John Cena to Return as WWE Raw in Brooklyn Builds to Crown Jewel; Sikoa vs Keys, Gable to Defend IC Title
WWE Monday Night Raw on November 2, 2026 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York featured the announced return of John Cena and a card that included Solo Sikoa vs Royce Keys and Intercontinental Champion Chad Gable defending against Ethan Page, with the show serving as the final Raw before Crown Jewel on November 7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Khel Now provided live coverage of the November 2 broadcast from Brooklyn, with host Kunal guiding viewers through the build to the premium live event; WWE promoted a special start time, tweeting "SPECIAL START TIME, 6e/3p LIVE around the world on @Netflix!" Featured superstars listed for the episode included Roman Reigns, Oba Femi, Liv Morgan, Sol Ruca, Dominik Mysterio and Penta.
Solo Sikoa and Royce Keys were booked in a singles match after Keys challenged Sikoa on the October 26 episode of Raw and Sikoa accepted in a backstage segment alongside his Bloodline allies. The bout was presented as a chance for both competitors to gain momentum, with the possibility of faction involvement noted as a continuing factor.
The program framed the encounter between The Bloodline and The 946 as an ongoing rivalry; The 946, led by Royce Keys, is said to include Jaida Parker, Carmelo Hayes, Bronco Nima and Lucien Price and has repeatedly targeted members of The Bloodline in recent weeks. The storyline has also involved The Usos and World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns, who was confirmed to appear in Brooklyn.
Chad Gable was scheduled to defend the Intercontinental Championship against Ethan Page after Page earned the opportunity following his recent involvement in the Gable–Dragon Lee rivalry. Page and Big Cass previously defeated Gable and Dragon Lee on October 26, a result used to justify Page's title shot.
A six-man tag team match was set for the night with The Vision facing Penta, Je'Von Evans and Dragon Lee; Penta and Evans are scheduled to challenge Bron Breakker and Austin Theory for the World Tag Team Championships at Crown Jewel. The addition of Dragon Lee to that trio was described in advance as providing an extra high-flying and technically gifted element against the champions.
John Cena was billed to return to the red brand in Brooklyn, marking his first Raw appearance since retiring from in-ring competition in December 2025; his most recent WWE appearance came at Backlash in May 2026, where he announced the inaugural John Cena Classic and indicated the tournament would take place in December. WWE had not confirmed whether Cena would have involvement in Crown Jewel or would use the appearance to provide details on the tournament.
Raw's November 2 episode functioned as the final stop before Crown Jewel on November 7 in Riyadh, where the already-confirmed World Tag Team Championship challenge involving Penta and Je'Von Evans will take place alongside other matches built on the Brooklyn card.
