WWE Night of Champions Review: John Cena vs. CM Punk

WWE Night of Champions
Kingdom Arena from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

—Michael Cole introduced the show. We saw shots of Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, Karrion Kross with Scarlett, Rhea Ripley, WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Raquel Rodriguez, Asuka, Jade Cargill and CM Punk. 

—WWE Night of Champion video package aired which was narrated by Tom Rinaldi. There was a big firework display. Michael Cole and Wade Barrett were on commentary. Cole introduced the Arabic announce team. 

Randy Orton made his entrance to a huge reaction. The crowd sang along to Orton’s theme “Voices”. Cody Rhodes made his entrance to a huge reaction. Cody got a huge firework display. The crowd sang along to “Kingdom”. The crowd cheered as Cody posed from them. 

(1) Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton in Men’s King of the Ring Tournament Finals Match

This felt special seeing a Cody and Orton match. The match started with a feeling out process. Orton caught Cody with a knee coming off the ropes. Cody responded catching Orton with a dropdown punch. Cody connected with a running bulldog for two. Orton quickly stopped Cody from climbing the ropes. Orton took control planting Cody with a SuperPlex. Orton sold his lower back on the landing. 

Cody noted Orton was selling his back. Cody rocked Orton with a punch to the back. Cody connected with a Disaster Kick for two. Cody hit a suplex for another near fall. Orton responded catching Cody with a signature backbreaker. Orton sold his back. Cody noticed pulling on Orton against the ring post. Cody connected with a missile dropkick for two. Cody went for a Sleeper Hold. Orton broke running Cody into the turnbuckle. 

Orton battled back rocking Cody with clothesline. Orton caught Cody with a signature Powerslam for two. Orton called for a Draping DDT. Cody broke free going after Orton’s back. Cody hit a Cody Cutter for two. Cody followed hitting Orton with a Super Cody Cutter for two count. Orton responded catching Cody with a signature Draping DDT. Orton went for RKO. Cody countered hitting a Cross Rhodes. Orton kicked out for a strong two count. Orton responded catching Cody with an RKO. Cody kicked out for a strong two count. 

Orton looked conflicted hesitant to hit Cody with the Punt Kick. Orton hesitated again but went for the Punt Kick. Cody moved out the way. Cody applied a Figure-4-Leg Lock. Orton grabbed the ropes to force a break. Cody and Orton exchange big strikes. Cody went for a Cody Cutter. Orton intercepted Cody with an RKO in a great spot. Cody kicked out for a strong two count. 

Orton left the ring grabbing a chair. WWE referee Charles Robinson stopped Orton from using the chair. Orton exposed the turnbuckle. Cody and Orton both stopped each other from going into the exposed turnbuckle. Orton went for an RKO. Cody reversed sending Orton into the exposed turnbuckle. Cody delivered a Cross Rhodes to Orton for the 1-2-3 win. 

Cody Rhodes defeated Randy Orton to win King of the Ring Tournament 

➤RAW GM Adam Pearce and SmackDown GM Nick Aldis congratulated Cody on the win. Cody held up the King of the Ring crown. Byron Saxton congratulated Cody on the win. Cody thanked Orton first being the guy who mentored and spoke up for him. Orton’s facial reaction changed teasing a heel turn. The crowd cheered for Orton. Cody spoke about beating Jey Uso and Randy Orton. Cody said he’s facing either CM Punk or John Cena. Cody said he knows how the crowds reacts when he faces these beloved stars. Cody said either Cena or Punk is holding the title for him. Cody said he gets the ball back at SummerSlam. Cody posed with the King of the Ring crown. There was a big firework display. 

Amin’s Thoughts — This was a really strong professional wrestling match. Just a great match as Cody and Orton have great working chemistry together. I really liked the storytelling with Cody not being hesitant going after Orton’s back injury whenever he got the chance to get an advantage. Orton looking conflicted to hit the Punt Kick showing some hesitant wanting to win but not take out Cody was also a nice touch. Orton’s reaction to Cody’s promo was great teasing a bigger story. Cody winning sets up his Undisputed WWE Title rematch with John Cena at SummerSlam. Cody gets his win back over Cena. Then we go into the bigger program with Orton going heel against Cody as champion. A really good match. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/4)

Raquel Rodriguez made her entrance holding both the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. Rhea Ripley made her entrance to a huge reaction. Ripley got a big firework display. 

(2) Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez in a Street Fight

Ripley and Rodriguez began exchanging big strikes. Rodriguez took quick control launching Ripley with a pair of Fallaway Slams. Rodriguez rocked Ripley with elbow strikes. Rodriguez placed Ripley trapped against the ropes. Rodriguez whacked Ripley with a kendo stick. Ripley booted a chair into Rodriguez’s face. Ripley freed herself from the ropes. The action moved to the floor. Ripley ran Rodriguez into the ring steps. Rodriguez caught Ripley flying off announcer table. Rodriguez delivered a PowerBomb sending Ripley crashing through the announcer table board. 

Rodriguez placed a table inside the ring. Ripley responded running Rodriguez into the ring steps. Ripley whipped Rodriguez with her belt. Ripley launched Rodriguez with a Razor’s Edge. Ripley followed hitting a Shining Wizard for two. Ripley placed Rodriguez in the Prism Trap. Roxanne Perez made her appearance coming to the save for Rodriguez. Ripley chased Roxanne around the ring. 

Ripley planted Roxanne with a suplex on the floor. Ripley placed a trash can over Roxanne. Ripley rocked Rodriguez with a Shining Wizard. Rodriguez took advantage long-darting Ripley into the ring post. Rodriguez ran Ripley into the ring steps. Rodriguez delivered a Corkscrew Vader Bomb for two. Rodriguez created a table board on the top turnbuckle. Ripley battled back rocking Rodriquez with a sliding kick. Ripley slammed Rodriguez on the table. Ripley delivered an Avalanche RipTide off the table board for the 1-2-3 win. 

Rhea Ripley defeated Raquel Rodriguez in a Street Fight 

Amin’s Thoughts — A pretty solid hard hitting action packed match. Ripley and Rodriguez work well together and showed in this match. I liked Roxanne’s appearance trying to get into Rodriguez good grace. The finish looked awesome with Ripley hitting the Avalanche RipTide off the table board. Ripley is arguable the biggest star in the WWE Women’s division. Interested to see what feature match Ripley will be showcased for WWE Women’s Evolution PLE. A fun match and good win for Ripley. (⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2)

—The new WWE Women’s United States Champion Giulia was shown in the crowd. 

Karrion Kross made his entrance with Scarlett to a strong reaction. The presentation of Kross and Scarlett entrance together looks awesome. Sami Zayn made his entrance to an incredible reaction. Sami wore Arabian head gear and had the colours of the Palestian Flag on his gear. 

(3) Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross (with Scarlett)

The crowd was going wild for the start of the match. Zayn shoved Kross into the corner but didn’t attack. Kross shoved Zayn into the corner. Zayn shoved Kross away. The action picked up with Kross and Zayn exchanging big strikes. Zayn clotheslined Kross to the floor. Kross took a bump lol. The online report was ridiculous. Zayn teased a dive but posed in the ring. Zayn leaped off the barricade catching Kross with a Moonsault. 

Kross responded stopping Zayn with a Doomsday Saito Suplex. Kross placed Zayn in the Tree of Woe. Kross rocked Zayn with boots for near fall. Kross rocked Zayn with mounted strikes. Zayn battled back hitting rapid strikes. Zayn rocked Kross with corner punches. Zayn hit a flying axe handle smash. Kross avoided a dive from Zayn. Kross hit a leaping Death Valley Driver for two. Kross called for Kross Jacket. Zayn broke free. 

Kross avoided a Blue Thunder Bomb. Kross launched Zayn with a Doomsday Saito Suplex. Zayn avoided the Kross Hammer. Zayn hit a Blue Thunder Bomb on Kross for two. Kross caught Zayn with a pair of German Suplex. Zayn caught Kross with an Exploder Suplex. 

Zayn went for a Helluva Kick. Kross intercepted Zayn with a Kross Jacket. Zayn grabbed the ropes to force a break. Kross rocked Zayn with a running clothesline. Kross talked smack. Kross hit a second running clothesline. Zayn intercepted Kross charging with a Helluva Kick for the flash 1-2-3 win. 

Sami Zayn defeated Karrion Kross 

Amin’s Thoughts — I’ve always liked Kross work dating back to his time on NXT. Kross is someone who could breakout on the WWE main roster and just needs that chance. Would like if this match was the start of Kross getting more showcase on WWE TV. This was fun seeing Kross having a strong showing against Zayn. WWE Royal Rumble is coming to Saudi Arabia next year. Zayn winning the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia leading to him finally winning the WWE World Heavyweight Title would be a great story to tell. A good match here between Kross and Zayn. (⭐️⭐️⭐️)

Solo Sikoa made his entrance to a strong heel reaction. WWE United States Champion Jacob Fatu got a big babyface reaction. 

(4) Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Solo Sikoa in a WWE United States Championship Match

Solo started quickly running Fatu into the ring post. Fatu responded catching Solo with a corner splash. Fatu went for a charge. Solo rolled outside the ring. Fatu rocked Solo with a flying clothesline off the ring steps. Fatu connected with of pair of running senton splashes onto Solo.. Fatu went for a Jump Up Moonsault. Solo rolled outside the ring. Fatu went for a dive. Solo stopped Fatu with a big forearm smash. 

Solo took control planting Fatu with a Spinning Solo on the ring apron. Solo followed hitting Fatu with a second Spinning Solo on the floor. Solo rocked Fatu with a Umaga Hip Attack. Solo placed Fatu in a chin lock. Solo launched Fatu with an Overhead German Suplex. Solo celebrated his work mocking Fatu’s dance. Fatu no-sold it launching Solo with a German Suplex. Fatu rocked Solo with an Umaga Hip Attack. Fatu planted Solo with an Impaler DDT. Fatu connected with a flying Swanton Bomb for two. 

JC Mateo made his way ringside distracting the referee. Tonga Loa made his return delivering a Magic Killer to Fatu. Solo covered Fatu for two. Fatu avoided the Samoan Spike. Fatu rocked Solo with a SuperKick. Fatu hit a Fosbury Flop onto JC Mateo and Tonga Loa to the floor. Fatu planted Solo with a Popup Samoan Drop. JC Mateo entered the ring. Fatu rocked Mateo with an Umaga Hip Attack. Fatu hit a Jump Up Moonsault on Solo. 

Fatu had the match won. The unnamed former NJPW star Hikuleo appeared pulling Fatu outside the ring. Cole said Hikuleo was Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa’s brother. Cole didn’t mention him by name. Hikuleo planted Fatu with a ChokeSlam on the announcers table. Solo delivered a Samoan Spike to Fatu for the 1-2-3 winning the WWE United States Championship. 

Solo Sikoa defeated Jacob Fatu to win the WWE United States Championship 

Amin’s Thoughts — We got the Bloodline speciality run-in which worked for this match. Good to Tonga Loa make his return back from injury. Hikuleo made his debut earlier this month on WWE Main Event show which was an interesting choice. They made Hikuleo’’s official main roster debut feel impactful as made the difference in Solo’s win. I’ve liked Solo’s character and his wrestling. Good to see Solo win his first main roster title. Fatu is something special and just has this incredible charisma about him which is undeniable. Fatu moving away from The Bloodline going on a babyface run was the right call to make. This now gives Fatu more obstacles to overcome before getting his rematch with Solo for the WWE United States Title. This could also give Jimmy Uso something to do working alongside Fatu against Solo’s new Bloodline. Overall, a good match and Solo winning the title was perfectly fine. (⭐️⭐️⭐️1/4)

—WWE Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton was shown in the crowd. 

Asuka made her entrance receiving a big reaction. Jade Cargill made her entrance to a strong reaction. Jade’s outfit was awesome dressed up as Storm from X-Men. 

(5) Asuka vs. Jade Cargill in Women’s Queen of the Ring Tournament Finals Match

Asuka used her quickness going for leg kicks. Asuka went for an Octopus Hold. Jade countered hitting a side slam for two. Jade went for a running boot. Asuka caught Jade with a Dragon Screw against the ropes. Asuka took control working over Jade’s legs. Asuka connected with a sliding kick for two. Asuka rocked Jade with combination kicks. 

Jade caught Asuka positioning for a ChokeSlam. Asuka reversed catching Jade in a Heel Hook. Jade broke free planting Asuka with a Wheelbarrow German Suplex. Jade made a comeback planting Asuka with a SpineBuster. Jade launched Asuka with a Fallaway Slam. Jade rocked Asuka with a SuperKick. Jade followed hitting a ChokeSlam. Asuka kicked out for a strong two count. Jade called for Jaded. Asuka broke free. 

Asuka nailed Jaded with a Hook Kick. Asuka made a comeback catching Jade with a Codebreaker. Asuka hit a missile dropkick for two. Asuka went for the Asuka Lock. Jade countered for Jaded. Asuka reversed into a reverse Sunset Flip for two. Jade blocked a Roundhouse Kick. Jade planted Asuka with a Sit-Out PowerBomb. Asuka kicked out for a strong two count. 

Asuka caught Jade in a Cross-Arm Breaker. Jade reversed into a rollup for two. Jade rocked Asuka with a Pump Kick. Jade went for Jaded. Asuka reversed into the Asuka Lock. Jade reversed into a rollup for two. Asuka rocked Jade with a pair of Roundhouse Kicks. Asuka called for Empress Impact. Jade intercepted catching Asuka with Jaded for the 1-2-3 win. 

Jade Cargill defeated Asuka to win Queen of the Ring Tournament 

➤RAW GM Adam Pearce and SmackDown GM Nick Aldis congratulated Jade Cargill on the win. Byron Saxton interviewed Jade after the match. Jade said it felt like the world on her shoulders when she came to WWE. Jade said for the people out there who down themselves. Jade said to praise yourself because you fighting through the boos. Jade said to not let them tell you who you are. Jade said a Storm is coming to SummerSlam. Jade celebrated with the Queen of the Ring crowd. There was a big firework display. 

Amin’s Thoughts — Asuka is simply tremendous as her ring movement and striking ability is right on point. Asuka was the star of the match. People will be disappointed with Asuka losing to Jade who isn’t on her level inside the ring. WWE Women’s Evolution show is coming and there is still way to get to Asuka and Iyo Sky for the Women’s World Title at SummerSlam. That’s a SummerSlam level match which I would love to see. I’ve liked Jade’s work and seeing her improve as a wrestler. What stands out is Jade’s incredible athleticism and power which is her biggest strength. There are some points in matches where Jade looks unsure and that’s due to lack of having long matches dating back to her time in AEW. This can all be fixed but it shows in her matches. You can see Jade has been improving and will continue to get much better. There’s a bigger story with Jade winning Queen of the Ring with Naomi holding the Money in the Bank briefcase. There’s also the Bianca Belair involvement so there’s a bigger story to play. We can still get to Asuka and Iyo Sky for SummerSlam. Jade winning here was fine. Asuka and Jade worked a good match. (⭐️⭐️⭐️)

CM Punk made his entrance receiving a huge reaction. The crowd sang along to Cult of Personality loudly. Punk sat cross-legged inside the ring just like he did for his classic WWE Money in the Bank match in 2011 with John Cena. The music played as John Cena made his entrance to an incredible mixed reaction. The crowd sang “ John Cena Sucks!” Cena carried his “Last Time Is Now” towel making his entrance to the ring. Ring announcer Mike Nash did Cena’s awesome and over-the-top introduction. 

(6) John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk in an Undisputed WWE Championship Match

This felt like a special match. The crowd was going wild as Cena and Punk began for collar-and-elbow tie up. Cena and Punk did some chain wrestling. Cena rocked Punk with a shoulder tackle and then bowed to a big reaction. Cena took control rocking Punk with strikes against the ropes. Cena connected with a Fisherman’s Suplex to Punk for near fall. Cena caught Punk position for the GTS. Cena rolled outside the ring. Punk chants from the crowd. 

Cena caught Punk position for the Attitude Adjustment. Punk escaped rocking Cena with a clothesline. Punk connected with a Russian Leg Sweep for near fall. Punk went for an Octopus Hold. Barrett on commentary noted it was AJ Lee’s move. Nice mention. Cena broke free hitting a spinning side slam for two. Cena rocked Punk with a running boot. Cena delivered his signature shoulder tackles and Blue Thunder Bomb. Cena connected with a Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena went for the Attitude Adjustment but Punk escaped. 

Punk made his comeback catching Cena with a leg lariat. Punk followed hitting a Pepsi Twist.  Punk rocked Cena with a corner rising knee strike. Punk connected with a Macho Man Elbow Drop. Punk went for the GTS. Cena reversed into the STF. Punk reversed catching Cena in the Anaconda Vice. Cena reversed into a rollup to break free. Cena delivered an Attitude Adjustment. Punk kicked out for a strong two. 

Cena went for a second Attitude Adjustment. Punk reversed hitting a DDT. Punk placed Cena in an STF. Cena grabbed the ropes. Cena blocked a bulldog. Punk planted Cena with a Blue Thunder Bomb. Cena went for Five Knuckle Shuffle. Punk reversed with a boot to Cena’s face. Punk went for Pepsi Twist. Cena reversed hitting the second Attitude Adjustment. Punk kicked out for a strong two count. Cena went for an Avalanche Attitude Adjustment. Punk shoved Cena off the ropes. Cena caught Punk flying off the ropes. Cena showed his power rolling through hitting the third Attitude Adjustment. Punk kicked out for a strong two count. 

Cena looked over at the Undisputed WWE Title. Cena went to use the Undisputed WWE Title. The crowd chanted “No”. Cena looked hesitant and placed the Undisputed WWE Title away. Cena went for an Attitude Adjustment. Punk reversed hitting Cena with a GTS. Cena kicked out for a strong two count. Cena and Punk exchanged big strikes. Punk ducked as Cena went for a shoulder tackle. The referee took a bump. Punk delivered the GTS to Cena. Punk had a visual win over Cena. Punk signalled for another referee to come out. 

The music played. Mr Money in the Bank Seth Rollins came out with Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed and Paul Heyman. Punk went after both Breakker and Reed. Punk went for a Plancha but overshot Breakker and Reed who did their best to protect and catch Punk on the landing. Breakker and Reed delivered a Double Chokeslam sending Punk (which he barely went up for) crashing through the Arabic announcer table. Rollins signalled for a referee. Charles Robinson ran down. Cena delivered a Pounce which Robinson took an awesome bump. 

Cena and Rollins argued in the ring. The crowd chanted for Cena as he pointed to the crowd. Rollins swung his Money in the Bank briefcase. Cena gave Rollins an Attitude Adjustment. Breakker and Reed attacked Cena. The crowd cheered as Penta made his entrance. Breakker brawled with Penta. The crowd cheered as Sami Zayn came out. Penta hit a stage dive onto Breakker and Zayn. Punk shoved Reed off the turnbuckle. Cena delivered an Attitude Adjustment to Reed which looked impressive. Reed took an awesome bump. 

Cena and Punk stood together inside the ring. Punk offered a handshake. Cena shook Punk’s hand and gave him a hug. Cena had the same look into the camera as the WWE Elimination Chamber PLE in Toronto. Cena went for a low blow. Punk stopped Cena. Rollins whacked Punk with the Money in the Bank briefcase. Rollins gave Punk the Stomp. Cena sent Rollins outside the ring. Cena covered Punk for the 1-2-3 win. 

John Cena defeated CM Punk to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship 

➤John Cena left the ring holding the Undisputed WWE Title on his shoulder. Cena had the most awesome smile as he looked into the camera. Cena posed with the Undisputed WWE Championship. The show ended. 

Amin’s Thoughts — There is just something special as this was a blast seeing CM Punk and John Cena share the ring together. Cena and Punk weren’t going to recreate their previous classic matches. We’ve seen Punk can still go inside the ring and put on great matches. Cena has slowed down and isn’t the same wrestler. Cena and Punk still have great working chemistry together. They went overboard with the finisher spamming but it works for these Cena main event matches. I can completely understand if wrestling fans don’t like seeing run-in for matches. I don’t mind the run-in long as it tells a story and doesn’t take away from the match. I didn’t mind the run-ins from Penta and Sami Zayn as they have a program with Rollins crew on RAW. Rollins teasing the cash-in prolongs his program for a bigger match with Punk. They could do the Punk and Rollins match for Saturday Night’s Main Event special where Roman Reigns could make his return back to WWE TV. Rollins teased cash-in played into the bigger story with Cena. The moments where Cena didn’t use the Undisputed WWE Title on Punk and pointing to the crowd when Rollins went for the cash-in. I like how they are teasing the big babyface turn for Cena but taking it away. The moment when Cena turns back babyface will be an incredible moment. Cena winning now sets up the SummerSlam main event with Cody Rhodes. I liked the match layout and stories told. Overall, a very enjoyable match between Cena and Punk. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

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