, this is still a preliminary running order, meaning WWE could make changes before the event gets underway.
The decision would put one of the most personal rivalries on the entire Crown Jewel card in the opening spot. Rhodes and Orton have been at each other’s throats since WrestleMania 42, when Cody successfully defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against his former mentor.
Orton wasn’t about to let Rhodes enjoy that victory. The Viper attacked Cody after the match, striking him with the championship before delivering a brutal Punt that took their rivalry to another level.
Things have only gotten uglier since then. Rhodes eventually showed that he’s willing to play just as dirty as Orton when he used the Punt against Baron Corbin. That shift in Cody’s attitude has added another layer to their feud, especially considering the history between the two. Now they’re set to collide in a Last Man Standing match, where there won’t be any pinfalls or submissions to settle the score. The only way to win is to keep your opponent down for the referee’s ten-count.
WWE Crown Jewel 2026 takes place on November 7 at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Countdown Show begins at 10 AM ET, with the main card starting at 12 PM ET. Be sure to follow Ringside News’ Crown Jewel coverage for live results, match updates, and all the major developments throughout the event.
For now, Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton are penciled in to start the show, but nothing is locked in until WWE makes its final call. Considering how personal their rivalry has become, putting these two in the opening match could give Crown Jewel a violent start before the championship battles take center stage.
Do you think Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton should open WWE Crown Jewel 2026, or would their Last Man Standing match be better suited for later in the show? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
