It’s a triple main event this Sunday at Night of Champions as the WWE Superstars go all-out to make a 5am wakeup worth it for New Zealanders.
The Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships are on the line when Roman Reigns makes a rare appearance as challenger in an attempt to bring the belts back to The Bloodline.
Brock Lesnar and Cody Rhodes meet in a Backlash rematch—if Rhodes is medically cleared after being attacked by The Beast Incarnate on Raw.
And, due to Reigns’ exclusivity to SmackDown, a new World Heavyweight Champion will be crowned when AJ Styles and Seth Rollins collide.
Who will be the big winners in Jeddah? Join the NZPWI Roundtable as we break down the card for WWE Night of Champions 2023.
* * *
World Heavyweight Championship:
AJ Styles vs. Seth Rollins
David Dunn (83% accurate in 2023):
Is Styles well-rested and recovered from injury, or is there possibly ring rust in rushing back to the main event so soon? I can’t know, but I do know Rollins beat Styles the last time they met for a world title…
Winner: Seth Rollins
Grady Hooker (80% accurate in 2023):
This is a toss-up to me, both are top competitors in the wrestling world and it could go either way. Rollins has been building momentum from his recent big match losing streak and AJ Styles is coming in hot off a return. I will go with my gut and pick Seth Rollins.
Winner: Seth Rollins
AJ Murtagh (73% accurate in 2023):
Rollins has been distracted by Hollywood lately while AJ Styles has been competing with a renewed fire since making his return. That said, the spectre of Karrion Kross is looming large over Styles right now and I think that could tip the scales.
Winner: Seth Rollins
Steve McCleary (70% accurate in 2023):
AJ hasn’t been back from his extended absence for long, and since then hasn’t been tested at a championship level. But Seth has been pretty much non-stop beating influencers and slaying giants. The odds are heavily in his favour.
Winner: Seth Rollins
Sammy G (50% accurate in 2023):
I can’t help but chuckle to myself that Triple H set up a tournament for this new championship, when he himself was just handed one back in 2002. Regardless, here we are, and I’m excited to see who will become the inaugural World Heavyweight Champion—it’s going to be a “Freakin’ Phenomenal” match!
Winner: AJ Styles
Picks Summary
World Heavyweight Championship:
AJ Styles: Sammy (20%)
Seth Rollins: David, Grady, AJ, Steve (80%)
Brock Lesnar: Grady, AJ, Sammy (60%)
Cody Rhodes: David, Steve (40%)
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship:
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn: Grady, AJ, Steve (60%)
Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa: David, Sammy (40%)
Becky Lynch: David, Grady, AJ (60%)
Trish Stratus: Steve, Sammy (40%)
Raw Women’s Championship:
Asuka: AJ, Steve, Sammy (60%)
Bianca Belair: David, Grady (40%)
SmackDown Women’s Championship:
Natalya: – (0%)
Rhea Ripley: David, Grady, AJ, Steve, Sammy (100%)
Intercontinental Championship:
Gunther: David, Grady, AJ, Steve, Sammy (100%)
Mustafa Ali: – (0%)
WWE Night of Champions 2023
Sunday, May 28
5am NZST
WWE Network