WWE returns to Saudi Arabia this weekend for its latest PLE offering. Night of Champions takes place in Riyadh this year, but not every title will be on the line.
Instead, this year’s event will focus more on the finals for the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments that have occurred throughout June. Cody Rhodes is set to take on Randy Orton in the men’s final while Jade Cargill faces Asuka in the women’s final. The winners from these matches will face their respective brand champions at SummerSlam.
One confirmed major match for the event features John Cena defending the undisputed WWE championship against CM Punk. Cena has remarked on his intention to retire as the ’last real champion’ in WWE, a move he claims will ‘ruin wrestling.’ In a twist of their past rivalry from 2011, Punk aims to prevent Cena from leaving WWE with the title.
Here’s a look at what to expect for the WWE Night of Champions:
Match Card
Undisputed WWE Championship
John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk:
While Punk was with AEW, he disparaged WWE wrestlers making ‘blood money’ by wrestling in Saudi Arabia. Now, he comes back as a headliner against one of his iconic rivals, Cena.
King of the Ring finals
Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes:
Both have fought their way to the finals, with Orton winning a fatal four-way match and defeating Sami Zayn in the semifinals. Rhodes made it through with a victory over Jey Uso.
Queen of the Ring finals
Asuka vs. Jade Cargill:
Asuka won against Alexa Bliss and is now set to take on Cargill, who overcame Roxanne Perez in the semifinals. Cargill has limited singles experience and this match is a significant opportunity for her.
United States Championship
Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Solo Sikoa:
Tensions escalated into a feud after Sikoa’s failure to resolve his issues with Fatu, who believes that Sikoa is jealous of his title.
Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez (Street Fight):
Ripley’s ongoing conflict with Rodriguez has intensified, propelled by Rodriguez’s partnership with Liv Morgan, who is now out due to injury, opening the door for Ripley’s challenge.
Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross:
Kross’s mind games have led to a showdown with Zayn, who has had enough and called for a match at Night of Champions.
Watch this space for further developments and predictions regarding these matches!
