WWE Night of Champions Match Previews and Predictions

Night of Champions takes place Sunday night in John Cena’s hometown of Boston, and it will feature a title defense for every active title in WWE.

With every title being defended it increases the odds of a new champion, but it is not a given.

United States Championship:

Antonio Cesaro vs Battle Royal Winner

The pre-show will feature a Battle Royal, with the winner going on to face Cesaro later in the night. As Santino was Cesaro’s only real “rival” during his title run, this is a great idea.

Given the uncertainty of who will win and take on Cesaro, this match is the one that seems most likely to see a new champion. However, Cesaro has only had the title for a month, so taking it off of him so early could be a mistake. Someone like Zack Ryder could win and take on Cesaro, but I do not foresee a title change until some type of feud is built between Cesaro and his opponent.

Prediction: Antonio Cesaro defeats Battle Royal Winner

Randy Orton vs Dolph Ziggler

This match is the only one on the card that is not for a title, but it is just as important as the others.

While neither of these men are in possession of a title, Ziggler does have the Money in the Bank contract. He must be kept on the card so he is visible, which hints at a possible cashing in of the briefcase.

This match has many possibilities, but one seems most likely to happen. That scenario sees Randy Orton defeat Dolph Ziggler, but that would not be the last time Ziggler would be seen throughout the night.

Ziggler has teased a cashing in of his briefcase many times in the past, but he may finally cash it in successfully on Sunday night. While Sheamus will more than likely defeat Alberto Del Rio, look for Del Rio to attack Sheamus after the match. This will lead to Ziggler cashing in the briefcase and becoming champion.

Ziggler as champion could set up a three-way feud between himself, Sheamus, and Del Rio. Something needs to be done to shake up the World Heavyweight Championship picture, and Ziggler cashing in could do just that.

Prediction: Randy Orton defeats Dolph Ziggler

Divas Championship: Layla vs Kaitlyn

Layla has held the title since Extreme Rules in April, but she has not seen much time on television since then. The Divas division has become an afterthought, due both to lack of talent and interest.

While Kaitlyn would be a legitimate champion, do not look for Layla to lose the title to anyone other than Beth Phoenix. The three-hour episodes of Raw should help bring relevance back to the division, but it will take some time.

Prediction: Layla defeats Kaitlyn

Intercontinental Championship:

The Miz vs Sin Cara vs Rey Mysterio vs Cody Rhodes

This match is essentially a combination of two feuds, with Miz and Mysterio being one and Sin Cara and Rhodes being the other. Rhodes has fought both Mysterio and Sin Cara, with the odd obsession of exposing their “ugliness”.

Rhodes has already held the title for a lengthy amount of time and needs to move up to the World title ranks. Mysterio is in the latter end of his career so he will not be winning this match either.

That leaves it to Sin Cara and The Miz. While Sin Cara winning would be a popular move, The Miz will retain his title. He has held it since Raw 1000, and needs more time with the title to build a lengthy feud before, hopefully, returning to the main event scene.

Prediction: The Miz defeats Sin Cara, Rey Mysterio and Cody Rhodes

Tag Team Championship:

Kofi Kingston and R-Truth vs Daniel Bryan and Kane

Truth and Kingston have held the titles since the end of April, and during that time have defeated some legitimate contenders. While teams like the Prime Time Players have earned a spot in this match, Bryan and Kane add a different element to the tag division.

It seems like Kane and Bryan would do something to each other to sabotage their chances of winning, but it would just be their luck that they will end up winning this match.

There are several contenders for the titles who deserve a shot, and having them face, and lose, to Kane and Bryan would add to the humor of their situation. This would all start with a win over Truth and Kingston.

Prediction: Daniel Bryan and Kane defeat Kofi Kingston and R-Truth

World Heavyweight Championship:

Sheamus vs Alberto Del Rio

This feud has seemingly gone on forever, and Del Rio has never been victorious. With the Brogue Kick now “banned,” Sheamus will still have no problem retaining his title.

As discussed in the Orton-Ziggler preview, Del Rio is not the one that Sheamus needs to worry about. Ziggler has the Money in the Bank briefcase that can be cashed in at any time, and it appears that Night of Champions will finally be the time when Ziggler cashes it in and wins the title.

Another possible option would be for Sheamus to Brogue Kick Ziggler when he came into the ring, which would result in Sheamus being stripped of his title.

Prediction: Sheamus defeats Alberto Del Rio

WWE Championship: CM Punk vs John Cena

These two will finally get to go one on one against each other, after Big Show was involved in this feud before disappearing. Punk has continued to further his heel turn by walking out on matches and tag team partners.

Cena continues to be the white knight in this situation, coming to save the day from CM Punk’s heelish tactics. While Punk has held the title for longer than most champions, there is no reason for him to lose this match. Punk now has Paul Heyman by his side, which just adds to his status as a champion.

Look for some interference from Heyman to influence this match, which will allow Punk to retain his title and remain champion.

Prediction: CM Punk defeats John Cena

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