WWE's Night of Champions on Saturday is poised to lay the groundwork for major storylines unfolding towards SummerSlam in August, featuring an exceptionally strong lineup of matches.
The event will culminate the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, determine three championship outcomes, and advance a significant rivalry. The victors of the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments will earn the opportunity to challenge for a title of their choice at SummerSlam.
King of the Ring Final: Jey Uso vs. Oba Femi
Both competitors in the King of the Ring final are intensely focused on securing a championship opportunity. Jey Uso, benefiting from the support of The Bloodline, has demonstrated dominant form throughout the tournament. He faces one final obstacle in Oba Femi to secure another shot at gold. Femi, known as "The Ruler," has regained his momentum after a prior loss to Brock Lesnar at Clash in Italy, a defeat that likely fuels his determination.
Prediction: Jey Uso wins the match. Brock Lesnar interferes and takes out Oba Femi.
Queen of the Ring Final: Liv Morgan vs. Iyo Sky
Liv Morgan has clearly articulated her objectives heading into the Queen of the Ring final: she intends to become a double champion and asserts that Iyo Sky has never defeated her in a one-on-one encounter. Morgan has navigated her way to the final with The Judgment Day by her side. In contrast, Sky has advanced independently, battling to reclaim a shot at glory. These two prominent female athletes from the main roster will clash for a chance to challenge Rhea Ripley for her title. If Sky emerges victorious, she could either pursue another match with Morgan or target Ripley directly. The outcome remains highly uncertain.
Prediction: Iyo Sky becomes the Queen of the Ring.
United States Championship: Trick Williams vs. Ricky Saints
Trick Williams has experienced considerable success since his debut on SmackDown, notably capturing the United States Championship from Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 42. Following his victory over Zayn, a new contender has emerged in Ricky Saints, who defeated Carmelo Hayes to secure the No. 1 contender spot. Saints has consistently posed a challenge to Williams, as evidenced by their interactions on the final "Friday Night SmackDown" before Night of Champions. However, Williams has proven to be a dominant champion and is expected to maintain that trajectory on Saturday.
Prediction: Trick Williams retains the U.S. title.
Women's U.S. Championship: Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill
The intense rivalry between Women's U.S. Champion Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill is set to culminate at Night of Champions. Stratton has formed an unusual alliance with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss to counter Cargill's partnership with Michin and B-Fab. Stratton will need to maintain her composure, especially if she doesn't receive external assistance during her match against Cargill. While outside interference is anticipated, if it remains contained, Stratton could very well depart Riyadh with her championship intact.
Prediction: Tiffany Stratton retains the women’s U.S. title.
Steel Cage Match: Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
The question looms: will this finally mark the conclusion of Seth Rollins' prolonged conflict with Bron Breakker and The Vision? Despite Rollins defeating Breakker at Backlash, their animosity has persisted. Breakker's return at WrestleMania 42, where he cost Rollins his match against Gunther, reignited the rivalry. Now, the two will confront each other inside a steel cage. This match is expected to be a brutal encounter, fueled by the deep-seated animosity between the competitors.
Prediction: Bron Breakker gets one back from Seth Rollins.
Wild card: Bronson Reed returns.
Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther vs. Sami Zayn
This is undeniably the most anticipated match of the evening. Cody Rhodes, who personally arranged this contest, will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship in a triple threat against Gunther and Sami Zayn. Rhodes, frustrated by the ongoing machinations between Gunther and Zayn, requested to move past both competitors when he addressed SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis. This situation could become a "be careful what you wish for" scenario. Gunther is striving to regain a top position in WWE, while Zayn is seeking to capture his inaugural world title.
Prediction: Cody Rhodes retains the Undisputed WWE Championship.
