Night of Champions Previews

Predictions for WWE Night of Champions 2023

World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Final: Seth Rollins vs. AJ Styles

Between the sit down interviews on RAW, his current popularity, and positioning on WWE TV, there is very little reason to bet against Rollins here. Also, I thought the whole point of this World Title was for it to be on RAW, since Roman is on Smackdown, which is another strike against AJ. The only things I can see pointing against Rollins are his recent absences from TV due to filming a movie role, and because WWE is doing so much to hype Rollins as the contender, a la Cody Rhodes at Mania. No matter the outcome, the match should be spectacular. I’m going with the safe bet. 
Winner: New World Champion Seth Rollins

Tag Team Championship: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn (c) vs. Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa

The breakup of the bloodline is imminent, and this match seems like an ideal setting to create additional animosity. I can’t see Kevin and Sami dropping the belts so quickly after winning them, especially to Roman who doesn’t need them at this point. I can see the USOs inadvertently costing Roman and Solo the match.
Winner: Champions Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn

 

Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar

I’m expecting this to be brutal. A vicious beat down of Cody with him refusing to give up or give in despite injuries and all out assault from Brock. I could absolutely see Brock “snapping” from frustration and getting disqualified due to introducing some kind of weapon to try and cripple Rhodes. I think Cody gets the win, but he takes the beating.
Winner: Cody Rhodes

Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER (c) vs. Mustafa Ali
This is a completely emotional pick, but I want Mustafa to win this match. Does it make sense from a story perspective? Not really. Is there any reason to undermine Gunther, who they have been building as a monster heel, with a loss? Nope. Have they given the fans any reason to believe in Ali? Not really. For all those reasons, it seems like the perfect set up for the shock win by Ali. 
Winner: New Intercontinental Champion Mustafa Ali

Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Asuka
I am 0-2 with my Bianca picks so far. I stick by my belief that she is so over with the fans that she doesn’t need the title. There are rumors on the internet about a potential heel turn coming for Bianca, but I don’t know how they would manage it against this incarnation of Asuka. I would love to see Bianca use a version of Asuka’s mist against the empress to get the win, but I don’t know if the audience is ready for that yet. I’m going with the safe pick of Bianca. 
Winner: Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair

Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus

It is easy to overthink this match. By all rights, Becky should go over here with a redemption win against Trish after what happened after losing the titles. However, it seems a waste to have Trish come back for such a brief run. Maybe we find out Trish was the one who attacked Lita and that sets up a Legends match down the road. I’m going with Becky, but a Trish win would mean we are in for a longer story between the two.
Winner: Becky Lynch 

WWE SmackDown Women's Champion: Rhea Ripley (c) vs Natalya
This seems like a no brainer, no real build up match for these two. Natty will get to remind the world what a tough wrestler she is, and Rhea will have an opportunity to use her technical skills. No reason to think that this will be anything more than a walk through for Rhea.
Winner: SmackDown Women's Champion: Rhea Ripley