Crown Jewel drew an estimated 1.2–1.3 million viewers; WWE weighed licensed music for The 946; Bayley skips NXT Cleveland

WWE's Crown Jewel 2026 pay-per-view in Riyadh on November 7 drew an estimated 1.2 million to 1.3 million viewers, and separate reports outlined WWE discussing a licensed entrance song for The 946, Bayley withdrawing from an NXT Cleveland live event, and renewed speculation about Karrion Kross.

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio estimated Crown Jewel's viewership at about 1.2 million to 1.3 million, saying the figure was an estimate based on multiple sources rather than an official release and noting it was considerably lower than the roughly two million viewers several other 2026 pay-per-views reportedly attracted. Meltzer pointed to lower Google search interest and weaker audience response, and he attributed part of the reduced interest to the Crown Jewel Championships concept. The November 7 Riyadh card featured Roman Reigns defeating Sami Zayn, Cody Rhodes defeating Randy Orton, and Chelsea Green defeating Liv Morgan before Tiffany Stratton cashed in her Money in the Bank contract. WWE has not released an official attendance figure for the event; the ANB Arena has a capacity of approximately 8,000, but that should not be taken as confirmation of actual attendance.

WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select reported WWE discussed licensing a mainstream song for The 946's entrance theme and considered spending significant money on the idea, but the plan was put on hold before reaching the legal department and the report did not identify any song or confirm whether negotiations took place. The report said the promotion could revisit the idea in the future, while WWE has not confirmed any change to the faction's entrance music. The 946's lineup cited in coverage includes Royce Keys, Carmelo Hayes, Jaida Parker, Bronco Nima, Lucien Price and Cruz Montana.

Bayley announced via her Instagram Stories and X handle that she will not appear at the upcoming NXT Cleveland live event at the Agora Theatre, apologising to fans and posting: "Dear #nxtcleveland I was really looking forward to returning to the Agora theatre but unfortunately I won’t be making the show tomorrow night. I GOT SOME BUSINESS TO HANDLE." The update was framed as a schedule change rather than the result of an injury or extended break, and reports noted she has remained involved in the NXT storyline opposing Jade Cargill alongside Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley.

Speculation about Karrion Kross returning to WWE followed his loss of the MLW World Heavyweight Championship to Josh Bishop in a Last Man Standing match at Saturday Night SuperFight on November 7, with some suggesting he may have completed his MLW commitments. PWInsider reported that Kross and WWE have not held any formal discussions about a return and that he has not finished his run with MLW despite losing the title. PWInsider also reported Kross remains a free agent and continues to work with MLW, Australia's World Series Wrestling and other promotions alongside his wife, Scarlett Bordeaux, and that he had held the MLW World Heavyweight Championship for 282 days before dropping it to Bishop. Kross and Scarlett departed WWE in 2025 after their contracts were not renewed.

"BUT! I will still be at #NXTDetroit on Saturday ANNNDDDDI have now been added to #NXTChicago on Sunday! https://t.co/eShetbjX5Z"

Bayley is therefore scheduled to appear at NXT Detroit on Saturday and at NXT Chicago on Sunday.