Night of Champions thoughts
A world title match stole the show at WWE’s Night of Champions pay-per-view Sunday, but it wasn’t the one I expected.
Like a lot of fans, I’ve grown tired of seeing Randy Orton, Triple H and John Cena constantly battling each other for the WWE title. However, while their triple threat match Sunday wasn’t one of the greatest matches of all time, as Cena promised it would be on Raw last Monday, it was very good and got the biggest crowd reaction by far.
What made the match even more enjoyable for me was that Orton won. I think keeping the title on him is definitely the right call, but I was convinced beforehand that either Cena or Triple H was walking out of NOC with the belt.
I would love to think that Orton’s victory means that he now will move on to another challenger (perhaps Mark Henry or just maybe a returning Shawn Michaels), but there was enough controversy in the match for WWE to justify dragging out the three-way program through SummerSlam on Aug. 23.
The match that I was most looking forward to at NOC – world heavyweight champion CM Punk versus Jeff Hardy – wasn’t quite as good as the triple threat, but it still was a heck of a match.
Hardy regained the title, which probably surprises a lot of people since it’s hardly a secret that his contract expires at the end of the month. However, it was reported in the current issue of The Wrestling Observer that sources close to Hardy said they expected him to stay for another month and make his final appearance at SummerSlam. That made a Hardy victory much more likely, even probable. I’m guessing that Punk will regain the title from Hardy at SummerSlam in some type of gimmick match, perhaps with a loser-leaves-WWE stipulation.
In addition to Hardy’s victory, Christian (ECW title) and Mickie James (WWE women’s title) also won championships. In another noteworthy development, The Big Show was revealed as Chris Jericho’s mystery partner, and the new tandem retained the WWE undisputed tag team title.
Overall, I think NOC was a solid pay-per-view. Here’s a match-by-match look at the show:
WWE champion Randy Orton defeated John Cena and Triple H: Cena has been getting a lot more cheers than boos recently, but this show was in Philadelphia, so naturally he go a mixed reaction. Cena and Triple H worked together to double-team Orton in the early going, but eventually it was every man for himself. The match was laid out really well and featured a good mix of wrestling and brawling. At one point, Cena had Triple H trapped in the STF, and Orton – out of Cena’s view – set up for the punt to the head from the corner. Orton’s facial expression when he smelled blood was tremendous. Cena, however, let go of the hold at the last second and Orton whiffed. Later, Triple H put Orton in a Sharpshooter, and Cena, instead of breaking it up, applied the STF to Orton. Orton tapped out, but the referee acted confused as to who he should award the decision to. At that point, I figured the title was going to be held up and Cena and Triple H would face each other at SummerSlam to determine the champion. Instead, the referee just stood there. Legacy then hit the ring and attacked Cena and Triple H. That was allowed because it was a no-disqualification match. Cena eventually had Cody Rhodes set up for the Attitude Adjustment, but Orton hit the RKO on Cena and pinned him to retain the title at about the 22-minute mark.
Jeff Hardy defeated world heavyweight champion CM Punk to win the title: Early in the show, Punk cut another strong promo in which he again put down the fans for not living a Straight Edge lifestyle and cheering for Hardy. This one was unique because it began as a backstage interview with Josh Matthews, but Punk grabbed the mic from him and walked out into the arena to address the crowd. That reminded me of something The Rock would have done back in the day. As for the match, there was a lot of nice back-and-forth action. Hardy tried two Swanton Bombs – Punk moved out of the way on the first and got his legs up on the second. Punk eventually hit the GTS, and I thought for sure the match was over. I was shocked when Hardy kicked out. When he couldn’t put Hardy away with his finisher, Punk decided to grab his belt and make his way up the ramp, but Hardy cut him off and threw him back in the ring. Hardy finally connected with the Swanton and covered Punk for the victory after about 15 minutes.
Intercontinental champion Rey Mysterio defeated Dolph Ziggler: Ziggler made a good accounting of himself in the biggest match of his career to this point. Unfortunately, the crowd didn’t seem all that into it. I get the feeling that some fans don’t take Ziggler seriously as a threat to a star of Mysterio’s magnitude. Ziggler got in a lot of offense and had several near falls, but the more Mysterio kicked out, the more obvious it became to me that Ziggler wasn’t going to win. Mysterio won clean with the 619/springboard splash combination.
U.S. champion Kofi Kingston defeated Carlito, The Miz, MVP, Jack Swagger and Primo: Primo replaced The Big Show, who apparently took himself out of the match after joining forces with Jericho. It was a better match without Big Show, because all six of these guys can work and they put on an entertaining, frenetic bout with near falls occurring at a rapid pace. At one point, sibling rivals Carlito and Primo worked together, but Carlito later hit a Backstabber on him, and then Kingston immediately connected with Trouble in Paradise on Carlito for the win. Kingston definitely stood out in this match.
WWE unified tag team champions Chris Jericho and The Big Show defeated Ted DiBiase Jr. and Cody Rhodes: The Big Show being Jericho’s mystery partner was a big disappointment for me. I was hoping that an up-and-comer such as Dolph Ziggler or Jack Swagger would get the rub of being one-half of the tag team champions alongside Jericho. If you look at it logically, though, I suppose it makes sense that Jericho would select someone as big and nasty as Big Show to be his partner. Plus, it’s not like Big Show was involved in a high-profile program. The match was average at best. The finish saw DiBiase tap out to Big Show’s Colossal Clutch, which was set up by Jericho’s Codebreaker.
Christian defeated ECW champion Tommy Dreamer to win the title: This was a good match and the fans cheered both guys. There were several reversals at the end before Christian hit the Killswitch for the win. It’s nice to see the title back on Christian, who definitely has more appeal as champion than Dreamer. His first challenger might be Shelton Benjamin, who scored a pinfall victory over him on TV recently. Then again, it might be Vladimir Kozlov. I’m pulling for Benjamin.
Mickie James defeated Divas champion Maryse to win the title: There was zero crowd reaction for this match, mainly because it followed the WWE title match. The fact that there were some rough spots didn’t help either. Mickie hit a DDT for the victory.
WWE women’s champion Michelle McCool defeated Melina: I had a lot more interest in the other women’s match going into the show, but this one was far superior. McCool and Melina both worked hard and kept the match moving at a quick pace. McCool set the tone for the aggressive encounter before the bell when she drop-kicked Melina off the apron while she was doing her trademark split, and Melina hit the floor hard. At one point during the match, McCool hit a wicked-looking DDT on the top of the security railing. The finish came a little out of nowhere, as McCool turned Melina’s Thesz press into a rollup. The one drawback to this match was that neither of them sufficiently sold the high-impact moves.
Comments
cena should of won
Posted by: akmal | July 27, 2009 6:58 AM
The best match of the night definetly was the triple threat match. In fact, I thought it was a lot better than their triple threat match at Wrestlemania XXIV.
McCool vs. Melina was a big surprise to me, too. McCool is a badass. I loved when she dropkicked Melina off the apron and later on DDT'd Melina on the security wall. She's like the female version of Orton. She could just care less about what she does to her opponent.
At first I thought the Big Show was a lame pick, but Show and Jericho (hmm...JeriShow?) seem to have good chemistry. I also liked that the crowd was solidly behind JeriShow (I'm copywriting that, Kevin), despite Jericho hating all of them.
And where was Ronald Reagan?
Posted by: Cliff | July 27, 2009 6:59 AM
Punk could regain the title in the steel cage match at tomorrow night's taping of Smackdown in Baltimore.
RESPONSE FROM KE: It's a dark match. Won't happen.
Posted by: Jerry | July 27, 2009 7:17 AM
Well it was, overall, a very good PPV outing for WWE. All the matches were solid, and I was particularly impressed with the Women's Title match. Melina looked like a different performer from just a few weeks ago.
As for the Hardy title switch, do you think Kev that, if Jeff re-signs with WWE and stays beyond Summerslam, that he will/should be given a longer title reign than a month? It would be nice to see a few new heels come into the title mix to take on the Charismatic Enigma.
And for Raw - I agree, the WWE Title match surprised me with it's quality too. But I think Cena and HHH should have a non-title feud and let someone like MVP come up at Summerslam and get a big rub from a title shot. What do you think of that Kev?
Great column as always. Keep it up.
Tony, UK
Posted by: Tony Thorne | July 27, 2009 7:51 AM
I agree that the WWE Championship match was the best of the show. It was a really good match,but it didnt actually suck me in, or emotionally involve me because I am so tired of seeing Orton, Triple H, and Cena wrestle each other. They really need to freshen the main event mix on RAW. I was also disapointed that Dolph Ziggler didnt get by Rey somehow, and in WWE's choice of pairing Big Show with Jericho. To me Big Show looks totally unmotivated and sloppy when he wrestles, which makes him less fun to watch. With all that complaining aside, it was a solid show, and worth the money.
Posted by: Nick Rini | July 27, 2009 8:28 AM
I dont think i have ever been as disappointed with an eagerly awaited decision in sports entertainment of Jericho's choice in the Big Slow, not since Vince was revealed as the 'Higher Power' anyway!!!!
Posted by: Bryan Tyler | July 27, 2009 9:11 AM
Damn it. I wanted Punk to be champion this Tuesday in Baltimore.
Posted by: Elevation | July 27, 2009 10:15 AM
What is up with Big Slow's new leotard,Kev?????
Posted by: Gregory Asch | July 27, 2009 10:25 AM
I think that putting Big show with Jericho as champs is a huge letdown so heres hoping Cryme Tyme takes the belts from them so they can battle over them with the Harts. i am really glad to see Hardy winning the Title back atleast give him a little bit of a nice sendoff if this is his last month in WWE.
Posted by: frank from dundalk | July 27, 2009 11:04 AM
What is the definition of a World Heavyweight Champion? I know Ric Flair was never the biggest man out there but to me he would be the minimum description. CM Punk, Jeff Hardy, Rey Mysterio barely fit the description of a light heavyweight. I wouldnt mind if they were even US Title or ECW Title holders but no way should any of those three be considered any "world title" holder
Posted by: Brian | July 27, 2009 11:21 AM
WIth Big Show being a Jericho's tag partner, I expect a Big Show/ Mark Henry type of Fued with the way Henry and Jericho have been going at it. I think Big Show would like to show teach Henry a lesson for attacking his tag team partner. I would like to see Henry get a tag partner and face Jericho/ Big Show, because I would rather see HHH v, Orton 47 than watch Orton against Henry for the first time.
Posted by: Zach F | July 27, 2009 11:24 AM
I thought it was a solid show too, too bad the crowd was dead for almost the entire night. Good call on Jeff Hardy winning the title, but I'm so tired of seeing that title change every month.
Posted by: I carved my name on a tree back when it was J.T. | July 27, 2009 11:58 AM
I wonder if we were watching the same PPV. Aside from Punk-Hardy (easily the match of the night) and the triple threat (before the ending), this PPV was very ordinary. It wasn't the clusterfrick that Victory Road was, but it was hardly solid unless you were grading on a curve. The mostly dead crowd didn't help matters either.
You can't enough about Punk's performance last night, as he legitimately made a claim as the biggest and best heel in the company. The promo, the mannerisms in the match, his slow burn heel turn has hit all the right notes. The match was good as expected, but Hardy's win was a surprise. Still, I see Punk regaining the belt at SummerSlam with Hardy finally taking his long rumored break. I wouldn't be surprised to see this feud revisted for WM26.
The triple threat was far better than anybody expected, and was the only match the crowd really seemed invested in. However, the ending totally ruined a very good match, as Orton clearly tapped, and the ref was clueless. The announcers seemed lost on the exact rules of the match. It was the kind of booking that TNA would (rightfully) get killed over.
Nothing else on the show was overly noteworthy. Show being Jericho's mystery partner fell flat and it was a missed opportunity to elevate a young superstar. The 6 pack match was ok for what it was. The IC title match never quite got out of 2nd gear, it was obvious Ziggler wasn't going over. The Women's title match had lots of action that ultimately meant nothing, it was a lot like a TNA X division match that features tons of spots that are ultimately meaningless. What the WWE sees in McCool I'll never understand, she is a charismatic black hole. The Divas' title match was rough to say the least. The ECW title match wasn't anything beyond what's regularly seen on the ECW TV show.
Posted by: Joe Barber | July 27, 2009 12:19 PM
The finish came a little out of nowhere, as McCool turned Melina's Thesz press into a rollup.
Wow, no kidding! I am glad you made a comment about that because I remember complaining about it as we watched. It just looked *really* wrong to rollover a decent Thesz Press.
Also, you are 100% right in that this match had far more creative, interesting spots than the Diva's title match (even though Mickie/Maryse had a far strong storyline going in).
Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm | July 27, 2009 12:20 PM
Kev,what's the over/under on Vince buying TNA?
Posted by: Gregory Asch | July 27, 2009 12:41 PM
5:30 Post Damn man do you ever sleep?
Posted by: chris | July 27, 2009 12:42 PM
Great just what we were clambering for, another HHH vs. Orton. vs. Cena. It never gets old....
Posted by: Michealdeff | July 27, 2009 12:54 PM
Ok gonna try to do this in match order:
I gonna love Big Show as Jericho's partner. They could be Abbott and Costello; Christian and Dreamer did that match about as good as it could have been done. Amazing that McMahon doesn't think that CC can't carry a title long.
Kofi did so many moves during that 6 man even the camera couldn't keep up. BTW Primo's an idiot... McCool did more for her heel rep with that slide kick that anything else so far.... Legacy has got to be one of the weakest "Strongest" factions in the history of wrestling. Love the Big Show handprint on Cody BTW. I am banking on Orton/Michaels at SS
Both gals missed spots but I still thought the Maryse / Mickie match was decent...Maryse got the attitude but she needs to work on her pacing in the ring... Surprised Ziggler and Mysterio was in this spot and you could see nerves in Ziggler early but I am impressed that he shook it off and put in a great A- effort. Only thing that bugs me is that after all that punishment Ziggler gave Mysterio, a 619 and a springboard splash took him out. SAY WHAT??? Finally the CM Punk / Hardy match took me back to when I was younger to classic Clash of Champions matches...the build up, the playing to the crowd, and the match. While I don't like that he dropped the strap, I think CM Punk has finally proved to WWE that he can do heel really really well.
Then again I can't wait to s how the WWE fubars this one too.
Posted by: Daryll B | July 27, 2009 1:12 PM
"I get the feeling that some fans don’t take Ziggler seriously as a threat to a star of Mysterio’s magnitude."
________________________________
On one hand, I am one such fan, but on the other hand, I don't know what WWE should have differently with Ziggler up to last night. My conclusion: there comes a point at a rising star needs help from the bookers. The powers that be have to take a risk and let him have a big win.
Posted by: Christopher | July 27, 2009 1:30 PM
If this PPV proves anything is that us smart marks don't know what is going on with people's contracts. We can speculate until the clowns come home but the only person that truly knows what's going on with Jeff Hardy's contract, is Jeff Hardy.
Posted by: Lynelle | July 27, 2009 1:56 PM
The reason that the triple threat was a good match was that Cena was in it. Cena and Orton have amazing chemistry and always put in good matches together. I can't remember one that isn't at least entertaining with some of them being excellent. I wouldn't mind seeing Cena v Orton at SS, but I think the WWE can accomplish more.
Orton needs another opponent and one he can beat legitimately. The perfect situation would be to make SS a triple threat with Jack Swagger and MVP. Hardy v Punk is going on last, that is more or less a given. So, there is a good opportunity to put some good guys in a world title match without the money draw position taking a hit. MVP and Swagger get face time in a title match and make it a 1 on 1 contest. Orton does his usual viper routine and "steals" a win from either of them. No Legacy interference required and it would make MVP and Swagger into the stars that the WWE wants them to be. Oh, and Vince's favorite non-son keeps the belt, too.
Posted by: Jon | July 27, 2009 2:47 PM
I'm glad Hardy has the title for long than 30 seconds. What better way to lure a superstar by giving him the belt. The triple threat match was dissapointing. Orton clearly tapped out, and being confused about what to do was mind boggling! He tapped out! Just give us Cena and Triple H, and get it over with. Then Orton can take on the winner. Come on, he tapped out! As for the tag team, you have to go back for this story line. It clearly has an Edge, Jericho feud brewing, but it a;ready has an Edge, Big Show story on the burner. Remember, Big Show was caught making out with Edge's wife!!!! And, its a pity, the drive Ziggler right up into a title match, only to lose! Where does he go from there. I'd be sad to see Hardy leave before my Raw in Vegas on the 24th. For NOC, I went to a public showing. At one point, sat next to a 5 year old, who knew almost more than me, and stood next to a 75 year old, who had this WWE smirk on his face while watching! By far, the greatest entertainment source in the world, and the greatest columnist to write bout it!
Posted by: Lon | July 27, 2009 4:16 PM
Brian are you crazy! they are all great champions. rey's reign as champion was a great one and i wouldntbe surprised if he got a chance @ the wwe title.
Posted by: dre | July 27, 2009 4:19 PM
I didn't catch the show, but as a Melina mark I'm very happy about the good reviews that her match has been getting. Maybe if she was sleeping with 'taker they'd put the strap back on her where it belongs! But seriously, when you're got Melina, Mickie, Gail, Nattie, and Katie Lea on your roster, there is no excuse for having the belts on McCool and Maryse (and I like Maryse, but she isn't yet in the top tier of women; maybe eventually).
Jericho choosing Show as his partner is simply appalling. What else can be said. Here was a chance to put over a young talent, be it Ziggler, Swagger, or whoever, and they completely blow it. Just an awful decision. I'm still shaking my head.
Kev, do you see Hardy actually leaving WWE when his contract is up? I could see him taking a break, but I can't believe Vince would let his most popular performer go to TNA.
RESPONSE FROM KE: I think Hardy will take a break -- for how long I don't have a clue -- and return to WWE. I do not see him going to TNA, although someone I know in the industry said they had heard from someone else in the business that Hardy was considering TNA, but that the source wasn't the most credible.
Posted by: Michael in Virginia | July 27, 2009 4:50 PM
While I have no thoughts re: "Night of Champions " , I have much to ponder re: upcoming Oct. 5 issue of Playboy w/ Traci Brooks .
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | July 27, 2009 5:12 PM
When's the last time WWE actually gave an upcoming guy a big push? What better time than now to push Zigglar, I just don't get it.
I thought "High Risk Junkie" was a little much.
Orton's facial expressions are tops, did you see when Conan tried to imitate it, pretty funny.
Posted by: Tom | July 27, 2009 6:10 PM
I was very disappointed in Show being chosen as I don't enjoy watching him. However, I got the feeling that his outfit was an homage to the late, great Earthquake (following his recent Andre outfit).
I think Punk's promos are only eclipsed by Jericho's at the moment, and being Straight-Edge myself makes me a Punk sympathiser!
Finally, I wanted Ziggler to win as I think he's got a very bright future and Mysterio has nothing to gain from being a mid-card champion.
Posted by: Stuart | July 27, 2009 7:37 PM
Interesting Kev - I think it was in December 2008 that Jeff Hardy won the belt and came to Baltimore 2 days later - first match after his win and he won last night and will be in Baltimore tomorrow - first match after this win --- what a coincidence....I am really glad he won --- I'm hoping (probably lost hope) that his getting the belt will keep him in the WWE for awhile.
Orton --- what a joke --- can he ever win a match/belt clean without the help of Legacy???
Posted by: Jeannette | July 27, 2009 7:50 PM
If it is a fact that Jeff Hardy is leaving the WWE it really makes no sense to give him the title. It makes less sense to take it off of Punk. I always thought the idea of a heel champion is to have him eventually have him "get his comeuppance." He shot his mouth off for a couple weeks and then got beat. Big f'n deal. That did nothing for Punk's carachter. It would have made more sense for Punk to win by cheating, then have Hardy come out and say he got screwed and he want's another match. Punk says I'm done with you, the only way I'll wrestle you again is if and when I beat you, you're out of the WWE forever where you can't infect these people anymore.
Punk wins at Summer Slam-forces, arguablly the most poular guy in WWE out of the company, and is instantly the most hated guy in wrestling.
Start looking to the future Vince!
Posted by: Andre the Midget | July 27, 2009 10:22 PM
Why are there still Womens matches in the WWE. I don't care about them and don't know any men who do. WWE should bring back the Woman Manager (i.e. Dolph Ziggler).
Thoughts:
Triple-Threat match was good. Enjoyable. I actually liked the finish. I just don't care for Triple H. His move set is SOOOOOOOOOOOO Stale. I could predict some moves for the WWE Superstars bur for HHH...I can guess at a 98% clip.
Punk is the best character in the WWE now because he is so knew and playing a great role that hasn't been in the WWE for a while.
I enjoyed the 6-pack challenge. I want to see some sort of Swagger-MVP match at Summerslam. Also, I think Kofi Kingston needs an actual rival to battle over the US Title becasue he is SOOO over. He needs to establish his reign over a single, acceptable challenger.
Big Show...Weak. I didn't like it. I honestly expected anyone but him. I hope Jericho turns on him soon and gets a new rival before the inevitable Edge fued. BTW...the Edge fued will be absolutely AMAZING if he is 100%.
Posted by: Erik T. | July 27, 2009 11:04 PM
"Why are there still Womens matches in the WWE. I don't care about them and don't know any men who do. WWE should bring back the Woman Manager (i.e. Dolph Ziggler)."
_______________________________
I don't care about them, either. If the idea is to give the men something hot to look at, then WWE should as Erik T has suggested becaue speaking for myself and only myself, watching women grab each other's hair and make "chick grunts" really takes away from their allure. The Divas would seem far more attractive in a mysterious kind of way if they were confined to ringside. Would Miss Elizabeth have been such a point of interest had she wrestled during the glory days of Hulkamania?
Posted by: Christopher | July 28, 2009 2:54 PM
WWE botched its chance to really boost some stars at night of champs..they need to start figuring out who will be the future of the company rather than sticking with the same ol' guys over and over as champs..
Posted by: graxius | July 28, 2009 3:39 PM
They guy above me, go somewhere please, it's a lot of people who do care about the Woman's match, and Michelle/Melina proved why.
Posted by: Nick | July 28, 2009 7:10 PM