For the first time since 2023, the WWE will host its Night of Champions premium live event. This year, the event will occur in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the Kingdom Arena on Saturday, June 28.
This event has a six-match card featuring two championship matches and two King of the Ring Tournament Finals. Night of Champions is one of the best premium live event cards since WrestleMania 41.
It seemed impossible to see another chapter of the legendary rivalry between John Cena and CM Punk at one point. Punk left WWE for nearly a decade, while Cena’s appearances became sporadic. But now both are regular performers and will finally go one-on-one at Night of Champions, where they had their last championship match in 2012.
How to Watch
This event starts at 1:00 p.m. ET and will air live on Peacock. The Countdown to Night of Champions begins at 11:00 a.m. ET on WWE’s YouTube channel and Peacock.
Full Card and Predictions
WWE Undisputed Championship Match
(C) John Cena vs. CM Punk
For the first time since 2013, two future WWE Hall-of-Famers, John Cena and CM Punk, will face off in a one-on-one match. Since seeing Cena and Punk in the same ring earlier this year at the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber, fans have been clamoring for this matchup.
Punk’s name was at the top of the list when thinking about who Cena would face on his retirement tour. Punk and Cena have had great matches and a historic rivalry over the years. Even though Punk is likely to give Cena arguably his toughest test since winning the title at WrestleMania 41, it doesn’t seem like the time to end his 17th title reign.
Prediction: John Cena beats CM Punk to retain the Undisputed Championship
WWE United States Championship Match
(C) Jacob Fatu vs. Solo Sikoa
This has been one of the best storylines on TV throughout the last few months. Fatu officially turned on Sikoa at Money in the Bank, but it was building up to that moment for months. At Night of Champions, Fatu puts his United States title on the line against his cousin, Sikoa. The once tribal chief seemed jealous of Fatu’s emergence, especially after winning his first singles title. Sikoa has yet to win gold in WWE, but he has an opportunity against a member of his bloodline.
With Fatu leaving Sikoa, he has quickly become one of the most beloved superstars by the WWE universe. Sikoa beating Fatu is not totally out of the question, but given his meteoric rise, it seems unlikely.
Prediction: Jacob Fatu has his first successful United States Championship defense.
King of the Ring Tournament Final
Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton
The winner of this match not only wins the King of the Ring Tournament but also gets a title opportunity at SummerSlam. Orton lost to Cena at Backlash, and a rematch for Rhodes makes more sense. Rhodes and Orton will deliver an elite match at Night of Champions. Since Rhodes returned to WWE, this match seemed inevitable and will now come to fruition.
Rhodes recently pinned Cena at Money in the Bank and is focused on getting his Undisputed title back. Cena vs. Rhodes 2 at SummerSlam would be a great match to headline the biggest party of the summer.
Prediction: Cody Rhodes pins Randy Orton to win his first King of the Ring and punches his ticket to SummerSlam.
Queen of the Ring Tournament Final
Asuka vs. Jade Cargill
Asuka made her long-awaited return two weeks ago in the Queen of the Ring Tournament. She beat Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez, and Stephanie Vaquer. Then she followed it up with a victory over Alexa Bliss.
Since debuting in WWE, Cargill has been destined for superstardom, and winning the Queen of the Ring would be fitting. Asuka is an incredible competitor, but a potential SummerSlam matchup between Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Cargill would be excellent.
Prediction: Jade Cargill beats Asuka to win the Queen of the Ring Tournament.
Women’s Street Fight
Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
A rivalry between Ripley and the Judgment Day has been a constant since she left the group. With Ripley’s title hopes uncertain in the near future, a street fight between Ripley and Rodriguez should be an entertaining match. Although the Judgment Day always interferes, it would be shocking if Rodriguez beat Ripley.
Prediction: Rhea Ripley pins Raquel Rodriguez in a brutal contest.
Men’s Singles Match
Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
Throughout the past few months, Karrion Kross has been the devil on Sami Zayn’s shoulder, and it is fitting that it culminates with a match at Night of Champions. Kross has gained a big and cult-like following on social media since he hasn’t had a match on WWE TV in a long time.
This is Kross’s opportunity to prove that he deserves to be featured more on Monday Night Raw in the future. Zayn has also been seeking a significant victory in the past year, but Kross seems like he needs the win more right now.
Prediction: Karrion Kross beats Sami Zayn.
