We’re barreling right into WWE Crown Jewel this Saturday November 5 at 12 ET/9 PT, live on Peacock. Typically, there isn’t much movement in go-home shows as far as our weekly power rankings are concerned. That usually comes after Premium Live Events, with storylines resolved, championships retained, and new champions crowned. However, we actually saw a significant title change on Monday, with the returning Alexa Bliss & Asuka winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team championships from Dakota Kai and IYO SKY. We did not see that coming, for multiple reasons.
Triple H taking the reins of creative has largely been a win for fans, but like any decision-maker in any field, some things will work and some things will not. Damage CTRL was the first major decision which had his fingerprints on it and there’s been plenty of recent conversation online about whether they have been handled effectively. This weekend could be pivotal in that regard. This applies to several other superstars who have either returned or had their profiles raised in recent weeks. Returns always get the biggest of pops, but it’s what happens after that which really matters.
Let’s get into this week’s rankings. Be sure to read on beyond the table for our write-ups.
Change Key:
NC = No Change from last week
NR = Not Ranked last week
Plus = Moved up from last week
Minus = Moved down from last week
| Rank | Superstar | Brand | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seth “Freakin’” Rollins — United States Champion | Raw | NC |
| 2 | Roman Reigns – Undisputed WWE Universal Champion | SmackDown | NC |
| 3 | Bianca Belair — Raw Women’s Champion | Raw | +1 |
| 4 | The Bloodline — Undisputed Tag Team Champions | SmackDown | -1 |
| 5 | Imperium — Intercontinental Champion | SmackDown | +1 |
| 6 | The Judgment Day | Raw | +1 |
| 7 | Bobby Lashley | Raw | +1 |
| 8 | Ronda Rousey — SmackDown Women’s Champion | SmackDown | +1 |
| 9 | Damage CTRL | Raw | -4 |
| 10 | Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett | SmackDown | +1 |
| 11 | Braun Strowman | SmackDown | -1 |
| 12 | Asuka & Alexa Bliss —Women’s Tag Team Champions | Raw | NR |
| 13 | Rey Mysterio | SmackDown | -1 |
| 14 | Matt Riddle | Raw | -1 |
| 15 | Bray Wyatt | SmackDown | -1 |
| 16 | Baron Corbin | Raw | -1 |
| 17 | The Brawling Brutes | SmackDown | +2 |
| 18 | Brock Lesnar | Raw | -2 |
| 19 | Omos | Raw | -2 |
| 20 | Logan Paul | SmackDown | NC |
1. Seth Rollins — United States Champion, (NC)
Austin Theory didn’t want to follow under Seth “Freakin” Rollins’ tutelage, and so Rollins had to teach Theory a lesson. The United States Champion grabbed a victory against Mr. Money in the Bank in a fantastic bout on Raw and kept his amazing 2022 rolling. He’s not on the card for Crown Jewel on Saturday and Roman is nipping at his heels, but a strong presence on next Monday’s show could keep him here once again next week.
2. Roman Reigns — Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, (NC)
We didn’t get a match from Roman Reigns this week, but boy did we get a ton of masterclass promo work and some good ol’ fashioned physicality from The Tribal Chief. Though Sami Zayn made SmackDown’s The Bloodline promo by dropping the word “Ucey,” Reigns showed incredible improv skills by taking that ball and running with it. What came about was both hilarious and tense, making the segment arguably the highlight of the show. He then had a great backstage spot with Paul Heyman and a great moment on Raw with The Miz, Logan Paul’s former mentor, cracking him with a Superman Punch to remind everyone he’s also got a great right.
While his match is the most predictable of the Crown Jewel card, Roman’s heavy lifting on the story side has made it very intriguing and if he keeps this up, then his lack of in-ring action won’t keep him from retaking our No. 1 spot.
3. Bianca Belair — Raw Women’s Champion, (+1)
The EST is back on the up-and-up. Not only did she receive some much-needed reinforcements against Damage CTRL with the return of her friends Asuka & Alexa Bliss, but she picked up a win against the returned Nikki Cross and then helped said friends win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.
Can this momentum continue into Saturday? We’ll find out soon enough.
4. The Bloodline — Undisputed Tag Team Champions, (-1)
The Bloodline had a mixed week and dropped a spot mainly because of how good of a Raw Bianca Belair had than what they did or didn’t do. Sami Zayn & Solo Sikoa took an L against The Brawling Brutes’ Butch & Ridge Holland due to another spat between Jey and Sami, but it then led to what may be the best promo the group has cut to date.
Seeing the look on Roman Reigns’ face the moment Jey shouted that he “don’t give a damn what The Tribal Chief say” while arguing with Sami, the instant regret in Jey’s face and sheer terror of what could come next on Sami’s was perfection. One of the best instances of framing we’ve ever seen in WWE or wrestling history, even. Then to have it so seamlessly change to hilarity with Sami’s “Ucey” line as every member tries not to break character, Roman seamlessly rolling with it and making it even better, then back to tense with Roman’s cheery threats to Jey was incredible.
This group’s storyline has been the best thing in wrestling this year and we can’t wait to see what they do next.
5. Imperium — Intercontinental Champion, (+1)
Imperium didn’t do much this week, but what they did do made them look strong and that, combined with a later entrant’s fall, was enough to get them into the Top 5.
Playing up the numbers game – which is a broken record with Rey Mysterio this year – the trio jumped Rey in a backstage promo to send the legendary luchador a message. Vinci & Kaiser held Mysterio steady for Gunther to deliver one of his patented, punishing chops right to Rey’s chest a left him on the ground. The Ring General later added that his beef with Rey is because the current version of Mysterio disgusts him, one that runs from family issues to make himself feel better on another show. Again, not much, but enough.
6. The Judgment Day — Raw, (+1)
The Judgment Day continues to climb the ranks, though Monday was a mixed bag for them going into their match against The O.C. at Crown Jewel this Saturday. Damian Priest went 1-on-1 against Karl Anderson and actually took the loss after “The Reckoning” was countered into a roll-up. The Judgment Day immediately stormed the ring to attack Anderson, but just when it looked like The O.C. were going to turn the tables, Rhea Ripley struck Luke Gallows from behind with a low-blow. She continues to be a thorn in the side for x-factor for The Judgment Day, with no clear answer on how to combat her. The group should be full of confidence going into Saturday’s battle.
7. Bobby Lashley — Raw, (+1)
Speaking of battles, Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar had another brawl on Raw this week and the crowd absolutely ate it up. The segment was supposed to be an interview, but Lesnar went to the ring instead and called Lashley out. WWE officials and superstars did their best to pull the competitors apart, with even Triple H trying to restore order, but Lesnar ran right by him in an attempt to resume the fracas. This led Triple H threatening that Saturday’s match would be called off if there was any further physical contact. The build has been effective here, because let’s be honest, who doesn’t like seeing two absolute hosses lay into each other? Lashley won the first showdown at the Royal Rumble, but it feels like the stage could be set for Lesnar to even the score and lead the way to a third matchup down the road at another Premium Live Event.
8. Ronda Rousey — SmackDown Women’s Champion, (+1)
Heel Ronda Rousey is back in full force, though at least she’s vowed to be a fighting champion. Her first defense was an open challenge on SmackDown last Friday, which led to the surprise return of Emma after five years away from WWE. It was a feel-good moment which actually led to a competitive match, but Rousey used some heel tactics to distract the referee’s eyes enough for her to rake Emma’s eyes. That led to a Piper’s Pit and a submission victory via the armbar. Emma has vowed that she’s not done with Rousey yet, though it’s unclear if that’s the direction creative is headed. While many things are going right with WWE right now, the lack of star power in the women’s division on SmackDown is striking at the moment. That’s why it’s hard to see the belt coming off Rousey anytime soon.
9. Damage CTRL — Raw, (-4)
There’s no way around it, Monday was a huge setback for Damage CTRL headed into Crown Jewel on Saturday. It all started when Damage CTRL ganged up on Bianca Belair following her victory over Nikki Cross to kick off Raw. This led to the surprise returns of Asuka & Alexa Bliss, who immediately challenged Dakota Kai & IYO SKY for the tag belts. The championship match closed out Raw and looked like a situation where Bayley’s involvement would result in the gold staying put. After all, Bayley was able to distract the referee to miss SKY tapping out to the Asuka Lock. However, Belair did her part to make sure that wouldn’t happen again. That effort actually resulted in Bayley delivering a brutal Bayley-to-Belly to Belair through a table near ringside, but it also left Kai & SKY to their own devices.
It was a bit of a jarring ending, as Asuka was able to evade a moonsault from SKY and deliver a kick before Bliss hit the Twisted Bliss from the top rope for the victory. It was a surprising decision to go in this direction, which is exactly what we said when Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah originally won against Kai & SKY in the tag team tournament. The booking hasn’t been great in that regard, but there’s still a chance for redemption with Damage CTRL on Saturday with Kai & SKY getting a rematch and Bayley taking on Belair in the Last Woman Standing Match on Saturday. This group could tumble a bit further depending on how things play out.
10. Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett — SmackDown, (+1)
Karrion Kross moves up a spot with a victory over Madcap Moss on SmackDown last Friday. It was his first match since his Extreme Rules win over Drew McIntyre and more recently, the parking lot attack at the hands of the “The Scottish Warrior” a couple of weeks back. Kross’ promo with Moss in the Kross Jacket was actually pretty clever, but the words weren’t much different than anything we’ve heard over the past couple of months. The rivalry reaches its presumed crescendo with a steel cage match at Crown Jewel on Saturday. Things have gotten a bit stale here, but who doesn’t love cage matches? It should be a lot of fun. Still, hopefully something fresh is coming Kross’ (and McIntyre’s) way.
11. Braun Strowman — SmackDown, (-1)
Braun Strowman takes a small step back on the rankings this week. He is on a literal collision course with the “Nigerian Giant” Omos at Crown Jewel this Saturday. The “Monster Among Monsters” reminded both his opponent and the WWE Universe of exactly what he is capable of as far as destruction goes. These two behemoths clashing feels like a unique attraction match hopefully the action in the ring equals the spectacle.
12. Asuka & Alexa Bliss — Women’s Tag Team Champions, (NR)
AND THE NEWWWWWW WWE WOMEN’S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!! “The Empress” Asuka and “Five Feet of Fury” Alexa Bliss debut on our rankings this week after picking up a hard-fought victory over Dakota Kai and IYO SKY. It’s been a long journey toward the gold for the duo dating back to when Damage CTRL showed up after Summerslam. This win can be celebrated but it looks like the champions will have to get ready for their first title defense this Saturday at Crown Jewel as the former champs have invoked their rematch clause.
13. Rey Mysterio — SmackDown, (-1)
Rey Mysterio comes in one spot lower this week after being attacked backstage during an interview by Imperium. The “Master of the 619” will be challenging Gunther for the WWE Intercontinental Championship this Friday. Mysterio will face a tall task to dethrone the reigning champion in multiple ways, Gunther by himself is a challenge but with the rest of Imperium not far behind Mysterio will certainly have his hands full.
14. Matt Riddle — Raw, (-1)
Well, Matt Riddle is certainly trying to get on Elias’ good side huh? On Raw in a spooktacular Trick or Street Fight against Otis, Riddle picked up the victory dressed as Elias’ younger brother Ezekiel. While it may not be what some wanted to see as far as a singles run for Riddle, we know he can do an unlikely duo very well so let’s see how much entertainment “The Original Bro” can provide with his next potential partner.
15. Bray Wyatt — SmackDown, (-1)
While we anxiously anticipate Bray Wyatt’s first match back in the WWE, his segments have been captivating. This past week, Wyatt talked about being proud of the fact that he is there as just himself. There is no mask that he is hiding behind, no smoke and mirrors. It’s just him. He talks about his emotions, not working like most other people. He doesn’t have control. Sometimes they can send him to a very, very dark place. To wrap up the segment we are introduced to the mysterious figure Uncle Howdy. Who claims that the Bray Wyatt we see before us is a liar and a shell of the man he once was. While we still don’t know where this leads us ultimately, the journey has been can’t miss every single week.
16. Baron Corbin — Raw, (-1)
You have to admire that WWE just refuses to give up on Baron Corbin. As Johnny Gargano alluded to last week, he’s been a Lone Wolf, a Constable, a King, he’s been Happy, and now, apparently, he’s a modern-day Wrestling God under the tutelage of Hall of Famer JBL. While having JBL as a mouthpiece is a pretty good idea, that seems to be the extent of the creative process. The ring attire doesn’t really match the persona. He’s still using the Happy Corbin music. It’s as if we’re just supposed to believe he’s good because JBL tells us he is. After a pretty formulaic promo was interrupted by R-Truth on Raw, Corbin hit the veteran with an End of Days. Even with JBL, Corbin should have a steep hill to climb to get into the semi-main-event picture.
17. The Brawling Brutes — SmackDown, (+2)
No Sheamus, no problem. Ridge Holland & Butch were able to capitalize on the rising tensions between Jey Uso & Sami Zayn to pick up a victory over Solo Sikoa and the Honorary Uce. The win also earned them a championship opportunity against The Usos at Crown Jewel. Will Sheamus be able to make it to Saudi Arabia to help even out the odds a bit? Will Holland and Butch be the ones to finally bring an end to The Usos historic title reign?
18. Brock Lesnar — Raw, (-2)
Brock Lesnar was set for a one-on-one interview segment with Bobby Lashley on Raw this week, but while “The All Mighty” was ready to go, “The Beast” took matters into his own hands and headed to the ring instead. Lesnar said he’d rather fight than talk, so Lashley obliged, and the two had another entertaining pull-apart brawl. It will be interesting to see how this one plays out at Crown Jewel. While Lashley just lost the United States Championship and could use a win, Lesnar also needs a win coming off his latest loss to Roman Reigns.
19. Omos — Raw, (-2)
MVP promises a surprise at SmackDown this Friday for Omos’ Crown Jewel opponent, Braun Strowman. But it was a quiet week for the Nigerian Giant. Omos may be bigger than the Monster of all Monsters, but he’s not as talented in the ring. We’ll have to wait and see if MVP’s surprise can give Omos momentum heading into their clash this Saturday. MVP and Omos did manage to take a break from prepping for the big match to make an appearance on Fantasy Football Pregame with Matthew Berry this past Sunday, though!
20. Logan Paul — SmackDown, (NC)
While Logan Paul wasn’t on SmackDown or Raw this past week, his presence was definitely felt as they continue to try and instill the idea that if he lands just one of those mammoth punches, he could knock out Roman Reigns to become the new champion. Video packages of his sparring sessions were shown, but on Raw, the Head of the Table said that everyone should be talking about Reigns being the one who could knock out Paul. It would be a major shock to see Paul come away with a win, so this could be the last time we see Paul on this list for a while.
On the cusp: Drew McIntyre, The O.C., Alpha Academy, Austin Theory, Mustafa Ali, Nikki Cross, Elias, Johnny Gargano, Liv Morgan, Shinsuke Nakamura, Hit Row, Legado del Fantasma w/ Zelina Vega, The New Day
Who’s NXT: Bron Breakker, Toxic Attraction (including Mandy Rose), Wes Lee, Pretty Deadly, Roxanne Perez, Creed Brothers, Kayden Carter & Katana Chance, JD McDonagh, Carmelo Hayes, Cora Jade, Apollo Crews
