wrestling / Columns

411 Roundtable Preview: WWE Night of Champions 2014

September 20, 2014 | Posted by Sean Garmer

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Introduction

This year’s edition of WWE Night of Champions, is highlighted by a WWE Championship rematch between Brock Lesnar and John Cena, with many hoping that it will be a much closer contest, than the slaughter we witnessed at Summerslam. However, you could say that almost every match on this card could deliver in some form or fashion. While there are three matches that don’t have a title being defended, each one of those feels important for its own reasons. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins might be a rematch, but it could still be very good. There’s also another bruising match between Sheamus and Cesaro set for this show, except this time it is for the United States Championship. Dolph Ziggler and Miz could put on another show stealing performance for the Intercontinental Championship and of course, we can surely rely on The Usos and Dust Brothers to put on a stellar match for the Tag Team Titles as well. Even with the inclusion of Nikki Bella, the Divas Championship Triple Threat could surprise as well. Maybe it isn’t the hype worthy card out there, but maybe these predictions from our staff will persuade you one way or the other.

The Staff

Paul Leazar, Wrestling 2 the MAX Podcast

Wyatt Beougher, Wrestling Zone Columnist, MMA Fact or Fiction Organizer

Justin Watry, Which Was Better?

Michael Weyer, Shining A Spotlight

Alex Crowder, WWE Main Event Reporter

Mike Hammerlock, The Wrestling Zone 8-Ball

Sean Garmer, Wrestling 2 the MAX Podcast, WWE Roundtable Organizer, Games Top 5 Organizer, Cooperative Multiplayer Podcast, Quizmaster for Four Player Co-op

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Rusev w/ Lana vs. Mark Henry
Singles Match

Paul Leazar: I actually find myself really looking forward to this match. Not because it will be technical classic or anything close to that, but I feel like Mark & Rusev have similar styles and will find themselves in a short, entertaining bout full painful looking power moves as they try to out muscle each other. The result, however, isn’t even in question. Rusev will once again come out the winner with The Accolade close to the eight minute mark.

Winner: Rusev

Wyatt Beougher: So with the internet abuzz that Rusev’s next program will be against Cena, the writing is probably on the wall for poor Mark Henry, isn’t it? In order for Rusev to truly be seen as a threat for Cena coming off of a program with Brock Lesnar, he’s going to have to go over strong here. I’d bet my hat that the announce team will spend the match (well, the part of the match where they’re actually talking about it) wondering if Rusev will be able to get Mark Henry into the Accolade and then when he does, they’ll sell it like Hogan bodyslamming the 90,000 pound Andre the Giant, brother! All so that when Cena escapes the Accolade next month (something Swagger’s already done, I might add), they can act like it’s the most momentous happening in the modern era of our sport. *sigh* I promise I’m not going to let my displeasure with Rusev’s entire initial build being exactly what we thought it would be color my thoughts for the rest of the card.

Winner: Rusev via Accolade

Justin Watry: Should be a fun big man match. Rusev has no reason to lose anytime soon. Whether it is John Cena, Kurt Angle, or whoever, he has more opponents waiting for him. Mark Henry does not and has no business getting a victory on Sunday. I am a huge fan of his, but that is just the harsh reality of the situation. Rusev has to come out of this dominant.

Winner: Rusev

Michael Weyer: Should be an intriguing power battle and a good conflict of beefy guys. Henry will give some good offense but just don’t see him winning. Rusev is being primed for Cena, too early for his streak to be broken but smashing down the World’s Strongest Man is a good way to keep him over and build him more as a monster so should be a decent clash before the expected result.

Winner: RUSEV SMASH!

Alex Crowder: I must admit I’m a fan of Rusev and I like his work. I feel he sells pretty well for a big guy, and he can pull of some impressive moves. Rusev certainly has nice athleticism to for his size similar to Big E. I don’t think this match will be as good as his encounters with Big E, but it’ll be the biggest victory of Rusev’s career yet. The match will probably be somewhat even like most Rusev matches as of late. I would like a more dominant victory over Henry, but I’m not averse to a close match. Rusev will probably win, but WWE please don’t let Cena crush him anytime soon. Lana is a heat magnet and Rusev is slowly getting over.

Winner: Rusev via submission

Mike Hammerlock: The real question here should be “What’s Rusev’s beef with black people?” After he rolls through Mark Henry, he’ll have put away pretty much the entire WWE black roster. I’d love Xavier Woods to come out and label him “Rusev the Russian racist” and then sick Kofi and Big E on him. Anyway, back to this match, of course Rusev is winning. His streak is being preserved for a higher purpose, probably to be sacrificed upon the altar of making Roman Reigns the new resident He-Man. It would be really cool if Henry beat him. It won’t happen, but I always appreciate those “Mark Henry, you’re so badass” moments. Ultimately what’s going to make or break Rusev is what happens to him after he’s done being invincible. Hopefully the match is as good as Lana’s promo.

Winner: Rusev

Sean Garmer: There are bigger stars for Rusev to go through than Mark Henry. There are even bigger American heroes for Rusev to face up against, perhaps even a match with Cena, Kurt Angle, or even a Hulk Hogan on the horizon. While I think this match could be good, there is no way Mark Henry is the one that beats Rusev. If anything, I could see a DQ happening to extend the feud another month because of lack of opponents for Rusev, but that’s about it.

Winner: Rusev (via Accolade)

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Chris Jericho vs. Randy Orton
Singles Match

Paul Leazar: While their isn’t a whole bunch of build behind this one, this match should be something to watch. Jericho always entertains me and Randy has been pretty tolerable recently. As this is Jericho’s last appearance before hitting the road with Fozzy again, I imagine Randy gets the victory here unless the WWE decides to put Jericho over so on his return he’ll have a reason to want to face Brock Lesnar, but I don’t see that happening. Randy goes over clean with an RKO.

Winner: Randy Orton

Wyatt Beougher: Jericho is leaving (although that date seems to change from day to day), Orton isn’t. This one is about as cut-and-dry as you can get. The only way I see them throwing a wrinkle into things is if Jericho sneaks out a win and an enraged Orton punts him to explain his absence from WWE programming until his return next year. You know what, that sounds just plausible enough to happen, so let’s go with that. Even if Orton does win, I just hope that he and Jericho continue to display the same awesome chemistry that they’ve had over the years and we get a proper farewell match before Jericho disappears again.

Winner: Jericho via Codebreaker (followed by an Orton punt)

Justin Watry: Not a lot of build here. WWE seemed ready to move on from the Chris Jericho vs. Bray Wyatt feud, and I guess I can not blame them. It was always very good stuff, especially the steel cage match, but the feud never moved out of first gear and reached the level many expected. Too bad. Now we get Bray Wyatt feuding with Big Show and Chris Jericho taking on Randy Orton. Fair trade, right? Or not. Mr. RKO could probably use a win, and Y2J is going bye-bye. Easy decision.

Winner: Randy Orton

Michael Weyer: So reports are Jericho going soon which seems to indicate a loss on his way out. Then again, WWE may want him to go on good terms with a win and Orton isn’t really doing anything much else. It’s up in the air a bit, the build has been short but both guys work well together so I think it’ll be a highlight of the night. I’ll go with Orton here and hopefully Jericho’s next return works out a bit better.

Winner: Randy Orton

Alex Crowder: This match doesn’t interest me much at all. I’m a huge Jericho fan, but I’ll admit his run has been extremely lackluster. I hate to admit that Jericho has probably lost a step. The Cage match with Wyatt is about the only thing I remember from this run. I wouldn’t be suprised if Jericho won even if this is his last match; however, I see Orton winning. Orton has been losing a lot lately at PPVs, so an Orton victory makes sense here.

Winner: Randy Orton

Mike Hammerlock: A week ago both of these guys reminded us of why they’re going to the Hall of Fame. Jericho’s cage match against Bray Wyatt was superb and I thought Randy Orton was mildly great in his match against Roman Reigns. Orton brought some serious match psychology and near perfect timing to that contest. It was, IMO, Reigns’ best singles match in the WWE and Orton carried him to it. Then it morphed into this spat. I’m all for it. Oddly, these two haven’t ever had a proper feud. Orton punted Jericho in the head four years ago on an episode of Raw and they worked plenty of multi-man matches, but they’ve never really been each other’s main focus. We’ll have to see if this leads to much. Fozzy just started a tour that’s going to take Jericho out of action for at least few weeks. That points toward Orton getting a win where Jericho leaves on a stretcher.

Winner: Randy Orton

Sean Garmer: There may not be much build to this match in particular, but these two do have a history with each other. That being said, Orton and Jericho are on much different paths. Jericho is leaving the WWE once again and Randy Orton looks to be headed to another ascension up the card. Though they could have Jericho win and then have Orton take him out to setup an injury angle for Jericho, I don’t think it’s needed since pretty much everyone knows Jericho has another career with a rock band by this point. I’d expect a good match here and Randy Orton to win.

Winner: Randy Orton (via RKO)

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(Champion) Sheamus vs. Cesaro
United States Championship Match

Paul Leazar: I love this match pairing to death. These two always put on a good to great match with each other, and I have no reason to expect otherwise here. I’d be happy with whoever comes out of this the winner, but I’m going with Sheamus to retain here. I’m sold on the idea that a Sheamus/Rusev feud over the belt makes the most sense for both of them, and WWE continues to start and stop Cesaro’s push. Sheamus via Brogue Kick to retain his title.

Winner and STILL WWE US Champion: Sheamus

Wyatt Beougher: CE-SAR-O! CE-SAR-O! Honestly, I refuse to get my hopes up anymore, as the King of Swing is probably the second worst-booked of the Superstars who appeared to be on the rise going into Wrestlemania (behind only Bray Wyatt). Since Cesaro has repeatedly shown that anything Sheamus can do, he can do better leading up to this match, I can only assume that Sheamus obliterates him in fifteen seconds here. In all honesty, this is my pick for match of the night (unless Brock just mauls Cena again), as these two guys should just try to out-hoss one another for fifteen minutes. If the rumors are true, and the aforementioned Bray Wyatt is moving into a program with Sheamus, I wouldn’t be surprised if he, Rowan, Harper, or some combination of the three shows up during this match. That’ll more than likely draw out Big Show, who will run them off so that Sheamus can out-of-nowhere Brogue Kick Cesaro and retain his title.

Winner and STILL WWE United States Champion: Sheamus via Brogue Kick

Justin Watry: If WWE wanted Cesaro to get a mid-card title, it would have happened by now. He had MULTIPLE championship matches during the summer, seemingly every few weeks he was earning a title shot. Yet, each time, he lost. It was the same thing Erick Rowan and Luke Harper with tag title shots. Eventually, I learned my lesson and stopped picking them to win because it just was not happening after their 567th chance. The only reason I would think Sheamus loses is if he is headed for a showdown with Brock Lesnar sometime soon. Fun logic, huh? If not, he can remain United States Champion.

Winner: Sheamus

WWE US Title Match: Sheamus © vs. Cesaro

Michael Weyer: I know most are running down Cesaro’s chances and his time has passed but the guy still has some crowd heat and more than overdue for a singles belt. It’s tempting to go with the flow of a Sheamus win but I think WWE will finally realize the time is right and give it to the King of Swing. It should be a fair enough match but a missed Brogue Kick gets countered to lead to Cesaro winning and finally getting more of a push which is due.

Winner and NEW US Champion: Cesaro

Alex Crowder: This like the tag title match could be a sleeper hit. These two mesh really well together and should pull of some nifty sequences. I expect a hard hitting match between two veterans. Sheamus has been on a tear as of late, and Cesaro is Cesaro. This feud may continue past this month, but I’m unsure. I’ll simply go with a Sheamus victory for now. I actually look forward to this one more than most of the card.

Winner and Still WWE United States Champion: Sheamus via pinfall

Mike Hammerlock: Sheamus and Cesaro have done the most consistent in-ring work in the WWE in 2014. They deliver in every match. This, along with the tag title contest, is probably the top candidate to steal the show. To a degree it’s a shame they’re fighting for the U.S. belt, because they’re good enough to run a dynamite main event program. As for the outcome, Cesaro got lost in the shuffle a little bit when he became a Paul Heyman guy. He needs some momentum. Winning this match will help with that. I also really like the idea of him banding together with Seth Rollins, playing the Arn to Seth’s Ric. Sheamus has had this belt long enough and can move from here into the main event picture.

Winner: Cesaro

Sean Garmer: I’m excited for this one because Cesaro and Sheamus put on some fantastic matches with each other. I know WWE has been very inconsistent with Cesaro, but I feel like there isn’t much else you can do with Sheamus as US Champion. I really like Paul’s idea of doing a Sheamus vs. Rusev US Title feud, but I feel like WWE doesn’t like logic, so in that case, Cesaro wins and begins this run as a dominant US Champion taking on all comers. Well, I can dream right?

Winner AND NEW WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPION: Cesaro (via Neutralizer)

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(Champion) Paige vs. AJ Lee vs. Nikki Bella
Triple Threat Match for the WWE Divas Championship

Paul Leazar: I’m still surprised that they haven’t added Brie to this match yet, but I think that gives us a way out of keeping the title off of a Bella. Seeing as Nikki cost Brie her match with Stephanie back at Summerslam, I see Brie returning the favor here and costing Nikki the match, leading to their inevitable encounter down the line. That being said, I think Paige retains here out off all this after putting the finishing touch on Nikki with the RamPaige.

Winner and STILL WWE Diva’s Champion: Paige

Wyatt Beougher: Remember how every time a Total Divas cast member went up against AJ Lee during her title reign, we (the Internet) would declare that the Total Diva would defeat the real Diva and usher in an era of darkness (okay, even darker-ness) in the Divas division? Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to happen here. As long as they don’t suddenly announce the Brie is officially a part of the match, she’s going to cost Nikki the opportunity to get the win in order to add more heat (theoretically) to their feud. And while it kinda sucks that the more talented women in this match will once again be relegated to props in the most poorly-acted storyline in WWE history (and I say that with no hyperbole), at least they should be able to go about their business next month. Since they’ve just traded the titles back and forth pretty much every month since the feud started, I’ll assume AJ wins this one.

Winner and NEW WWE Divas Champion: AJ Lee via Shining Wizard

Justin Watry: Brie Bella runs in to cost Nikki Bella the title. AJ Lee and Paige continue their battle, with the champ retaining. Even as I type that, I think it would make better sense for AJ Lee to get her championship back. As noted last month, it would not bother me in the least if those two just wrestled for another six months and traded the title back and forth. Normally, I am VERY against that in wrestling, but in this case, the Divas division has nothing else…so whatever. Paige wins, AJ Lee COULD win, while I just hope Nikki does not win, even if that does seem like something WWE would do to set up Brie finally winning the title.

Winner: Paige

Michael Weyer: Yeah, I’m not thrilled about the entire Bella drama either but it’s still Paige and AJ so we should be in for a good match. I thought the quick change back to Paige was too early, AJ still an awesome Divas champion and this match should be a good sign of that. I see Brie coming to clash with Nikki and thus pave the way for AJ to take advantage and regain the belt to set up another battle down the road.

Winner and NEW Divas Champion: AJ Lee

Alex Crowder: I’m assuming the Paige and AJ Lee feud continues after this match regardless of the result. I’m completely okay with that too. Nikki will probably be screwed out of the match by Brie. Brie may even be added to the match and lay out Nikki who is then pinned by Paige for the victory. I’m going presume that the WWE does the right thing and has Nikki Bella take the fall regardless of the result. This match will probably be alright, but the involvement of any Bellas will drag it down somewhat.

Winner and Still WWE Divas Champion: Paige via pinfall

Mike Hammerlock: My dream for the AJ-Paige feud would be for them to have an actual Hell in a Cell match. They’re the right two women to push that envelope. Unfortunately they’ve gotten mixed up with this catty Bellas tiff. That’s a shame. Got a feeling this PPV is where the Bellas fully hijack what should have been a storyline about a serious women’s wrestling feud.

Winner: Nikki Bella

Sean Garmer: This is one of those times that I wish I was wrong, but the fact is, this Bellas feud has been badly booked and has been terrible on screen. I would say it almost needs the Divas belt at this point to make the people care and give it some kind of legitimacy away from stupid crap that may or may not have happened in their youth that no one cares about. Paige vs. AJ though could carry on without the belt and just focus on maybe pushing Divas wrestling in a different direction by introducing some stipulation matches to the feud or something to keep interesting. Though I could see Brie costing Nikki her shot, I’d have a feeling Stephanie would just come out to keep Brie from getting too involved and thus leading to Nikki winning.

Winner AND NEW WWE DIVAS CHAMPION: Nikki Bella (via some sort of distraction and then her Torture Rack Backbreaker to Paige)

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(Champion) Dolph Ziggler vs. The Miz
Intercontinental Championship Match

Paul Leazar: Another great match pairing here, but a much easier match to predict I think. Dolph Ziggler could do wonders with a long Intercontinental Title run. Not only are the fans still loving the guy, but him being in a position to put on great matches while wearing the belt with practically anybody has to be the best place for him if the WWE doesn’t want to push him towards the top of the card. The Miz & Mizdow would make a terrific tag team, and could really boost that division, so Dolph to retain after a Zig-Zag.

Winner and STILL WWE Intercontinental Champion: Dolph Ziggler

Wyatt Beougher: This has been one of the most legitimately entertaining angles the WWE has done, with R-Truth and Sandow working as Ziggler and Miz’ stunt doubles (respectively). Sandow especially has been a joy. With that said, running basically the exact same match with the exact same joke three shows in a row isn’t doing any of these guys any favors. Keeping that in mind, I think Ziggler retains the title here and both guys move onto something a little fresher.

Winner and STILL WWE Intercontinental Champion: Dolph Ziggler via ZigZag

Justin Watry: Since I know The Miz reads this, I have to tell you, but the IC Title does not mean what it used to. Sorry. Whether you have the title or not, the landscape of WWE dictates that both mid-card belts are basically interchangeable at this point. Shame too because without the WWE World Title being around full-time, now is the perfect opportunity to actually change that perception by elevating the IC Championship. The Miz winning here is not a bad choice. I enjoy his gimmick for what it is, and Damien Sandow is playing his role well. Even so, Dolph Ziggler just won the title, and flip flopping it again is not my cup of tea. Champion retains.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Michael Weyer: Yeah, yeah, the usual “IC belt doesn’t mean as much anymore” talk but both guys work a decent match together and that should continue here. Sure, giving it to the Miz is an easy choice but we just had a title change, even WWE can’t flip-flop the IC belt this soon. The match will be a good affair with Miz giving some close calls but in the end, Ziggler gets a lucky fast pin to retain and hopefully last longer as champ this time around.

Winner and STILL Intercontinental Champion: Dolph Ziggler

Alex Crowder: The only positive I can find is that Cena attacked Lesnar from behind on Monday to get the upper hand. I hope this match has more of the same; otherwise, last month’s match is completely useless. My fear for this match is that it negates Lesnar’s aura regardless of the result. Also, we know WWE will put the title back on Cena at times for no apparent reason. I’m not really that confident in my pick. This feud will completely drain me if it continues to next month. I’m not sure I’ll be able to take it. The feud to me has become less interesting as it continues. Lesnar needs another dominant victory. Cena should go into this match like Hogan. Everyone remembers Hogan the face cheating against his hated rivals. Cena could learn something from that. I don’t have high hopes for this match due to the booking. Let’s hope WWE gets it right again.

Mike Hammerlock: You know, these guys could steal the show too. It depends on whether they drop the comedy, which has been fine during the buildup, and focus on having a hot match. They delivered one on Raw back when Dolph was chasing the belt and it would be great to see them top it. Do it for Cleveland guys. Also, it’s nice to see Dolph getting back into the regular PPV rotation. He’s way too talented to keep on the bench for these occasions. The man’s a big-game player. Give him the ball.

Sean Garmer: These two put on one heck of a match at the RAW in Miami that I was at LIVE. I have been entertained by the build up to this feud immensely, especially with the inclusion of the stunt doubles. I hope Dolph and Miz get time to put on another exciting contest with Dolph winning in the end. Miz doesn’t need the belt to continue his gimmick at this point, he could even be a tag team with Sandow. Whereas I think a lot can be done with Dolph as IC Champ. Let’s hope WWE sticks with the man with the bleach blonde hair.

Winner AND STILL IC Champion: Dolph Ziggler (Via Zig Zag)

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(Champions) The Usos vs. Gold & Stardust
Tag Team Championship Match

Paul Leazar: I have to imagine the titles change hands here. We know this match will be good, as we’ve seen these two teams hook up before on multiple occasions, but the title change is necessary to further the story for Double Dust here so we can finally figure out whether the tag titles are the Cosmic Key or not. Stardust to get the win with Dark Matter.

Winner and NEW WWE Tag Team Champions: Double Dust

Wyatt Beougher: I honestly thought that if anyone were to dethrone the Usos, it would’ve been Rowan and Harper. They were heels, and new challengers, and the win would’ve greatly offset the way their leader was being used at the time. Obviously, that didn’t happen, and while I’m a huge fan of Cody’s transformation into Stardust, I’m afraid to put any stock into the Dust Brothers actually winning this match. Then again, the fact that they’ve already been tag team champions before means that they’re probably more likely to win the belts than the WWE actually doing something fresh. Them winning on a throwaway fall PPV has actually happened before as well, although it was at Hell in a Cell last year when they beat the Shield for the belts.

Winners and NEW WWE Tag Team Champions: The Dust Brothers via Dark Matter

Justin Watry: I am refusing to predict a win for Stardust. That is, by far, the worst thing in WWE right now. I called it from the second he debuted. Maybe fans are finally stating to come around and see what I saw from the beginning? It was just dreadful then and is dreadful now. Whoever came up with that gimmick (Cody Rhodes?) needs to stop convincing themselves it will work. It is not. Give us CODY RHODES! In saying that, a title change feels like an inevitability. The faces champs are going in injured. The challengers have a new direction. Plus, this PPV is due for a title change or two. The stars have aligned…but out of principle, I am simply refusing to give a win to Stardust.

Winners: The Usos

Michael Weyer: I really expected them to put the belts on the Wyatts, seemed the logical choice. But the Usos/Dust matches have been better than expected and the bizarre antics of the Rhodes brothers have been entertaining to watch. I’ll give them the titles here, clearly a reward for long service but hopefully a fun series of rematches to keep the tag scene alive as both teams do a good job making the belts mean something again.

Winners and NEW WWE Tag Team Champions: Goldust and Stardust.

Alex Crowder: I’m not extremely confident in this pick, and it is probably one of the most difficult matches to predict on the card. A friend and I were actually talking about the tag team division one day, and something he said resonated with me. The Usos probably should have lost the titles to the Wyatts and did not. Maybe, the Usos are being groomed to lose the tag titles to the Ascension in a squash. For some reason, that seems likely. Now, I wouldn’t be against the Dust Brothers winning the tag titles, but not sure I see it. Still, I’m not that confident in my pick.

Winners and Still WWE Tag Team Champions: The Usos via pinfall

Mike Hammerlock: Until the rest of the tag division gets rebuilt, neither of these teams has anywhere else to go. Might as well make this a long-form feud. If that’s the case, then we’re still watching the opening salvos. The Dust Brothers have turned heel, but have yet to be particularly dastardly. The Usos have weathered Jey’s knee injury and are looking to put the Dusty ones in their place. The E could pull the trigger on the title switch, but it ought to be stringing this out until TLC. These two teams in a TLC match would be awesome. I think the E knows that too. If so, it would make sense to have the Usos win this round. The Dust Brothers can use the title chase to keep morphing into full-blown heels.

Winner: The Usos

Sean Garmer: This feud has been well done, except for the magically healing Uso a week before Night of Champions. I’ve enjoyed the Dust Brothers heel turn and I feel like the only place to go here is for them to win the belts here. If The Usos win, what are they gonna do? Injure the other Uso for a few weeks too and get a titleshot that way? I just think there is more going for Usos chasing for a bit and then maybe you debut The Ascension as part of a Survivor Series tag team in a couple months.

Winners AND NEW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: Dust Brothers (via new Tag finish)

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Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns
Singles Match

b>Paul Leazar: Well, we just got this match for free on RAW so I imagine that something big is going to happen here. The only thing I could come up with on Monday night as so nobody will be pissed when this turns into a no-finish when Dean Ambrose decides to reappear to beat on Seth some more or to save Roman from another attack from The Authority. I called Roman Reigns winning by DQ, so I’ll stick with that, but I fully expect to be wrong here.

Winner: Roman Reigns via DQ due to Authority run-in shenanigans.

Wyatt Beougher: This is the match on the card that I’m least confident in predicting. On the one hand, you’ve got Seth Rollins, who is, in kayfabe, the Authority’s chosen future of the company. On the other, you’ve got Roman Reigns, who is legitimately the Authority’s chosen future of the company. Rollins needs to look strong so that his renewed feud with Ambrose doesn’t lose any steam, and Reigns has looked like the most dominant non-Cena wrestler on the roster, so a loss here wouldn’t really hurt his push. On the other hand, Reigns is supposedly getting the Cena treatment, so he probably won’t lose between now and Wrestlemania. Then again, Cena lost to Orton multiple times between Night of Champions and Wrestlemania last year, so I could be completely off. I’ll just go with the Wild Card here and assume that Rollins wins because Ambrose attacks him (either that, or Kane interferes and either draws a DQ for Rollins or allows Rollins to sneak in a Curb Stomp).

Winner: Seth Rollins via Ambrose Interference

b>Justin Watry: Here is the deal. On Tuesday, I ripped WWE and blasted them pretty badly (on another website) for giving away Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns on RAW just six days away from Night of Champions. Instead of rehashing that again, I will flip the script. Be honest with yourself. WWE giving away Rollins vs. Reigns is not going to make a difference in the buy rate one bit. Not one single bit. Nobody, and I mean nobody, watched RAW and after that match said, “Well, screw it! I just saw Rollins vs. Reigns for free. I guess I am not ordering NOC this Sunday!” Get real. Seriously, that matchup was not selling the PPV. Everybody reading this is either watching or not watching Night of Champions – regardless of that match already happening. You know it is true, and I know it is true. Dean Ambrose runs in for a surprise returns and costs Seth Rollins the match, leading to their Heck on a Deck match next month which could actually be the main event if there is no WWE World Title match. Roman Reigns wins here.

Winner: Roman Reigns

Michael Weyer: A toughie to call to be sure. Both guys are on the rise, both with backing and can truly go either way. We know they work well in the ring together so it should be a good match and so many chances for interference from either side to lead to a wild finish. I’ll lean with Reigns here to set up another match down the road but either way, both guys will do their best to elevate themselves and push some fresher faces in the upper card, which is needed.

Winner: Roman Reigns

Alex Crowder: I don’t get why the WWE gave away this match for free on television. I remember Hogan once said somewhere if you give away the match, people already know the result. Hogan’s point was basically why do the fans care then? If Hogan is smart enough to know that with no writing or booking knowledge, then WWE should know this as well. That was a moronic decision; nonetheless, it makes me think Rollins actually has a chance of winning this match. Surely, Reigns isn’t just going beat him two times in a row? Otherwise, they spoiled the match on Raw. I would not be surprised whatsoever if Reigns won again, but I’ll say that Ambrose or Kane somehow lead to a nefarious Rollins victory. Rollins is doing great things with his corporate character and a big victory for him would be nice.

Winner: Seth Rollins via nefarious means

Mike Hammerlock: For the record, I don’t think the WWE should be pulling the trigger on this feud at this moment in time. It’s a little soon after Rollins-Ambrose and I’d like each of these guys to have padded their singles resumes a bit more before fighting each other. If any match tonight is a candidate for a dusty finish, this is it. Reigns is still early days into his megapush. Meanwhile, Rollins has the duty of restoring some luster to the MITB briefcase in the wake of the Damien Sandow fiasco. a no-result here makes some sense. Also. Rollins should be wanting to take Reigns out of the picture so that the briefcase is in play later in the night. So I’m predicting Rollins plots something dastardly that leads to Reigns eating a curb stomp. Reigns may get a DQ win, but Rollins will get what he wants.

Winner: Seth Rollins

Sean Garmer: Still have no idea why they gave this match away on RAW, but I only imagine it means we will get the opposite finish due to that. The authority will get involved, which will lead to Ambrose coming out, but that won’t be enough and Rollins will use all the chaos to nail Reigns with the Curb Stomp and beat Reigns.

Winner: Seth Rollins (Via Curb Stomp and interference)

 photo BrockvsCenaNOC.jpg

(Champion) Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman vs. John Cena
WWE Championship Match

Paul Leazar: As great as it was watching Cena getting torn apart at Summerslam, this has to be a more of a match for two reasons. 1) Cena’s credibility, if that even matters at this point anymore, but the WWE seems bit, bound, and determined to make sure Cena doesn’t look to terrible at the end of this feud, and 2) I think for anybody else to challenge Brock Lesnar at all after this, he needs to look somewhat vulnerable, and nothing sends a better message than saying you have to come at him 120% to even stand a chance of lifting the belt off of him. Brock to retain after two F-5s, 20 German Suplexes, and a whole of knees to Cena’s ribs.

Winner and STILL WWE World Heavyweight Champion: Brock Lesnar

Wyatt Beougher: If there’s any justice in the world, Lesnar will come out, tear Cena apart, and get the easy win, just like he did at Summerslam. I mean, I even wrote an entire column about why Lesnar dispatching Cena again is the right call here. If you don’t want to read that, here’s the barebones – it’s been a long, LONG time since the WWE has had a wrestler who felt as important as Brock does right now. Sacrificing that at the altar of SuperCena is what’s worst for business. Cena can afford to lose two PPV matches back-to-back, but if Brock immediately drops the title back to that jorts-wearing goofball, him breaking The Streak and destroying Cena at Summerslam are meaningless.

Winner and STILL WWE World Heavyweight Champion: Brock Lesnar via F5

Justin Watry: Not much to really discuss here. WWE made the right move in going to John Cena when Daniel Bryan was too injured to compete. WWE made the right decision in having Brock Lesnar demolish John Cena at Summerslam. Then they made the right call in going straight to a rematch a month later to get it out of the way instead of save it for later. Now WWE is in a position to make the right move once more. It does not necessarily have to be another one sided pummeling but yes – Brock has to win and look like a beast. Once The Streak ended a WrestleMania XXX, the entire burden of the company’s next year (or two) was going to rest on Lesnar being a monster heel champ. No going back now…

Winner: Brock Lesnar

Michael Weyer: It’s been a Rocky III build to be sure, Cena humbled badly and then coming back for the rematch with an aggressive new style. I know most are picking Lesnar and it would make sense, build him more as the monster but it just seems more logical for Cena. He’s the top guy, he’s the main merchandise mover, the placeholder until Bryan gets back from injury and the logical choice. The match should be great, both guys working it hard to top last month and Brock coming close but I’ll go with Cena winning another belt to continue the IWC grousing if nothing else.

Winner and NEW WWE World Champion: John Cena

Alex Crowder: The only positive I can find is that Cena attacked Lesnar from behind on Monday to get the upper hand. I hope this match has more of the same; otherwise, last month’s match is completely useless. My fear for this match is that it negates Lesnar’s aura regardless of the result. Also, we know WWE will put the title back on Cena at times for no apparent reason. I’m not really that confident in my pick. This feud will completely drain me if it continues to next month. I’m not sure I’ll be able to take it. The feud to me has become less interesting as it continues. Lesnar needs another dominant victory. Cena should go into this match like Hogan. Everyone remembers Hogan the face cheating against his hated rivals. Cena could learn something from that. I don’t have high hopes for this match due to the booking. Let’s hope WWE gets it right again.

Winner and Still WWE World Heavyweight Champion: Brock Lesnar via pinfall

Mike Hammerlock: I think we can count on this match being a far more even affair than their SummerSlam bout. No way Lesnar squashes Cena twice in a row … not that I’d complain if he did. It would make just about zero sense to have Cena get the win here. That doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Cena might decide a Cena victory would be the ultimate overcome-the-odds story and lobby his way back into the title. Imagine all the people he could inspire. Never give up, yo. More likely they beat each other to a pulp and Brock retains. Then Cena finally might have to confront a true, unambiguous loss. It could be just the thing he needs to stop being the invincible toddler and become something more interesting. Now, the next question is does Brock really intend to stick around and keep defending his belt? It would be a break from the norm to have the WWE title out of play at a lot of upcoming events. That could work. What also could work is Brock ekes out a victory here, but is totally spent. Then Rollins cashes in and takes the title. Suddenly you’ve got Rollins to defend in host of fascinating matchups. He’s got great chemistry with Daniel Bryan, who should be back for Survivor Series, and a Rollins-Reigns feud suddenly would have some real teeth to it. Oh, and Dean Ambrose back for a Hell in a Cell match for the WWE title? That’s a match of the year contender.

Winner: Brock Lesnar

Sean Garmer: This match will be a lot more competitive than their first encounter I can almost guarantee it. Just based on the fact that Vince seems to have gone nuts to make Cena look strong again, plus no one will be able to take any future challengers to Brock’s title seriously if he beats Cena dominantly once again. This could turn into a finisher fest even, just to prove a point. I just think there is no way Cena wins here. Talk about totally ruining the build you have done for Lesnar up to this point, if you have him lose to Cena. The point of having him beat the streak is so that he can give that rub off to someone else that needs it. Brock wins period.

Winner AND STILL WWE CHAMPION: Brock Lesnar (via multiple F-5’s)

Overall Thoughts & PPV Interest Level (from 1 being the worst to 5 being the best)

Paul Leazar: My Interest for This PPV is 3.5 mostly due to this last RAW, which grabbed my interest much more then the last two or three weeks of RAW put together. The potential for a terrific PPV is there, but the build has been less then stellar. The wrestling on this PPV should be outstanding though, which carries the most interest for me.

Wyatt Beougher: My Interest for This PPV is 2 because the past few weeks of RAW have been the very definition of “treading water”. They’ve been almost painful to watch, they’ve been so boring and predictable. On paper, there are a lot of matches here that could at least be entertaining based on the in-ring action, but in reality, I’m less sure that’ll be the case. Why give Sheamus vs Cesaro twenty minutes to beat the holy hell out of one another when they can give it half of that and then air two John Cena hype videos at other points of the show, right? Like I said in a comment earlier this week, this is thankfully one of those months where I can justify my WWE Network subscription by rationalizing that I paid $9.99 for Takeover II: Fatal 4Way, and got this crappy PPV for free.

Justin Watry: My interest for this PPV is 3.5 right now but has the chance to move to a 4 by Sunday night. Monday night’s Raw was pretty good this week. However, the previous two or three editions were bad. As standard and “okay-ish” as Smackdown is these days, the Blue Brand does not sell a PPV. The Red Brand does, and it came up short the past month. Even so, none of that truly matters because WWE Network subscribers are already locked in for $9.99 regardless. Plus, the main event is where you make your money, and the Brock/Cena rematch is more than enough.

Michael Weyer: My interest for this PPV is 3.5: The main event looks predictable but the rest of the card looks good. The Divas should be a fun match, Reigns/Rollins a great brawl and the tag match doesn’t look bad either. They are coming off a hot SummerSlam and some decent enough TV shows so even if you know what the main event turns out to be, it’ll be a fun show to check out as we head into the fall.

Alex Crowder: My Interest for This PPV is 2 I’ll say it is barely a two. Raw has been a complete chore to watch, so thanks to NXT, TNA, Nitro, and classic Raws I have had good content to enjoy. I didn’t even catch much of this week’s Raw due to the Eagles game. I found that far more interesting, honestly. WWE always does so awful during the months after spring really. I’m not sure what it is. They really need an offseason if they’re going to put no effort into their product. The product constantly gets progressively worse in the fall months. I’d skip this one if I wasn’t going to watch with a group of friends, because that’ll be fun even if the event sucks. A few matches might surprise and bring this event to a 5 or 6, but I don’t see it happening. There are too many rematches and booking blunders to recommend this one.

Mike Hammerlock: My Interest for This PPV is 3 Night of Champions actually could be great in the ring. These are quality matchups. Take any match on this card and it’s gotten a respectable build. The odd thing is eight respectable builds somehow translated to some of the worst programming the WWE has put on in recent years. The product feels really stale. However, talent can overcome pretty much anything on a given night. There’s no reason this card can’t deliver three or four **** matches.

Sean Garmer: My interest for this PPV is a 3 As everyone has seemingly mentioned, this PPV looks like it could be good in-ring, but WWE has done little to make us care about anything outside of the main event and maybe a few of the other matches. I’m holding out hope we get some terrific wrestling and maybe some surprise title changes to make this PPV a memorable one.

Well, that’s all the time we have today. Let us know what you thought of our predictions in the comment section and don’t forget to share your picks for the PPV as well. See you all again in October for Hell in a Cell.

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article topics :

Night of Champions, WWE, Sean Garmer