Official: Seth Rollins vs. Cody Rhodes for the Crown Jewel Championship — and Rollins Still Hasn't Beaten Cody Since His Return

WWE just made it official: Seth "Freakin'" Rollins vs. Cody Rhodes for the Crown Jewel Championship at Crown Jewel on October 11, 2025. It's champion vs. champion—Undisputed WWE Champion Rhodes collides with World Heavyweight Champion Rollins for the one-night crown. WWE

The Streak That Hangs Over This Match

Since Cody's 2022 return to WWE, Seth Rollins has not defeated him. Rhodes swept their pay-per-view trilogy that year—WrestleMania 38, WrestleMania Backlash, and Hell in a Cell (the torn-pec classic). That 3–0 run looms large over any modern chapter in this rivalry. 

Why This Chapter Matters

This isn't about unifying world titles; it's about prestige and supremacy. The Crown Jewel Championship match puts two brand standard-bearers in a yearly showcase to answer a simple question: Who's the better champion—tonight? WWE framing it as a special championship bout makes this more than a friendly exhibition; it's a status check on WWE's top tier heading into the winter slate. WWE

What Each Man Is Fighting For

• Cody Rhodes: Fresh off retaining the Undisputed WWE Title at Wrestlepalooza, Cody walks in with momentum and the psychological edge of that 2022 sweep. One more win further cements a narrative Rollins hasn't solved yet—and keeps Cody's aura bulletproof. - Cageside Seats

• Seth Rollins: Seth doesn't need Cody's title to make history here—he needs Cody. A Crown Jewel Championship win finally punctures the "can't beat Cody" stigma and reframes their rivalry before WrestleMania season heats up.

Story Beats to Watch on the Road to Perth

1. Mind Games vs. Discipline: Expect Rollins to poke at the torn-pec saga and Cody's "finish the story" mantra, forcing Rhodes to wrestle his emotions, not just Seth. The last time Cody embraced pain and pressure, he walked out of a cell the victor.  - ESPN.com

2. Promo Receipts: Their history gives both men receipts to cash. Cody can remind everyone of 3–0; Seth can frame this as the night the ledger changes. 

3. Finish Protection: With no world titles at stake, WWE can book riskier finishes without derailing a brand's top championship picture—run-ins, shock counters, or a decisive statement win that headlines highlight reels through year's end. - WWE

HHWShow Pick (Early Lean)

Until Seth proves otherwise on a big-fight stage against Cody, the trend line favors Rhodes. The matchup is closer now than in 2022—Rollins' big-match catalog is undeniable—but history is leverage, and Cody owns it.