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WWE Crown Jewel Card: Why Seth Rollins Must Win

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Harrison | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 12:51 PM ET

Seth Rollins has been the quarterback of WWE for the past decade. If you ask Cody Rhodes, he would claim it's him. Their upcoming match at Crown Jewel is about who has the right to be WWE's leader for the future. It’s more than a match for a championship; it's a contest for power, position, and legacy.

Seth Rollins is 0-3 against Cody Rhodes. Since Cody’s return at WrestleMania 38, Cody has beaten Seth in every singles match they’ve had. In 2022 and 2023, Seth was fed to Cody to build him up for his matches against Roman Reigns. Reigns was untouchable at the time. Cody needed credibility. Seth gave that to him.

But now it’s Seth’s turn. This match is categorically different than any of their previous matches. As Seth said on Raw, it’s not two young stars reaching for the top; it’s WWE’s two top stars facing off. This match means everything to Seth — professionally and personally.

What Happens If Seth Doesn’t Win?

If Seth doesn’t win, WWE risks damaging the past six months of The Vision’s progress. If Seth loses in Perth, he can no longer credibly claim to be the visionary for the future.

Cody can absorb the loss. He won the Crown Jewel Championship last year. Unless a heel turn is on the horizon, WWE needs to be careful not to overbook Cody. “Super Cody” is a real possibility WWE wants to avoid. Fans in most cities still pop for him, but there is always a current underneath his momentum of "I'm tired of him."

How Will Seth Win at Crown Jewel?

It won’t be a clean win. You can bet on Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed interfering. But I don’t think they give Seth the win.

I think Randy Orton does. Everything goes through Seth, including Orton’s decision to betray Rhodes and go after the WWE Championship. With Paul Heyman's involvement, Orton will cost Cody the match and assist Seth Rollins to victory.

From there, expect Seth Rollins to keep the momentum going: towards CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and John Cena.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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