Night Of Champions Review

Last night, WWE held their annual Night Of Champions PPV at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Every championship was on the line. The show had its share of historic moments along with its share of bizarre moments as well as returns. This was the very first time that Sting ever competed for the WWE Championship, as he was a mainstay around the WCW World Title.

Here are the matches that took place:

Neville & The Lucha Dragons vs Cosmic Wasteland
Winners: Cosmic Wasteland

This was the only Pre-Show match that was advertised for the show. Fairly decent opener to kick things off as Stardust picks up the win for his team with his finisher "Queen's Crossbow". Maybe he still has a score to settle with Stephen Amell (Arrow). I am guessing that this is why he gives his move that name. Neville and the Lucha Dragons got their high spots and excitement in during the match, but the Ascension get the "W" thanks to their leader Stardust. This was my prediction and I was on point.

Kevin Owens vs Ryback (Intercontinental Title Match)
Winner: Kevin Owens

The first title match of the night is for the IC Title as Ryback defends against Kevin Owens. It felt as though Ryback was not going very far as IC Champion. He has not been someone that I can look at fondly in the history of that Title. Instead of doubling down and keeping him as Champion, WWE decides to change the guard by having Owens win the title. I am not like those fans that accuse Owens of getting buried by Cena because I already knew that he could not get much higher than that. However, this feud with Ryback has not done many favors for him. Kevin had enough momentum going into this match to become the champion.

Certainly, it was one of Ryback's better matches, which is not saying much. Owens was the ring general for this match. Ryback relied more on his power and brute strength, as Kevin worked more technically by wearing down the arm. This created a more diverse element so that it would not be just a power vs power match. Owens found a way to escape from both of Ryback's Shellshock finishers. When Ryback went for the second Shellshock, Kevin raked the eyes and rolled him up for the win. I am not holding my breath, but I am hoping Kevin brings a certain level of value to that belt. It has gone through its share of an identity crisis. I was right on another prediction: 2-0.

During the break, it was announced that Brock Lesnar would fight the Undertaker inside of Hell In A Cell.

Dolph Ziggler vs Rusev
Winner: Dolph Ziggler

I did not care about this match, so I did not care to make a prediction. This has to win the award for Worst Storyline of the Year. The only good thing about this match was that there was a winner. The downside is how ridiculous the overall story is. It was already from the start with Lana joining Ziggler's side as Summer Rae was sadly dragged into the equation. Now, Lana has been sidelined from an injury that came from her training. Now Ziggler is playing weird games with Summer and it has just gone from stupid to terrible.

This definitely deserves a Razzie for how horrible it is. Dolph tapped into his inner Rick Rude with his ring attire last night. A very poor version of Ravishing Rick, I might add. The only highlight of the match was Summer Rae throwing her heel into the ring as she distracted Rusev so that Dolph could pick up the win. I can't talk about this anymore. Moving on.

New Day vs. The Dudley Boyz (WWE Tag Team Title Match)

Winners: Dudley Boyz (By DQ)

I think WWE was caught between a rock and a hard place. On one side, many people including myself wanted to see the Dudleyz make history by winning their 10th WWE Tag Team Titles. They were featured in the montage before the match about the history of the Tag Titles. 

On the other hand, the New Day is the Most Popular Tag Team in the current state of a division that has seen better days. With the USO's out of action, New Day is all WWE has to really build on. With that said, people did not want to see them lose the titles. 

New Day took center stage with their typical antics as Xavier Woods played the trombone with his Rufio from Hook hairstyle. Woods played the Rocky theme with his trombone too. Overall, it was a very good tag team match, as it was a clash between a comedy team and a team of legends that play no games. Xavier played the trombone through much of the match and even broke up a Dudleyz pin following a 3D. 

New Day turned the tables (pun intended) when they ripped a page from the Dudley Boyz book by calling for the tables. The plan backfired as Woods went to Dudleyville as Bubba and D-Von gave him the 3D through the table. 

This storyline naturally elevates the New Day in a way that they would have never been elevated. It says something about them because WWE clearly sees them as a team worthy of the Dudley's attention. The Dudley Boyz must see something special in them as well. 

I predicted the Dudleyz to win, but not this way. 

Nikki Bella vs Charlotte (WWE Divas Championship)

Winner: Charlotte

Next to the Double Main Event (Rollins vs Cena/Rollins vs Sting) I was looking forward to this match because I could not wait to see Nikki Bellas title reign come to a crashing end. It would have been nice to see Charlotte win the gold on Monday Night Raw, but I also understood the reason why she did not win that night. It was all for the purpose of the bigger picture, which was Night Of Champions. I am a student of Wrestling Booking 101. This Divas Revolution was ultimately about taking Nikki out of the picture by having her lose the belt. 

On RAW, Stephanie McMahon made it clear that no shenanigans from Team Bella were allowed. So the writing was on the wall. In the midst of the rumors flying around that Charlotte was supposed to win the belt sooner, I still figured that Nikki would hold it long enough to break AJ Lee's Record. WWE stuck to that plan, and it paid off with Charlotte dethroning Nikki Cena. 

In the opening montage for this title, they showed women like Fabulous Moolah, Trish Stratus, and others. It made you think about how far the Women's Division has fallen from the days where those legendary females ruled the ring. 

This was a match where Charlotte was the underdog with little offense. The story that she told was that she would build a comeback after twisting her ankle. Nikki worked on the leg through much of the match until the door was open for her to get distracted. The match was not really Charlotte's best because we know that she could run circles around Nikki in the ring with her eyes closed. 

In the end, Charlotte finished her off with the Spear and Figure Eight Leg Lock. Now, we can finally move on. 

The Shield w/Mystery Partner (Chris Jericho) vs Wyatt Family (w/Braun Strowman)

Winners: Wyatt Family

We move on to the next match. The Brothers Shield has been in desperate need of a new partner. There have been several names thrown out as potential choices. From The Rock, Randy Orton, Cesaro and even Erick Rowan. 

Even Edge gave a clue about Cesaro being the mystery partner on Twitter. For a week after week, The Wyatts have destroyed Reigns and Ambrose with the new Black Sheep Braun Strowman. No matter what they have tried, Roman and Dean have failed each time. 

The mystery partner was finally revealed to be none other than Chris Jericho!! A spoiler revealed that he was going to be at Night Of Champions, but it never revealed what role he was going to play. Jericho is all about mysteries and surprises. 

After all, he is one of the greatest trolls in wrestling history. I joked about Chris Jericho being the mystery partner. I just happened to be right in a non-intentional way. Ambrose, Reigns, and Jericho put up a good fight, but the Wyatts were too physically imposing for them as Braun caused Y2J to submit. After the match, Jericho bumped Dean and Roman on purpose. This could plant the seeds for a Jericho heel turn. 

Seth Rollins vs. John Cena (US Championship Match)

Winner: John Cena

Here is the first part of the Double Main Event. Seth Rollins finds himself defending both of his titles against two of the all-time greats in the history of wrestling. Cena invoked his rematch clause for the US Title after Rollins defeated him at Summerslam thanks to Jon Stewart. 

In the opening montage, they show the previous United States Champions from Harley Race, to hometown legend Booker T, to another Texas legend Eddie Guerrero. During the match, the Eddie chants were heavy. 

Seth was the first wrestler to hold both the US and WWE/WHC at the same time. Rollins and Cena tore the house down again at Night Of Champions just as they did at Summerslam. John shows once again how he rises to the occasion on the Big Stage and Seth proves himself even more as to why he is the best In-Ring Performer of the Current WWE Roster. 

This was another spectacular match in both of their libraries. In the end, Cena regains the US Title making him a 5-time US Champion. 

Seth Rollins vs. Sting (WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match)

Winner: Seth Rollins

Seth goes into the second half of his Double Duty when he defends the title against Sting. Before the match, Seth tries to escape with the US Title. John Cena meets him at the ramp to give him the Attitude Adjustment. Rollins goes back into the ring before Sting's music finally hits. 

This night was rather historic for Sting since this is his first match for the WWE Title. WWE presented Sting with a title shot as a token of appreciation for his lifetime work. This could have been a tribute for his years of service as a legend in another promotion. Then again, it was Sting's choice to stick in TNA for so long. Nobody forced him to stay there. 

WWE has promoted Sting as the Icon. However, his debut did not come off on a high note. At WrestleMania 31, the WCW Franchise lost to Triple H making him 0-1 in WWE. People have been critical of Sting receiving a title shot after losing his first match. Sting gave Rollins all that he had, and Seth proved himself to a legend of wrestling as well as to the fans. Rollins brought nothing less than his A game against Sting. 

Going into this show, I predicted that the match with Cena would be a better quality match and I was right. This match was not bad because Sting did what he could at his age (56). On the other hand, Sting did take some heavy risks for a man in his mid 50's. Sting took a serious fall through the announce table. He locked in the Scorpion Deathlock before Seth broke free from the hold.

Rollins Powerbombed Sting into the corner. Sting suffered severe injuries but kept fighting before Seth finished off the match to retain his WWE Title. 

Following the match, Sheamus ran into cash in his MITB Briefcase before Kane returned. The Big Red Monster Chokeslammed both Rollins and Sheamus. Kane finished off Seth with a Tombstone Piledriver. This was a mirror image of what the Undertaker did to Brock Lesnar at BattleGround. 

Overall, I give this Show a 7/10. As far as a Belt Rating, I give it 3 out of 5 United States Title Belts. 

Road To The Battleground

Monday Night's "Go Home" Episode of RAW leading up to BattleGround was explosive! This has been one of the best episodes of RAW this year so far, along with the RAW's during the Road To WrestleMania. This past Monday, we saw some major shifts take place as WWE is shaking up their landscape heading into Sunday.

RAW presented some momentous segment, but none more so than this:

Diva Takeover (#GiveDivasAChance):

This segment was the talk of the entire Internet Wrestling World, as the #GiveDivasAChance Movement is coming to life from Twitter to the live WWE Product. The Bellas and their whipping girl Alicia Fox come to the ring as Nikki blows her horn about how dominant she has been. (We know the real reason why she is having a long reign) She talks about how there is no more competition left in the Divas Division. Suddenly, WWE Princess Stephanie McMahon interrupts Nikki's rant.

Stephanie shuts Nikki down like she knows how to. She follows up by saying that the Divas Division needs some competition and that it is time to make changes. Steph proceeds to introduce contenders for Nikki Bella's title, as Paige is the first to come to the ring. Nikki tells Stephanie about how many times Paige has failed to win back the title. Stephanie puts Nikki in her place saying that Paige came out because she wanted her to be there. When it comes to dealing with the Bella Twins, I am always on Stephanie's side.

Finally, WWE pulls the trigger to inject new blood into a dying Division. Stephanie introduces the NXT Women. First, she calls up Becky Lynch. Next, Steph gives clues for Sasha Banks by calling her the "Boss" before bringing her out. Last but not least, Stephanie introduces a woman who can style and profile: Charlotte Flair!!!

These three women came out to a monstrous ovation from the crowd because this is what fans have all been crying about and begging for across Social Media. Stephanie then asks Nikki if this is what she had in mind when she said she was looking for competition.

This segment made my night, as Stephanie is putting the pieces in place across the Chess Board of the Divas Division. Brilliant move by the heiress to the McMahon Empire. WWE has heard the cries and the complaints from the Internet about #GiveDivasAChance on Twitter, starting from AJ Lee. Maybe that AJ is gone, WWE decided to finally push the button since she is not screaming about it anymore.

It would have been nice to see them teamed up together to battle the main roster. Instead, Charlotte and Becky join Paige while Sasha joins Naomi and Tamina. I won't complain. Stephanie says that she has set the table of opportunity, and she wants to know who will take it. The action kicks off from their, as the contenders corner the Bellas.

Nikki bumps into Sasha Banks and war breaks out. Banks grabs Nikki by the hair and throws her to the mat before everyone else joins in on the fight. The NXT Divas put the Main Roster Divas on notice as they dominate them. Charlotte locks Alicia Fox in the Figure Four. Becky Lynch locks Brie Bella in an Armbar. Sasha Banks gives Nikki her finisher (Bankrupt) before locking her in a modified Crossface as the Divas Champion taps out.

Paige's Team and Naomi's Teams stand strong in victory as the Bellas and Alicia Fox crawl out of the ring in defeat. Meanwhile, Stephanie stands at the ramp with a smile on her face. WWE has been known to drop the ball many times, even when it comes to the women.

At the same time, they have not dropped the ball with every woman that has come through the company. Great Female Stars like Melina short-changed themselves with poor decisions. That is one of the exceptions.

However, I don't think it will happen this time because they cannot afford to make the same mistakes this time around. Stephanie McMahon has thrown down the gantlet as she has lit a brand new fire among the females in wrestling. I have high hopes for the Women of NXT on the Main Roster.

Even though plans are set for Nikki Bella to break AJ Lee's Record, I believe that the Bella Twins will be exposed badly by first class female wrestlers like Sasha Banks, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch. The Bellas do not outshine them at all from looks wise, to in-ring wise. Compared to them, The Bellas are pretty mediocre.

Nikki and Brie are the faces of Total Divas, but they don't have much to offer after that. The Bellas place in the company is frowned upon, because of the men in their lives.

They have made it to the top, mostly because of John Cena and Daniel Bryan's wallets. I am just telling it like I see it. Nikki has improved in the ring and on the mic, but she is not Trish Stratus or Lita. One would think that Brie would have improved as an in-ring technician because of her husband Daniel Bryan. Clearly, that talent was not transmitted as AJ Lee would say.

Nikki is the better Bella because she simply amplifies her narcissistic attitude.

Each of these three ladies from NXT has their own special qualities. Charlotte has greatness in her DNA because of who her Dad is. She is much better than her brother David ever was. Initially, there were people who picked Charlotte as the lead female. However, that is not the case as Sasha Banks is fantastic in the ring as well. The biggest difference between Sasha and Charlotte is charisma. Banks has the edge in personality and attitude, so that gives her an edge.

Meanwhile, the rest of the women on the roster are pretty much left in the dust. Nattie, Cameron and Summer Rae have fallen into the background. Natalya has wrestling in her bloodline like Charlotte, but she does not draw the kind of interest as the Bellas and Paige. Cameron was clearly the weak link between her and Naomi. Summer Rae is stuck in this dreadful Love Storyline between Rusev, Lana, and Dolph Ziggler.

Bayley is the next to make the move to the Main Roster. That way, we can finally have the Four Horsewomen.

Triple H has already made his presence known through his impact on the Men of NXT (Owens, Neville, Balor, Zayn). Now, Stephanie is making her imprint with the Females. I believe that Dusty would be proud.

Battle for the US Title:

John Cena originally came to the ring to place his Open Challenge to anyone willing to take the US Title. Rusev comes out to challenge Cena. Before the match starts, Kevin Owens sticks his nose in the scene. Owens cuts a great line about Summer Rae calling her a Lana wannabe. Cesaro steps into the picture, as Cena steps away. The match becomes a triple threat, with outstanding action.

The Value of the US Title has increased exponentially, because of John Cena. Now, it has become a hot commodity that others scratch and fight for. The match ends with Rusev pinning Cesaro after a Superkick. Rusev then goes one on one with Cena. The match ends with Kevin Owens attacking Rusev while having John Cena locked in the Accolade.

This makes the buildup for the US Championship Match even stronger, as Cena and Owens have put together back to back "Match of the Year" Candidates.








Brock Lesnar vs Seth Rollins (Beast vs Architect):

Seth Rollins and Brock Lesnar come to the table for a contract signing for their WWE World Heavyweight Championship match to close the show. Anytime Brock Lesnar is involved in a contract signing, bad things happen. They did on Monday.

Paul Heyman is a master of the mic as he cuts a terrific face promo talking about how everyone wants to see Seth Rollins get killed. Heyman emphasized how Brock will destroy Rollins.

Earlier in the night, Seth warned Kane that if anything went bad during the contract signing, that it was all on him.

The Contract Signing completely melted down as Lesnar flipped the table over Rollins and attacked him. Kane did his best to keep The Beast away but failed. Lesnar finally wipes his hands of the Big Red has been with an F5 before smashing Kane's ankle with the steel stairs.

After Brock leaves, Seth cuts an intense promo about how he will slay the Beast. Rollins turns his attention to a fallen Kane for a moment that many people have been waiting for. Seth insults Kane and calls him a disappointment before stomping on his broken ankle.

This is how Brock Lesnar should be booked and utilized. Watching Lesnar put Kane out of his misery is what I enjoyed.

"Suplex City" has taken on a life of its own, and Brock is enjoying his greatest marketing success since he Broke The Streak. I believe that phrase had to come from Lesnar himself, and the fans can tell that it feels original.

Seth could very well be on his way to Suplex City.

Going into Sunday, Seth Rollins is on his own. Kane and J&J Security are finally out of the picture. Honestly, I don't know who will win. Brock could dominate him to win back the title. However, Seth could find a way to screw Brock out of the title.

This is what Seth Rollins seriously needs because I believe his title reign has been greatly diminished. Kane and The Midget Squad have been dragging him down during this title reign. Rollins has gone from being a potential Shawn Michaels to becoming The Miz.

Great heels know that they could win clean, but chose to cheat when they need to. Edge, Ric Flair, and Eddie Guerrero knew that they were great, but cheated when they saw it was time to. Seth Rollins has gone from someone who cheated when he knew he could beat someone to cheating because he is not able to. 9 times out of 10, Seth's wins have come because he needed two semi-retired Cruiserweights and a washed up Monster to help him win.

Ric Flair has had the Horsemen help him here and there, but Naitch has also shown that he could take care of business by himself. Edge has had help to win before, but many of his matches ended with his own dirty tactics. Same goes for HBK. Seth has had to have others fight his battles for much of his tenure as Champion.

Rollins has gone from being an Architect to an Imbecile. The Miz's WWE Title run has become more believable than Seth Rollins, and that is terrible.

Now, Seth has the green line to shine the way that he is capable of since Kane and J&J "Security" are out of the picture. WWE has been slowly planting the seeds for Seth to break away from the Authority. We have seen this plan progress even more on Monday.

Who knows? Maybe The Shield could come together to take down Lesnar.

Overall, this RAW leading up to BattleGround receives 4 Ric Flair "Big Gold" World Heavyweight Titles out of 5.