QUICK RESULTS:

The Prime Time Players won Tag Team Turmoil

Curtis Axel def. Kofi Kingston to retain the Intercontinental Championship

AJ Lee def. Natalya, Naomi, and Brie Bella to retain the Diva’s Championship

Rob Van Dam def. Alberto Del Rio by DQ; Del Rio retains the Championship

The Miz def. Fandango

Curtis Axel and Paul Heyman def. CM Punk

Dean Ambrose def. Dolph Ziggler to retain the US Championship

The Shield def. The Prime Time Players to retain the Tag Team Championships

Daniel Bryan def. Randy Orton to become the new WWE Champion

(my predictability score – on announced matches – 4.5/7 = 64%)

 

Tonight is the NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS – here are my predictions:

1. KICKOFF MATCH:  Tag Team Turmoil – No. 1 Contendership Match for the Tag Team Championships

The Primetime Players vs. The Usos vs. Tons of Funk vs. The Real Americans vs. 3MB

I can’t recall how long it’s been since the WWE had the tag team division looking so unpredictable.  That said, I’m surprised by the absence of the Wyatt Family and with all the recent mini-pushes a lot of these teams are getting – this is by far one of the hardest matches to call.  That said,  I see the No. 1 Contendership going to:

Predicted Winners:  The Prime Time Players

2.  WWE Tag Team Championship Match:  The Shield (c) vs. The Prime Time Players

Since Darren Young’s “outing” the Prime Time Players have been unstoppable and everyone has been questioning how Young’s revelation will effect his career.  People like Jim Ross have said it won’t – and the McMahon family has been supportive (on twitter).  But I say now it’s time for the WWE to put its money where its mouth is.  In order to do that – Darren Young must become a champion!

Additionally, The Shield is involved with all this McMahon family drama – the straps need to be dropped into the active fray – to allow other tag teams to shine.

Predicted Winners:  The Prime Time Players 

3. United States Championship Match: Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler

This match has been weakly built over the last couple weeks – but that’s not to say it will be anything shy of amazing.  I just don’t see a title change happening here.  Ziggler brings nothing to the US Championship except a new face to associate with the title (should he win).  Should Ambrose keep his title, he will be affirmed as the top member of The Shield.

Predicted Winner:  Dean Ambrose 

4. CM Punk vs. Curtis Axel and Paul Heyman (Handicap Elimination Match)

Simply put – It’s not time for Punk to have his revenge.  Heyman has more tricks up his sleeve.

Predicted Winner(s):  Curtis Axel and Paul Heyman 

5.  World Heavyweight Championship Match:  Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. Rob Van Dam

Since returning to WWE, Rob Van Dam has been on a roll.  Tonight, I expect to hear the thunder and the chant of “R-V-D!”

Predicted Winner:  Rob Van Dam

6.  Diva’s Championship Fatal Four Way: AJ Lee (c) vs. Brie Bella vs. Natalya vs. Naomi

You’d think with the mid-season finale of Total Divas airing tonight, alongside Night of Champions, that one of the cast members would be due up for a push.  I say not so fast – this is a big moment for AJ Lee.  She has been the focal point of the division – and the most prominent Diva in the WWE over the last two years.  This is her best title defense to date – and I can’t see her dropping the championship after running amok on commentary and delivering “Pipe Bombshells.” This is WWE’s chance to let AJ shine – and let her words be turned into actions.

Not only that, but this entire season, the “Divas” have been bickering with one another – so don’t expect the Total Divas-allegiance to last too long.

Predicted Winner:  AJ Lee 

7.  WWE Championship Match:  Randy Orton (c) vs. Daniel Bryan

For weeks, Daniel Bryan has been at the center of a one-sided controversy against the McMahon family.  I think it’s too soon for Bryan to come out on top – and I think a likely heel turn (#1,000) from The Big Show will see to that.

Predicted Winner:  Randy Orton