WWE is back with their latest special: Night of Champions. Surprisingly, for a show called Night of Champions there’s only two title matches. Nevertheless, this could still be a great show as all the matches have strong potential. Let’s get started with the first match.
WWE Championship match: John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk
This feud is missing something. This should be a HUGE match. In fact, it’s surprising that John Cena vs. CM Punk didn’t happen at Money in the Bank. These two have a rich history, yet it feels that we only skimmed the surface of this newborn rivalry. Plus, with the return of Ron Killings (which I’m happy he’s back), it feels more of the focus has been put on Killings than the development of Punk/Cena.
It’s a big reason why this match feels too predictable. I like John Cena facing enemies from the past, but it would be great to put in some new blood as well. Just like NXT went left and chose Myles Borne to challenge Oba Femi, it would be nice for WWE to take some risks. It would’ve been cool if like Jacob Fatu or even Uncle Howdy could’ve been fun.
Maybe I’m overreacting and there are plans for Cena to work with fresh talent in the future. I have to admit, I’m disappointed in the way Cena’s run has gone and I don’t blame Cena. He’s trying, but WWE doesn’t seem to understand what to do with him. Nevertheless, Punk/Cena feels like a Summerslam match, not Night of Champions. But since it’s here, I just don’t see him losing anytime soon. Cena and Punk have always worked well together, so it should be fun regardless.
Winner: John Cena
U.S. Championship match: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Solo Sikoa
I’m surprised this wasn’t saved for Summerslam, but I’m excited nevertheless. There’s a good possibility that both men could walk out as champion. Solo can get the better of Fatu for a couple of months before he finally gets his comeuppance.
But Jacob can win too. They’ve been teasing him against Mateo, so unless they give that match away for free then I assume that would be the big Summerslam match for Jacob. I just don’t see this as one and done.
Plus, Solo needs a win to be taken seriously as his stock has fallen. I think Solo is winning, but by nefarious means. I wouldn’t be surprised if I was wrong, but I feel that this is the first match in a series that could likely end at Hell in a Cell. Let’s just hope the story remains compelling if it does go that long.
Winner: Solo Sikoa
King of the Ring Tournament Final: Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes
Will Randy go heel on Cody? Nah, not here. But this match is very intriguing. It’s just a shame that it hasn’t gotten the proper build that it deserves. Honestly, this tournament feels way too predictable. Cody got the win at Saturday Night’s Main Event, so it seems natural that he’ll earn his official rematch here.
But, I have a sneaking suspicion that John Cena will be defending his title in a Triple Threat match against Orton and Cody. I don’t know why. Though that match does excite me more than Cena/Rhodes II. I’m gonna take another left here and say that Cena will likely cost Cody the match, unbeknownst to Randy Orton.
The twisted bastard in me wants this to be a Stone Cold/Vince McMahon moment where Orton sides with Cena and those two start a faction. That would be awesome. But, let’s get back down to reality; I’m stuck on Cena defending against Cody and Orton. Cena/Orton isn’t happening again and it oddly feels too early for Cody to regain the Undisputed Championship. I’m likely wrong, but my gut is telling me to go in this direction.
Winner: Randy Orton
Queen of the Ring Tournament Final: Asuka vs. Jade Cargill
Iyo Sky vs. Asuka at Summerslam would be great, but it’s Cargill’s time right now. Asuka’s purpose is to make Cargill look good before she heads into Summerslam with the title shot. Bianca vs. Naomi vs. Jade will happen. Not at Summerslam, but I can see Jade or Naomi walk into that match as champion.
The only question is: will Naomi cash in before Summerslam? Or will that be after Jade wins the Women’s Championship? One thing’s for sure, Asuka isn’t winning this one, though I wouldn’t complain if she did.
Winner: Jade Cargill
Street Fight: Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
What does the future hold for Rhea Ripley? Unfortunately, she seems stuck in this never ending time loop with The Judgment Day. Surely, she's on Evolution II, but it’s not clear against who. I also wonder if WWE will pivot and have Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez vs. The Bella Twins.
I guess it’s possible that Rhea and Iyo could have one more match at Evolution II, but that would feel like an unnecessary retread unless the goal is to give Ripley back the title. I’m going to give it to Raquel. Likely, it’ll lead to a final stipulation match at Evolution II. I just don’t know what else Rhea Ripley is going to do. They had a chance to do a Ripley/Giulia feud, but WWE blew through that very quickly.
Winner: Raquel Rodriguez
Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
Karrion Kross has to win one of these things, right? I love his character, but he does need to start getting some wins. It’s hard to take his words seriously when he’s always on the losing end. Hopefully, this is the start of a serious push because there’s money in what Kross is doing. Sami will likely get his win back down the line, but if WWE wants Kross to really get over then he needs to be presented as a threat.
Winner: Karrion Kross