09/21/2012 " Spoilers for WWE 'Friday Night SmackDown' on SyFy: Build to 'Hell in a Cell'

Tuesday, September 18, 2012, marked the night that the WWE had their weekly tapings for "Friday Night SmackDown" and below are the SPOILERS for the episode that will air on September 21, 2012 on SyFy. Please don't read any further if you truly don't want to know what happens before Friday because it is all in detail from here on.
Edge comes out to start Smackdown. He talks about being on SyFy's "Haven" and says that he has never seen anything like Daniel Bryan and Kane. Edge calls Bryan "goat boy" and Bryan comes out. Bryan rips Edge, telling him to go back to acting and head home. Edge and the crowd start to irk Bryan, who is getting irritated.
Kane comes out and Edge gives him a hug. They both ask Bryan to join in, and he screams No! Damien Sandow comes out to interrupt, and cuts a promo only to be interrupted by Edge. Booker T shows up and says that Damien Sandow will face Kane, and not Daniel Bryan.
Damien Sandow defeats Kane. Kane was distracted by Bryan, who was on commentary. After the quick match, Bryan takes both championships and yells "I am the tag team champions" up the ramp.
Kane is searching for Bryan, but Dr. Shelby comes in. They have a little conversation with all three of them, and Dr. Shelby said he will try to get Bryan a match for tonight. Next, Alberto Del Rio is with Booker T and says he wants another shot at Sheamus. He says if he can win, he will consider it. He books Alberto Del Rio and Dolph Ziggler vs. Randy Orton and Sheamus for tonight.
SEE: WWE partners with Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Layla defeats Natalya. Eve was at ringside on commentary. The match was quick and reminiscent of Raw's match with Beth and Eve. Quick and a little sloppy.
Randy Orton and Sheamus defeats Alberto Del Rio and Dolph Ziggler. This was a fast paced match with a lot of action. Del Rio got the early advantage, but Orton would hit an RKO, followed by a Brogue Kick from Sheamus onto Ziggler. Sheamus would win Dolph for the victory.
Cody Rhodes defeats Daniel Bryan. Bryan chants echoed through the arena, especially when Bryan connected with multiple kicks onto Rhodes. Bryan locked in the No! Lock, but Kane would come out. He would stand at ringside, and would distract Bryan. This allowed Rhodes to hit his finisher for the victory. Kane would laugh at Bryan after the match.
Backstage, Bryan is searching for Kane. Bryan finds him, and complains about his pyro distracting him. Bryan says Kane belongs in a basement, while Kane says Bryan belongs in a petting zoo. This came off extremely funny. Sandow and Rhodes are backstage together, laughing at them. They say their stint as WWE tag champions is going to be a joke. A match is made between the four of them.
Brodus Clay defeats Heath Slater. We get a quick match once again, almost identical from Raw. After the match, Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal come out and attack Brodus. They leave Clay laying, with the Camel Clutch being locked in. They celebrate over his beaten body after the match.
Santino Marella defeats Antonio Cesaro. Santino hit the Cobra after Aksana's distraction backfired, which caused Cesaro to lose. Aksana seemed to hurt her leg, which led to Santino rolling up Cesaro. After the match, Cesaro said "we're finished" in five different languages.
Kane and Daniel Bryan defeat Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow by Disqualification. The other tag teams surrounded the ring, as lumberjacks. Rhodes and Byran worked extremely well in the ring, which included a close pinfall after a Beautiful Disaster. Kane and Sandow worked would get the tags. Cody would use a chair and hit Kane in the back with it, causing the DQ. Kane and Bryan would fend off the other tag teams that surrounded the ring, which included The Uso's, Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd, and Prime Time Players. They delivered multiple chair shots, as Daniel Bryan shared his chair at first with Kane.
"WWE SmackDown" airs every Friday night on SyFy at 8:00 pm EST. The SPOILERS above are for this week's episode which will air on September 21, 2012. Wrestling fans in the Orlando area can find SyFy by tuning into Direct TV channel 244.

WWE Raw results 9/17/12: Cena scores a controversial win over WWE Champ CM Punk

Last night’s WWE Raw was a rather strange affair in front of an absolutely bizarre Connecticut crowd. The crowd went from hot to cold at practically the flick of a switch, going from loud boisterous chants to a silence so deep that one could hear the echoes of the audio through the arena. Undoubtedly, this was one of the confusing post-pay-per-view Raw’s in recent memory.
Raw opens with Paul Heyman walking to the ring to CM Punk’s theme music. Cole refers to Heyman as Punk’s “associate” and notes that his relationship with Punk is unclear. This is a mystery which is good for WWE programming. Punk does not need a mouthpiece, but having Heyman around as a sort of sounding board has been extremely beneficial to Punk’s heel turn.
Heyman tells the crowd that he got to witness history last night in the form of Punk succesfully defending his title. Crowd enters one of their hot moments, booing Heyman, and Heyman acknowledges the crowd reaction, noting that the ending of the match was “embroiled in controversy.” So Paul Heyman calls out the referee to justify his decision. This is similar to when he and Brock called out the referee for the Triple H/Brock match. It would be unfortunate if calling out referees became Paul Heyman’s gimmick.

Video: Subway's Jared makes a not uncommon WWE appearance

Chad Patton heads to the ring and the crowd sends some light boos his way. Patton defends his decision, and Heyman shows footage which was posted to YouTube showing Cena’s shoulders down for the three. Heyman works the crowd and begins demanding respect for the champ when Cena’s music hits.
Cena tells Paul Heyman to shut up, because he agrees with him. Patton made the right call. Audible “Cena Sucks” chants, which makes Cena smile. Cena says the match had a WrestleMania feel, and that it ending in a draw was like ending the Super Bowl in a tie. Cena notes that respect is earned “by leaving no doubt” and after a long spiel asks for a rematch on Raw. Crowd obviously pops. Not like they’re going to say no.
Heyman notes that Punk has not arrived and declares himself to be the “Voice of the Voice of the Voiceless,” which is brilliant, but then is interrupted by Alberto Del Rio. Heyman looks about as confused as the viewers at home as Del Rio makes his way to the ring. ADR complains about his match not being fair in about as many ways as he can, which brings out Raw General Manager AJ. AJ says she is going to make a super main event, teaming Punk and Del Rio against Sheamus and John Cena. Winner gets their rematch for their chosen title. Cross your fingers it’s not Sheamus/ADR part way-too-many.
After the opening segment, Cole gives us a quick update on Jerry Lawler, who is making a swift recovery. Then Michael Cole is joined at the announce table by JBL and good ol’ JR. Jim Ross is sporting a goatee, possibly due to a transporter accident which has replaced him with his evil mirror universe double.
Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara head to the ring for a tag match with former WWE Tag Team Champions Epico and Primo. Epico and Primo apparently aren’t even deserving of a proper entrance, as they’re just waiting in the ring for Sin Cara and Rey to get there. Sin Cara and Rey Mysterio have been tagging a lot lately, victims of this new trend in WWE to just slap teams together based on whatever binding feature happens to be available.
As the match gets underway, JR notes that “business has picked up” in the tag team division, hitting his stride immediately by tossing out a trademark “Ross-ism.” The match is rather bland considering it features a pair of high flyers in Sin Cara and Rey Mysterio. Sin Cara picks up the victory with a Swanton bomb. After the match, Rey and Sin Cara are jumped by the Prime Time Players, who declare post-beatdown that they are out to “take what they want.” Seems AW’s assessment of the PTP being not unlike Kobe Bryant weren’t too far off the mark.
Following the match, Cole announces that tonight will see the debut of a new talk show segment in WWE, “Miz TV.” Miz seems to be getting something of a push lately, so we’ll see how this goes.
Layla heads to commentary for a match between Beth Phoenix and new Divas Champion Eve. The crowd is visibly shuffling out like this is intermission. The unfortunate thing about that is that the Divas division will never improve unless people give it a fair chance.
Unfortunately, this match justifies the crowd taking a break, as it is short and useless. Beth Phoenix takes the dive, and Eve has a moment with Layla which is probably building to a Diva’s title rematch. Throughout the short match, JBL complained about the “Jesse Ventura like conspiracy theories” regarding Kaitlyn’s injury and subsequent loss of her title shot the night before at Night of Champions. So while it seems Layla will be getting her rematch, at least Kaitlyn hasn’t been forgotten.
Up next is the ever-dreadful Brodus Clay, taking on Heath Slater. The poor One Man Band gets stomped while the portion of the crowd that didn’t take a break during the Divas match takes a break now. JBL earns some brownie points by absolutely slamming Brodus Clay throughout the match, stating that Clay needs to stop worrying about dancing and start worrying about championships. Clay ends his vicious beatdown with the Big Splash and brings some kids into the ring to dance with as per usual. JR notes that this is a moment this kids will remember their entire life. JBL responds that winning a championship would be a moment Clay would remember his entire life.
Miz TV debuts next. Miz compares his show to previous shows like Piper’s Pit and Edge’s Cutting Edge. Miz argues that his show will be superior because those superstars were never as controversial or charismatic as he is. He probably missed Edge’s live sex celebration on Raw all those years back.
Miz invites his first guest, Booker T, down to the ring and begins to grill him on his decisionmaking of late, but never let’s Booker respond. The crowd starts one of the loudest “Boring!” chants ever and JBL chimes in, saying he agrees with the folks in the audience, this segment is terrible. Booker cuts the segment short, stealing the mic from Miz and basically inviting Ryback to the ring. Miz runs, Ryback tears up the set, and we’re left to conclude that Ryback is in line for a shot at the Intercontinental Championship.
Cut to the back where CM Punk and Paul Heyman are chatting. John Matthews asks Punk about his upcoming match, which sends Punk into a rage. CM Punk asks what he has to do to get some respect and slaps the mic away, then storms off with Heyman following closely behind.
Santino heads to the ring for action as he will take on Mr. Money in the Bank, Dolph Ziggler. The match is just a comedy break, which is good because the Miz segment absolutely murdered the crowd’s enthusiasm. Crowd chants “Let’s go Ziggler!” as Ziggler humiliates the Milan Miracle. Following a brief bout, Ziggler picks up a dominant victory over the former US champ.
More in-ring action follows as the recently returned Wade Barrett heads out for a match on Raw. Wade will take on Justin Gabriel, his former Nexus and Corre teammate. During the match, the crowd fills the arena with “Bring Back Nexus” and “We Want Nexus” chants. Kudos to Michael Cole for at least acknowledging the crowd’s chants. Wade Barrett picks up the win with an incredibly stiff looking (and sounding) punch to Gabriel’s face. “That would have knocked out a horse,” says JBL.
Truth, Kofi, and Lil Jimmy in back with Jared from Subway. Yes. Jared from Subway is on WWE programming again. Jared is on Raw celebrating Subway’s birthday. Truth tells Jared that “Lil’ Jimmy has some great ideas for sandwiches,” which leads to a long pause as the imaginary Jimmy pitches his idea and Truth declares “Shazam! Now that’s some good eatin’ for a sandwich.” Damien Sandow pitches Jarred a sandwich as well, then Zack Ryder pitches a new Sandwich name: the “Woo Woo Woo, You Know It Sub.” The bit caps off as Ryback tells Jarred to, you guessed it, “Feed me more,” after which Jared hands him a sub, and Ryback grabs a second for good measure.
The entire segment is just lightning-fast punchline after punchline, and it is hard to admit that it was all in all a good, funny bit.
More backstage segments as Sheamus is in back with Cena. Cena seems preoccupied as Sheamus goes on and on about his recent accomplishments. Sheamus tells Cena that after they win, they’ll head down to the pub to get a few pints. As Sheamus walks away, Cena asks “Pints? He wants to get ice cream?” Ladies and gentlemen, your face of World Wrestling Entertainment, Mr. John Cena.
A quick cut to Kane and Bryan heading to the ring shouting “I AM THE TAG TEAM CHAMPION!” in back, as they defend their newly won Tag Team Championship next.
As the competitors head to the ring, the crowd goes absolutely nuts with the “Yes!” chants. Daniel Bryan is arguably the most over person on the roster not named John Cena or CM Punk. The match itself is a solid tag team outing which was dominated by the Kane and Bryan storyline, as the pair did more to undermine one another at every turn than to work as a team. The match ends when Kane nails Truth with the chokeslam and Bryan forces the tag to make Truth tap to the No-Lock.
After the match, Kane grabs both tag team titles, and the pair exchange shouts of “I am the tag team champions!” at one another until the crowd begins to chant “Hug it out!” After dragging it out for a bit, the pair hug to a huge pop, and Bryan uses the opportunity to steal one of the Tag Team Championship belts off of Kane. The entire bit leaves JBL and the announce crew dumbfounded.
Next up Randy Orton takes on Tensai. Tensai has definitely gone from monster heel to monster jobber in his short stay on the roster, and tonight just furthers that downfall. Orton manages to pull a passable match out of Tensai and picks up the with with the RKO.
Another cut backstage and Heyman and Punk are mumbling to one another that AJ is abusing her power. David Otunga breaks up the conversation and tells Heyman and Punk that his client, Alberto Del Rio, expects them to follow his lead. Punk reminds ADR he beat him for the WWE title at last year’s Survivor Series and the duo agree to a reluctant alliance heading into tonight’s main event.
One final undercard match before the main event as Damien Sandow takes on Zack Ryder in what was actually a very fun match and segment. Sandow received a good pop from the crowd as he told JR that “slobberknocker is not a word,” then proceeds to give the crowd a vocabulary lesson, dropping words such as temerity, ignoramus and miscreant on the crowd.Ryder breaks up the lesson and the crowd lets loose a big “Let’s go Ryder/Woo Woo Woo” chant. Sandow picks up the win with his neckbreaker after a very hard fought and entertaining match. Ryder may be losing but at least he’s getting TV time.
One to the main event as World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus makes his way to the ring. Small reaction for Sheamus, predominantly negative reaction for Cena. ADR makes his way to the ring, followed by Punk who gets a good reaction. Punk stalls the match holding his title up for an extended amount of time. JBL sings the praises of Punk, a far cry from the early days of Punk’s career when JBL was his first major challenge for the World Heavyweight Title.
The match ends when Cena picks up the victory following an Attitude Adjustment, but expect controversy as Punk’s foot was clearly on the bottom rope during the pinfall. Punk hassles the ref all the way to the back to the close of the show.
Although the show was at times torturously slow, last night’s Raw delivered a few positive moments. While little progress has been made in terms of key storyline developments (with the exception of Punk and Cena’s feud being given further reason to progress) the amount of action the midcard was allowed was a positive, and last night’s unspoken endorsement of both the developing Tag Team and Intercontinental divisions makes it seem that more opportunities will be opened up for superstars to succeed on more than just the main event level. Any event which undermines the “main event or bust” theme that seems to have been prevalent in WWE in recent years is a positive achievement for the company and the sport as a whole.

WWE Night Of Champions 2012 Results : What It Means ??

WWE Night Of Champions PPV Opener:
The show begins with an elaborate video package previewing tonight’s show. They make sure to put emphasis on the fact that every title will be up for grab’s tonight.
The pyro hits as we head into the arena. Michael Cole welcomes us to the show. He begins the evening with an update on Jerry Lawler’s condition. He speaks about the heart attack from Monday, including the fact that they performed 15 minutes of CPR on him, which ultimately saved his life. He mentions Lawler is still recovering, but he’s in good spirits, cracking jokes and thanking the fans for their support and concern. Cole closes by saying Lawler will be going home to Memphis this week. JBL is brought out to fill in for Lawler, calling the action tonight with Cole for the PPV viewing audience.
WWE Intercontinental Title: The Miz (c) vs. Sin Cara vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes
The Miz comes out first with a microphone in his hand. He says he’s filing an official complaint against Booker T for him being the only man who has to defend his title tonight against three challengers. Rey Mysterio interupts him before he can finish his promo. Out next is Cody Rhodes, followed by Sin Cara. Our first match of the evening is officially underway. Everyone will be in the ring for this one. The bell rings and Cody and Cara go at it, with Cody tossing Cara to the floor. Rhodes and Miz try to take out Mysterio, but they’re taken out with a double cross body by Cara. Cara and Mysterio clear the ring and stare each other down, but Miz pulls Mysterio from the ring. Cody and Miz double team Cara, stomping away at him. Miz holds Cara so Cody can get a shot, but when Cody tries to reciprocate, Cara is able to reverse things with a headscissors. Cara sends Cody from the ring before taking Miz out as well with a nice arm drag. Cody charges at Mysterio but ends up thrown out of the ring. Cara and Mysterio match up, trading kicks before Cara hits a hurricanrana. Rey goes for one of his own and Cara shoulders him, but Rey is able to connect anyway. Rey goes for the pin but it’s broken up. Miz stomps away at Rey while Cody focuses on Cara. Cody hits a front suplex on Cara and Miz blasts Rey with a running knee. Cody hits Cara with a punch and teases a pin, Miz goes to break it up. Miz and Cody square off, trading quick blows. Cara sends Mysterio into the ring, but runs into a drop toe hold into the middle turnbuckle. Mysterio begins heading to the top, but he’s stopped by a kick to the top of the head from Cara. Cara heads up after Mysterio, but he’s pulled away by Rhodes who hits him with the disaster kick, but Cara kicks out at two. Cody heads up after Rey, trying for a superplex, but it’s broken up by Miz, who powerbombs Rhodes while he superplexes Rey. Rey tries to pin both men, but to no avail. Miz picks up Mysterio, but eats a kick to the chest. Mysterio slides to the outside and Miz ends up eating a springboard missile dropkick that sends him to the outside. Cara hits a suicide dive to take out Miz while Mysterio hits a hurricanrana to send Rhodes into the barricade before hitting a flying seated senton from the apron. Cara sends Miz back into the ring and hits a slingshot body press, but it’s not enough to keep Miz down for two. Sin Cara pulls out one of his masks and attempts to put it on Rhodes but Miz catches him from behind to stop him. Miz goes for a powerbomb on Sin Cara but Cara slips the mask on Miz. Rhodes tries for a Cross Rhodes on Cara but Miz, who can’t see due to the mask, hits the SCF on Rhodes. He pins Rhodes for the 1-2-3.
Winner and STILL WWE Intercontinental Champion: The Miz

Backstage: Prime Time Players, Eve, Kaitlyn Attacked
Backstage, The Prime Time Players are shown complaining to Eve about what happened with AJ on Raw this past Monday. Eve runs off and she finds Kaitlyn, who has apparently been attacked. Kaitlyn appears to be unable to walk, and Eve says she’ll get her match, but not tonight. She is in need of medical attention. Eve and a trainer help Kaitlyn walk off.
WWE Tag-Team Titles: Kofi Kingston & R-Truth (c) vs. Daniel Bryan & Kane
Bryan and Kane bicker about who will start for their team. Kane ends up starting. Kofi starts for his team. Kofi kicks away at Kane’s leg, and Kane sends Kofi over the top rope. Kofi skins the cat and hits Kane with a big dropkick. He tags in Truth who goes for a cross body but it caught by Kane. Kofi hits a dropkick to Truth’s back to take down Kane. Kane is able to fight back, bringing things over to make the tag to Bryan. Bryan kicks at Truth, screaming no the whole time. Bryan sends Truth across the ring, but runs into an arm drag. Truth is able to make the tag, and Kofi comes in with a big cross body for a two count. Later in the match, Kane tags in Bryan who sets up Truth for a low dropkick from Kane. Bryan tags in and Kane tries to send Bryan into the corner for a dropkick to Truth. Bryan misses and Truth falls from the ring. Kane helps Bryan up, but Bryan shoves him, mad at the error. Shoving from both men ensues, and Bryan pushes Kane’s face. Bryan tells Kane to wait, and says they have to wait, saying they need to hug it out. They finally do hug it out, to a big pop from the crowd. Kingston takes out Kane with a baseball slide, then takes out Bryan with a front flip over the top rope to the floor. Kofi sends Bryan into the ring, and follows with a springboard, but Bryan catches him with the No lock. Truth breaks it up, but Kane pulls Truth out to the floor. Bryan hits Kofi with a corner dropkick, and Kane tags himself in. Kane heads to the top and Bryan argues with him. Kane ends up hitting Bryan, so Bryan runs into Kane, knocking him off the top rope onto Kofi. Kane pins Kofi and gets the three-count.
Winners and NEW WWE Tag-Team Champions: Daniel Bryan & Kane

Backstage: Booker T, Teddy Long & Eve
Backstage, Booker T and Teddy Long talk about Bryan and Kane winning the tag-titles. Eve comes in and claims Kaitlyn has no chance of wrestling Layla tonight. Long says every title must be defended tonight. Eve says no other Diva has earned a shot. Booker says Eve earned one when she beat Kaitlyn two weeks ago. Booker gives Eve the shot, as long as she’s ready. Eve said she’d muster up the courage for the good of the company. Long seems skeptical. Booker seems oblivious.
WWE U.S. Title: Antonio Cesaro (c) vs. Zack Ryder
Cesaro is out first, with Aksana. Aksana has Cesaro say the word “unfair” in English, Italian, German, Swiss and French. He continues to complain, but Zack Ryder’s music interupts him. Cesaro takes Ryder down to the mat right away. Antonio locks in a front face lock, but Ryder escapes and hits an arm drag. Cesaro comes back with a side headlock, before hitting a big shoulderblock. Antonio runs into a big flapjack from Ryder which is good enough for a two count. Cesaro comes back with snake eyes. Cesaro stomps down on Ryder’s misection, getting another two count. Cesaro hits a suplex, but still can’t keep Ryder down. Cesaro locks in a cravat, but Ryder breaker it and the two trade right hands. Cesaro hits the pop up European uppercut, and it’s amazing, but it only keeps Ryder down for two, Cesaro stomps away at Ryder in the corner. Cesaro looks like he’s going for a neckbreaker, but just holds Ryder on his back. Ryder fights out and slams Cesaro face first into the canvas. Cesaro rolls out to the apron and slams Ryder’s head into the turnbuckle. He heads to the top, but he’s stopped by Ryder. Ryder heads up after him and hits a top rope hurricanrana. Ryder goes for the broski boot, but Aksana pulls Cesaro from the ring. Cesaro eventually goes back into the ring, he hits a big European uppercut and the Neutralizer to pin Ryder for the 1-2-3.
Winner and STILL WWE U.S. Champion: Antonio Cesaro
Backstage: Alberto Del Rio, David Otunga & Ricardo Rodriguez
Backstage, Alberto Del Rio and David Otunga are shown. Ricardo Rodriguez walks in without his neck brace on. Both guys are mad at him for not wearing it. Otunga calls him stupid. He and Otunga walk away and Rodriguez puts the brace back on.

Dolph Ziggler vs. Randy Orton
Ziggler backs Orton into the corner, but they both push each other around the ring. Ziggler is able to take Orton down to the mat, and avoid something, so he immediately gloats. Another lock up and Orton clamps on a side headlock. Ziggler pushes him off, but eats a shoulder block. Ziggler gets up, only to catch a big clothesline. Orton stomps away at Dolph before hitting him with a big uppercut. Ziggler catches Orton with a kick to the chest, and takes him down to the mat for a two count. Ziggler punches away at Orton’s neck before hitting him with a big elbow to the back of the head. Ziggler rolls out to the apron. Orton tries for the suspension DDT, but Ziggler fights out and rolls him up for two. Ziggler tries for the rocker dropper, but Orton counters with a powerbomb. Orton pins Ziggler for two. Orton drags Ziggler into the corner and seats him on the top rope before hitting him with a couple of big rights. Orton tries for a superplex, but Ziggler is able to fight him off. Orton is able to grab Ziggler’s head and snap his throat across the top rope for yet another two count. Ziggler stomps away at Orton’s chest before hitting him with a series of elbow drops that puts Orton down for two. Ziggler is able to hit a DDT out of nowhere which is good for another two count. Ziggler climbs up to the top rope and waits for Orton to stand. Orton is able to crotch Ziggler, and he hits him with a couple of rights before heading up after him. Orton hits a top rope superplex for a nearfall. Orton tosses Ziggler over the barricade and uses the guard rail for the suspension DDT, usually performed with the middle rope. Orton drags Ziggler back into the ring, and he goes for the pin, but Ziggler puts his foot on the rope. Orton tries for the RKO, but Ziggler counters with a roll up. Ziggler is able to lock on the sleeper hold, but Orton throws him off. Orton hits an RKO for the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton
WWE Divas Title: Layla (c) vs. Eve Torres
Layla rolls up Eve for a quick two count. Another lock up and Eve locks in a head lock, taking Layla down to the mat. Layla counters into a head scissors, and takes Eve down with an arm drag. Another lock up and Eve works over Layla’s arm, but Layla is able to clamp on a head lock and hit a big shoulder block. Layla and Eve trade roll ups before Layla puts on another head lock before hitting a low dropkick. Eve sends Layla into the corner hard before choking her against the middle rope. Eve sits on the top and clamps on another rear chin lock. She kicks Layla down to the mat before going for the pin. Layla comes back with a big DDT, and a dropkick to the side of the face. Layla takes Eve down to the mat, but misses her corner splash. Eve hits a neckrbeaker, and pins Layla.
Winner and NEW WWE Divas Champion: Eve Torres

Backstage: Daniel Bryan, Kane & A.J.
Daniel Bryan is shown backstage, still celebrating his win and saying that he’s the Tag Team Champions. He runs into his therapist, and Kane comes along doing the same thing. Both men argue about who is the Tag Team Champions. AJ comes in and screams that this is enough. She says she got their doctor to come here, and they won the titles, and they’re still mad at each other. She asks what’s wrong with them. Dr. Shelby asks is Daniel wants to say anything to Kane. Daniel says congratulations. Kane refuses to do anything, so Bryan asks where he’s going. Bryan says that’s why he’s the tag team champions. Kane comes in and dumps Gatorade all over everyone and says he’s going to Disneyland, and he’s the Tag Team Champions.
World Heavyweight Title: Sheamus (c) vs. Alberto Del Rio
Both guys come out. Before the match begins, however, Booker T comes out. He says he’s concluded his investigation. He says the Brogue Kick is a dangerous move, but when you sign up to be a WWE Superstar, there are risks involved. Booker says the Brogue Kick is officially reinstated. Otunga is up on the apron to confer with Del Rio, and he’s blasted with a Brogue kick. Del Rio hits Sheamus with a shoulder block, and then he bails to the outside. Del Rio confers with Ricardo before heading back into the ring. Sheamus fights Del Rio in the corner before being thrown across the ring. Sheamus comes back with a neckbreaker for two. Del Rio head butts Sheamus before kicking him in the ribs hard. Del Rio clamps on a front face lock, but Sheamus is able to fight out of it. Sheamus runs into a kick to the gut, and eats a boot to the back of the head, but it’s not enough to keep him down. Del Rio launches Sheamus into the ring post shoulder first before yanking at Sheamus’ arm, then kicking at it. Del Rio heads to the top and leaps off with a flying strike that puts Sheamus down for a two count. Del Rio locks in another submission while ties up in the ropes for more leverage. He heads up to the top, but jumps right into a big double axe handle from Sheamus. Sheamus hits another double axe, and another before burying his shoulder in Del Rio’s midsection. Del Rio tries to send Sheamus head first into the turnbuckle, but Sheamus reverses it. He pulls Del Rio back against the ropes and lays in with huge clubbing blows to the chest. Sheamus tries for white noise, but Del Rio drops down and hits a backstabber for two. Del Rio stomps at Sheamus, but when he picks him up, Sheamus hits white noise. Sheamus heads to the corner and psyches himself up. Del Rio attacks the shoulder, and kicks him in the gut. Del Tio tries for the arm breaker, but Sheamus counters and tries for the cloverleaf. Del Rio is able to fight out of it. Sheamus charges Del Rio, but ends up tied up in the ropes. Del Rio kicks at Sheamus’ bad arm. Sheamus heads back into the ring. Sheamus shoulders Del Rio, but Del Rio hits double knees to Sheamus’ arm. Sheamus tries for the Brogue kick, but Del Rio is able to counter into the cross arm breaker. Sheamus struggles for the ropes, and he’s able to make it to break the hold. Del Rio misses the flying kick in the corner, and he walks right into the Brogue kick. 1-2-3. Sheamus retains.
Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: Sheamus

WWE Title: CM Punk (c) vs. John Cena
Paul Heyman is in the ring. He says although he’s from N.Y., he’s just like everyone in Boston. He’s here to witness history as CM Punk is on his 302nd day straight as WWE Champion. Out comes the champion. CM Punk enters the ring. Out next is Cena, in his new pink gear. Our WWE Championship match is now underway. Punk and Cena lock up and the two fight into the corner. Punk and Cena fight around the ring and down to the mat, but neither man gains an advantage. There’s a stalemate as they soak in the cheers for both men. Punk locks on a headlock. Cena pushes him off, but Punk catches himself in the ropes. Punk hits a couple of elbows to the back of Cena’s head before sending him into the corner hard. Punk heads up on the corner but Cena catches him on his shoulders. Punk is able to put Cena down with a DDT for two. Punk hits Cena with elbows to the heart, and he pins the challenger for another two count. Punk waits for Cena to stand, and when he does he sends himself through the ropes, wiping out Cena. Punk sends Cena back into the ring after staring down Cena’s father in the crowd. Punk plays to the crowd, and Cena hits a baseball slide before sending Punk out into the crowd. In the ring, Cena tries for an AA, but Punk fights out and kicks Cena in the head. Punk locks in a camel clutch, and Cena struggles to his feet, with Punk on his back. Punk fights back with elbows to Cena’s neck, that takes him to the mat. Punk hits Cena with a big elbow and a series of right hands that’s good for another two count. Cena tries for a belly to back suplex. but Punk counters, then hits two clotheslines. Cena comes back with a clothesline of his own that’s good for a two count. Cena calls for the five knuckle shuffle, but Punk puts his boot up to block Cena. Punk heads out to the apron and springboards from the top rope, but Cena catches him and rolls through, standing up and shouldering Punk. Punk hangs on to the ropes, so Cena drops him out to the floor. Cena dives through the ropes to the outside to take out Punk. Cena brings things back into the ring where he hits the belly to back suplex. Cena calls for the five knuckle shuffle, but again Punk counters, this time locking in the anaconda vice. Cena fights out and applies the STF. Punk refuses to tap out. Punk eventually fights his way out of the hold and he puts on a crossface. Cena stands up, still in the hold and slams Punk down to break it. Punk and Cena trade rights and kicks in the middle of the ring. Punk gets the upper hand with a back kick. He hits the running knee in the corner and follows it up with a bulldog. Punk heads straight to the top and hits the top rope elbow drop, pinning Cena for a two count. Punk calls for the G2S, letting Cena get up and shouldering him. Cena counters into the STF and Punk screams in pain. Punk gets to the ropes, forcing Cena to break the hold. Out of nowhere, Punk hits the Go To Sleep. He tries to pin Cena, but Cena kicks out at two. Punk pulls Cena up to his feet and slaps his in the face. Punk shoulders Cena, Cena reverses and shoulders Punk. Punk fights out but is put down to the mat. Cena hits the five knuckle shuffle and follows up with the AA, but Punk won’t stay down for three. Cena heads up to the top rope and tries for the leg drop, but Punk avoids it. Punk kicks Cena in the side of the head, but Cena still will not stay down. Punk again hits the Go To Sleep, but Cena again refuses to stay down for the three count. Punk seems discouraged. He yells at Cena to get up on his feet. Punk hits Cena with the Rock Bottom, but Cena still manages to kick out. Punk looks very distraught this time. Punk walks right into an Attitude Adjustment from Cena, but he kicks out at two during the pin attempt. Cena brings Punk up to the top turnbuckle. Punk fights Cena off, sending him down to the mat below. Cena comes up quick, however, and nails Punk with a German Suplex off the top. He holds on and gets the 1-2-3. New champion.
Winner and NEW WWE Champion: John Cena
Not so fast…Cena is celebrating with the belt but the referee takes it away. The announcer reveals that both men’s shoulders were pinned to the mat, so the match is a draw. Punk holds his title and seems happy. Cena is pleading with the ref. Cena turns around and Punk blasts him with the belt. Punk stands over Cena, holding his belt high in the air. Paul Heyman helps Punk to the back as we head off air.
Winner and STILL WWE Champion: CM Punk

WWE Night Of Champions 2012 » Matches » Antonio Cesaro vs PreShow Battle Royal Winner (US Championship)

Antonio Cesaro will defend his United States Championship at Night of Champions against the winner of a No. 1 Contender Battle Royal to be held during the Pre-Show event Sunday. The free, Pre-Show will stream live on WWE.com, YouTube.com/WWE and Facebook starting at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.
Cesaro, who won the championship gold from Santino Marella during the SummerSlam Pre-Show, says he personifies prestige, and his record since winning his first title in WWE backs up his claim. Yet, the multilingual, Swiss-born Superstars may need more than confidence and Aksana by his side if he hopes to extend his U.S. Title reign past the one-month mark.
On the surface, it appears that the champion, Cesaro, will head into action at a disadvantage. The extra-rugged ex-rugby player will not know who his opponent until moments before Night of Champions takes air. Is there any type of training that can prepare Cesaro for the unknown?
The challenger, however, will not exactly have a clear path to the title match. To win the coveted No. 1 contender spot, the Superstar must first prevail in a every-man-for-himself Battle Royal in which bodies will be flying all over the place. Will the fight to become the No. 1 contender wear out the challenger, making his easy pickings for a fresh Cesaro?
Moreover, the WWE Universe is left to wonder who will fill out the field of the Pre-Show Battle Royal. No names have yet been announced, meaning the opposition could range from a former U.S. Champion to a hungry up-and-comer gunning for his first title. In how many languages does Cesaro know how to say “surprise”?
Catch all the action of Night of Champions, including the all-important Pre-Show at 7:30 p.m./4:30 p.m. PT to see which Superstar will have the opportunity of a lifetime.

SRC- WWE.com

WWE Night Of Champions 2012 » Matches » Kofi Kingston & R-Truth vs Kane & Daniel Bryan (Tag Team Championship)

Thanks to an unforeseen turn of events on Raw, the strange-but-true duo of Kane & Daniel Bryan has supplanted The Prime Time Players as No. 1 contenders to WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & R-Truth. WWE’s most explosive “odd couple” will test out their tenuous pairing against the reigning champions this Sunday at Night of Champions. Kane and Bryan scored the all-important opportunity by overcoming Titus O’Neil & Darren Young on Raw Monday night. Prior to the contest, Raw General Manager AJ Lee had announced that The Prime Time Players, who were awarded No. 1 contender status days earlier on SmackDown (WATCH), still had one team to beat before they could move on to the champions. Unfortunately for the swaggering Players, the remaining obstacle was the unlikely but effective tandem of The Big Red Monster and WWE’s premier submission specialist. Originally conceptualized by Dr. Shelby, the team of Kane and Bryan showed barely a glimpse of continuity in their win over O'Neil & Young. In fact, the winning pinfall came after Kane — upset that Bryan had tagged himself in — Chokeslammed Bryan onto Young. (PHOTOS) Unthinkable as it may seem, the former nemeses will now have to rely on each other if they plan to leave Boston with championship gold this Sunday. Will the unusual team prove to be the toughest challenge yet to Kingston and Truth’s championship reign, which is now in its fifth month? On one hand, the uneasy alliance seems like a perfect recipe for success. Former World Champions Kane and Bryan are considered two of WWE’s best singles competitors, and history strongly suggests that many singles competitors have transitioned successfully into WWE’s tag team division. Yet, there is no denying that Kane and Bryan still appear less-than-comfortable — and more-than-combustible — working as a unit. Though their shared experience in an anger management course brought the two Superstars closer together than ever before, their RAWActive “Hug It Out” Match on the Sept. 3 Raw did not end cordially. With the WWE Tag Team Titles hanging in the balance, can Kane and Bryan put their differences aside, or is this pairing simply too flammable to succeed? Even if Kane and Bryan are able to get on the same page, their team may still be fatally hindered by each Superstar’s individual hostility. Dr. Shelby’s efforts to curb their anger problems have shown signs of moderate progress, but the WWE Universe would be hard-pressed to describe either Kane or Bryan as “rage-free.” (In fact, Bryan’s anger toward the “Yes!”-chanting crowd in Milwaukee, Wis., on Raw three weeks ago caused him to lose his temper and lose via count-out to R-Truth.) That could spell trouble for the challengers, as standing across the ring from them this Sunday will be the well-oiled machine known as the WWE Tag Team Champions. Kofi Kingston & R-Truth have stood atop WWE’s crowded tag team division for nearly half a year, and over the course of their reign, they’ve turned back one team after another. Cohesive and fun-loving, Kingston and Truth are polar opposites of Kane and Bryan, and there seems to be little reason to think they will change their strategy at Night of Champions. Who will leave Night of Champions with the WWE Tag Team Titles? Will Truth & Kingston add yet another high-profile victory to their already long list of beaten challengers? Or will Kane and Bryan shock the WWE Universe — and maybe even each other — by forging a successful unit? Find out this Sunday at Night of Champions.

WWE Night Of Champions 2012 » Matches » Randy Orton vs Dolph Ziggler

At Night of Champions, every illustrious title in the WWE will be up for grabs. However, not every match at the pay-per-view will revolve around championship gold. Some rivalries are so intense that they become more about the simple need to be better than an adversary. Such is the case between Randy Orton and Dolph Ziggler.

As learned by WWE.com on Sunday, Sept. 9, the two are set to square off in a furious showdown at Night of Champions.

Ziggler continues to set the WWE ablaze, proving week in and week out that he is one of the best up-and-comers that the squaredcircle has to offer.  After overcoming seven other elite Superstars to capture a Money in the Bank contract at the epic pay-per-view of the same name, the former World Heavyweight Champion went on to battle Chris Jericho and help end Y2J’s time in WWE.

Then, after Randy Orton cost him a chance to cash in his World Title opportunity on World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus, Ziggler set his sights on WWE’s Apex Predator.

When it comes to in-ring competitors, Orton is synonymous with ability, fearless fury and unpredictable ruthlessness. Over the years, these qualities have helped to make him a nine-time World Champion and one of the most dangerous Superstars in WWE. He has forged his greatness against the likes of John Cena, The Undertaker and Triple H.

However, while there is no denying The Viper’s impressive resume, The Showoff does have one distinct advantage against him. Despite Orton’s countless accolades, he is still facing a Superstar who is hungry to test his worth. As he clutches his Money in the Bank briefcase, Ziggler stands constantly poised to show that he can hang with the likes of The Viper in the main event.

When Orton cost Ziggler a chance to do just that – hitting him with an RKO as Mr. Money in the Bank was looking to cash in his title opportunity on The Great White on the Aug. 24 edition of SmackDown, he ignited a firestorm.

One week later, Orton reigned supreme over his bleach blond opponent in the SmackDown main event. Three days later on the Sept. 3 edition of Raw, the determined Ziggler returned the favor, overcoming Orton with the help of a handful of tights.

On the following SmackDown, just moments after Damien Sandow fled his match with The Viper, Orton initiated a post-match battle with The Showoff, presumably retaliating after Ziggler caused a distraction during the contest. This led an irate Ziggler to confront SmackDown General Manager Booker T’s Senior Advisor Theodore Long and demand a third match with his venomous adversary.

Who will reign supreme in their third brutal showdown? Find out when the nine-time World Champion attempts to bankrupt Mr. Money in the Bank, Sept. 16 at 8/5 PT, only on pay-per-view.

SRC- WWE.com

WWE Night Of Champions 2012 » Matches » Layla vs Kaitlyn (Divas Championship)

Kaitlyn sent shockwaves through the Divas roster when, against all expectations, she won a No. 1 Contender’s Battle Royal on Raw to win the right to face her friend, Divas Champion Layla. With the blond powerhouse and Layla set to face off at Night of Champions, Kaitlyn will have her chance on Sept. 16 to not only shine in her biggest match to date, but also to dispel talk that her Battle Royal victory was a fluke.

For as much respect as the Divas Champion claims to have for her friend and challenger, winning the position of No. 1 contender has not endeared Kaitlyn to the other Divas in the locker room, several of whom have better win-loss records. The winner of WWE NXT season three, Kaitlyn is a relatively unproven commodity in WWE and as such, she’s been the focal point of derision since claiming the spot of top contender.

The more seasoned Natalya, a former Divas Champion in her own right, took to Twitter to trash-talk Kaitlyn. Natalya alleged Kaitlyn has not paid her dues and did not deserve to win the Battle Royal. Then on SmackDown, Kaitlyn again stunned the WWE Universe, quickly rolling up Natalya out of nowhere for a flash pinfall.

The other Divas can say what they want about Kaitlyn’s Battle Royal win, but the young, “The Simpsons”–quoting top contender bested the division’s best technical grappler at her own game, on the mat in singles competition.

Does that spell trouble for Layla, who congratulated Kaitlyn on her Battle Royal win and showed nothing but competitive enthusiasm for her upcoming title defense against one of her closest allies in the locker room? Layla’s been on a roll since winning the Divas Championship in late April. Though that is a sign of a strong champion, is it possible that Layla’s success has made her complacent? If there’s ever an opponent the high-flying Brit could under-prepare for, it’d be her friend, who also happens to have spent precious little time in serious title contention.

Another variable to consider in this match is Eve, the runner-up in the No. 1 Contender’s Battle Royal. Now serving as the clearly competent Assistant to SmackDown General Manager Booker T, Eve’s motives aren’t exactly clear, but she’s watched Kaitlyn’s quick ascent with ambiguous interest. After Kaitlyn congratulated Layla on her win against an always game Alicia Fox on the Aug. 24 SmackDown, Eve raised both Divas’ hand seemingly in a sign of good sportsmanship.

However, even if Eve never enters the picture at Night of Champions, the Layla vs. Kaitlyn bout holds much intrigue for the Divas Division. Can Kaitlyn rise to the occasion in the biggest match of her life? Or will Layla bolster her resume with yet another decisive title defense? The butterfly-emblazoned championship gold will be decided between friends at Night of Champions — who will come out on top?

WWE Night Of Champions 2012 » Matches » Sheamus vs Alberto Del Rio (World Championship)

World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus and No. 1 contender Alberto Del Rio are certainly not strangers in battle. Over the course of the past few months, The Great White and The Mexican Aristocrat have continually crossed paths, with almost every instance inevitably ending in absolute bedlam.

Now, coming off Sheamus’ controversial victory over Del Rio at SummerSlam and The Mexican Aristocrat’s triumph over Randy Orton on the Aug. 24 episode of SmackDown to once again lay claim to No. 1 contender status, the two Superstars are primed and ready once again to duel it out for championship gold at Night of Champions.

Sheamus — who has held the World Heavyweight Title since his historic 18-second WrestleMania victory over Daniel Bryan — has proven to be one of the most dominant titleholders in a long time, racking up win after win on big stages with the title gold on the line.

At SummerSlam, though, Sheamus may very well have had the luck of the Irish on his side, thanks to an errant shoe toss by Ricardo Rodriguez. When Del Rio’s personal ring announcer took off his dress shoe and heaved it into the ring — presumably so his employer would be able to wield it as a weapon against The Great White — Sheamus intercepted the foreign object, and smacked his opponent with it.

The Celtic Warrior then planted Del Rio with the Irish Curse Backbreaker, a move that could well have signaled the end for The Mexican Aristocrat. But when the always-cunning Del Rio put his leg on the rope during the three-count, the clever Great White was able to knock it off the rope before referee Mike Chioda could see it. The oversight by Chioda led to Sheamus’ title retention and, soon after, a formal protest by Del Rio.

Addressing the situation on SmackDown the following week, General Manager Booker T concluded that Del Rio and Randy Orton would face each other in a monumental blue brand main event with the opportunity to become the No. 1 contender on the line. With Sheamus looking on at ringside, The Mexican Aristocrat defeated WWE’s Apex Predator, locking Orton in the excruciating Cross Armbreaker and once again proving his mettle inside the squared circle.

While it’s undeniable that he’s had his opportunities in the past and come up short, never has Alberto Del Rio looked as focused as he does now. His exceedingly impressive victory over The Viper sent a message to the WWE Universe and to Sheamus that this Del Rio is more dangerous than ever before.

Will Night of Champions be the proving ground for The Mexican Aristocrat to finally lay claim to his destiny? Or can The Great White continue on what has become one of the most dominant reigns in the history of the World Heavyweight Title?

Source: WWE.COM

WWE Night Of Champions 2012 » Matches » The Miz vs Cody Rhodes vs Rey Mysterio vs SinCara (IC Championship - Fatal 4 Way)

In every match, there is a story; a history that follows the two competitors between the ropes and carries them throughout any given contest. The Fatal 4-Way Match for the Intercontinental Championship at Night of Champions is no different. For The Miz, it is, as always, about himself: about forcing his way into the limelight and exerting his brand over WWE, same as it was when he held the WWE Title for five months. And although Miz is the Intercontinental Champion now, his goals are still the same: to take a title known for its classic prestige and usher it into an era of AAAAWWWESOOOMEEE-ness and to transform it into an extension of himself no matter what Superstar stands in his way. The three men who The Awesome One will face have all wronged him or, worse, one-upped him in recent weeks, which means Miz has a major ax to grind. With the Intercontinental Title in hand, he has an opportunity to build himself back up to the mountaintop and rest assured, there is no tactic he won’t exploit to see that his dream is realized once again. For Rey Mysterio, Night of Champions is about retribution. The Master of the 619 challenged The Miz for his title at SummerSlam, seeking his first championship since his return following a year off due to injury. What he got instead was another injury: a concussion sustained at the hands of a ravenous Miz in the process of fending off the masked man’s efforts. The injury put him out of commission for a week, threatening to cut his comeback short before it even began. Recent weeks teaming with Sin Cara, however, have shown that he’s shaken off the hurt. Mysterio is healthy, the playing field is evened once again and the Intercontinental Championship — not to mention the man who wears it — rests squarely in the sights of The Ultimate Underdog. For Sin Cara, this match is about validation. Night of Champions will be one of the first times The International Sensation challenges for a championship in WWE, and expectations for the mystifying luchador are, as always, high. Sin Cara has been on his biggest roll of late, racking up victories over Cody Rhodes, The Miz, and managing to save himself from the same ignominious fate as his doppelganger last year by retaining his signature mask. Victory at Night of Champions will not come with the greatest of ease, but considering Rhodes’ preoccupation with unmasking the luchadores, and Mysterio and Miz focusing on each other, the time is ripe for The Mexican Icon to do what he has always done best: defy the odds, defy expectations, defy gravity and finally hoist championship gold. As for Cody Rhodes? Well. For him, this match might have been about the Intercontinental Title at one time. It might have been about cementing his legacy as the greatest Rhodes in the family tree and establishing himself as the premier young lion in the jungle of WWE. But the prominence of masked men like Mysterio and Sin Cara has awoken an old obsession within Rhodes: the desire to expose the ugliness he believes rests within us all. He has not sought wins so much as humiliation these last few weeks, attempting to pry the masks of both Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara. These attacks have been to the detriment of his win-loss record, but Rhodes has grown more feral as the weeks pass. On Raw, his rage reached a fever pitch when he defeated Mysterio and felled The Miz with Cross Rhodes before grabbing The Awesome One’s title and screaming that it was his “baby.” In the right scenario, with enough factors in play and with just the right element of surprise in his back pocket, Rhodes could, finally, expose his enemies’ faces to the world at last … and maybe, just maybe, reclaim that which was once precious to him in the process. Whose obsession, drive and determination will win out in the Fatal 4-Way? Tune in this Sunday to Night of Champions at 8/7 CT to find out, only on pay-per-view  

WWE Night Of Champions 2012 » Matches » CM Punk vs John Cena (WWE Championship)

Despite wearing the most cherished prize in the history of sports-entertainment around his waist, WWE Champion CM Punk insists he has been shortchanged respect. At Night of Champions, The Second City Saint will have his chance to gain the recognition he believes he’s owed when he puts his treasured WWE Title on the line against John Cena, who himself is hungry to reclaim the spot atop WWE's pecking order.
(WATCH: AJ makes the match | EXCLUSIVE: Punk on facing Cena)
Since beginning his title reign last November, Punk has steadily turned away one challenger after another. He’s disposed of Dolph Ziggler, Chris Jericho, Daniel Bryan and Kane — tough competition, all — and at SummerSlam, he overcame sure-fire first-ballot Hall of Famers Cena and Big Show, albeit under dubious circumstances, according to some. Some argue that Punk stole the pin from Cena, while others argue that Punk exploited the rules of a Triple Threat Match.
Yet, over the course of his lengthy, 280-plus-day title reign — the longest since Cena’s 380-day reign ended roughly a half-dozen years ago — rarely has Punk had the satisfaction of defending the WWE Championship in the main event of a WWE pay-per-view. Instead, that highly coveted and lucrative position on top of the card has often gone to the immensely marketable Cena, who despite his camera-friendly charm, has been in a championship drought since losing the WWE Title last September.
Rightly or wrongly, Punk contends he has unjustifiably taken a back seat to Cena and been relegated to semi-main event status, as a result. His outrage over this and other perceived snubs has only grown more apparent since Raw 1,000, when Punk shocked the WWE Universe by refusing to aid Cena (who was being attacked by Show) and ambushing The Rock. Since then, a darker, more sinister side of The Straight Edge Superstar has seemingly taken hold, culminating with an unprovoked attack against fan-favorite Jerry “The King” Lawler on the Aug. 20 edition of Raw when Lawler refused to recognize Punk as “Best in the World.” Punk trounced an overmatched “King” the following week, after Lawler agreed to face the champion in a Steel Cage Match.
Putting aside his issues with Lawler, Punk has appeared at times obsessed with the notion of getting the Cenation leader to concede that Punk is the best in the world. With the confidence befitting a champion, Cena has stalwartly refused, saying it is part of his DNA as a world-class competitor to not think of himself as anything less than the best.
Punk’s objective at Night of Champions is clear: He already sports the championship gold that signifies he’s the top Superstar in the world; on Sept. 16, he’ll have the opportunity to prove it to Cena. Though Punk holds numerous high-profile wins over Cena — including back-to-back WWE Title Match victories at last year’s Money in the Bank and SummerSlam events — none of those accomplishments would have quite the same impact as besting Cena in Boston, the site of Night of Champions and a stone’s throw from Cena’s birthplace of West Newbury, Mass. Cena admitted as much on the Aug. 20 Raw.
“If you walk into Night of Champions the WWE Champion against me and somehow leave the WWE Champion, that is the moment that will define your existence,” the 10-time WWE Champion defiantly told Punk.
Counterintuitive as it may sound, Night of Champions will be a proving ground for the WWE Champion.
Punk, however, will not be alone in that regard. On the other side of the equation is Cena, who has been on the periphery of the WWE Title scene for the better part of a year. If he were to triumph over The Second City Saint, Cena would silence any critics who suggest his time has passed. Moreover, a win over Punk would theoretically either shut up the verbose champion or render groundless his claim that he’s the best in the world — surely a welcome development for a portion of the WWE Universe.
At Night of Champions, Punk’s long-stewing resentment toward Cena and Cena’s championship ambitions come to a head. Which force will prove more powerful? Can Cena reclaim the WWE Championship for an unprecedented 11th time? Or will the savvy Punk again slide by Cena en route to building one of the most remarkable WWE Championship reigns in the title’s almost 50-year history?
On the Sept. 3 edition of Raw, a new twist was added when Punk attacked Cena and then drove off with Paul Heyman! What implications will this new potential alliance have? (WATCH THE ATTACK)
What’s known for sure is that the main event of Night of Champions will be much more than just a matter of “respect.”