The main event picture for Crown Jewel dominated the September 22 edition of Raw, with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins intensifying their rivalry. While their in-ring confrontation opened the show, a far subtler backstage interaction between Rhodes and Jey Uso has since become a major talking point. A quiet, non-verbal cue during their exchange may have hinted at a significant shift in the WWE Championship landscape.
Later in the night, during a backstage segment, Jey was seen repeatedly glancing away from Rhodes and focusing on the WWE Championship draped over his shoulder. The interaction was initiated by Rhodes, who sought Jey out to check on his well-being. Earlier, Jimmy Uso had told Rhodes that his brother was struggling and might be open to hearing from him.
The tension between The Usos was also spotlighted that evening, as Jey confronted Jimmy over their loss at Wrestlepalooza. Although frustrated, Jey ultimately seemed to realize Jimmy was not at fault.
Rhodes’ official role on the show was to confront his Crown Jewel opponent, Rollins, face-to-face. Their tense promo exchange underscored the stakes of their October 11 champion vs. champion match. Rhodes reminded Rollins of his 3-0 singles record against him before walking away, leaving his rival seething. Rollins, accompanied at ringside by Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed, added yet another layer of intrigue to the unfolding feud.