What a roller coaster Night of Champions was.
WWE had a bit of everything in Saudi Arabia as there were chaotic finishes, surprising debuts, shocking results, some not so bright moments and matchups between some future Hall of Famers that made it a night fans will definitely remember − for better or worse.
Six matches took place, headlined by the Undisupted WWE Championship match between two 21st century icons in John Cena and CM Punk. The match had plenty of hype, and it had a wild ending with so many layers to unfold.
Still, the night of champions saw a new title holder named, and royalty was crowned with the winners of the King and Queen of the Ring tournament. The men’s and women’s victors now have a championship match waiting for them, symbolizing how the event was a setup for SummerSlam. But a lot could be happening then, making for a potential fun summer of wrestling.
USA TODAY Sports has all the results, highlights and analysis from Night of Champions 2025:
Watch: Night of Champions postshow
Undisputed WWE Championship match: John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk
Two of the most impactful names in recent wrestling history met in the ring again in a highly desired matchup. Both competitors soaked it in as they locked up several times to get a feel of the match. Even if Cena had some of the early shots, Punk was still partaking in the mind games.
It took a few minutes before things started to pick up, by way of a vintage Cena sequence. He landed the five-knuckle shuffle and was getting ready for an Attitude Adjustment, but Punk got out of the way to start his own vintage moment. Punk was about to land the Go To Sleep when Cena jumped right out of it and rolled into the STF submission. Punk got out of it and turned it around into the Anaconda Vice. Cena got his way out and got the AA to fall. However, the pin was unsuccessful.
A second AA didn’t work, and Punk took a page out of the champion’s book with his own STF. It was quickly broken up by Cena, and a flurry of counters ensued that resulted in another AA to Punk, followed by another kick out by the challenger. Cena hoped a third one would be the charm, but Punk didn’t give up with another kick out.
Frustrated with Punk surviving, Cena grabbed the title to hit Punk. However, he stopped himself and decided not to. Punk found a window of opportunity and surprised him with a GTS, which ended in an unsuccessful win attempt. Cena and Punk traded blows and the champion inadvertently knocked out the referee. Punk hit Cena with another GTS and got a pin that would’ve won if the referee wasn’t taken out.
Punk called for another referee, and instead ‘Burn it Down’ played through the arena. Seth Rollins and his group arrived. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed then took out Punk by throwing him through the announcer’s table.
Meanwhile, Rollins stood in the middle of the ring. He called a referee over, ready to cash in his Money in the Bank contract. However, Cena knocked the new referee and argued with Rollins before delivering an AA. Rollins’ henchman then attacked Cena, which was stopped by the arrival by Penta. Then Sami Zayn came to help, and the duo were able to take out Breakker. In the ring, Cena gave Reed an AA.
Punk and Cena stood in the ring, and Punk extended his hand for a shake. Cena accepted it, but he tried to pull a fast one. Then Rollins came back to hit Punk with the Money in the Bank briefcase. Rollins landed a stomp on his rival but Cena capitalized on the chance by throwing Rollins out of the ring. He then pinned Punk to sneak out of the ring with his title, leaving Rollins frustrated at the missed opportunity.
Watch: John Cena Night of Champions entrance
Watch: CM Punk Night of Champions entrance
Queen of the Ring final: Asuka vs. Jade Cargill
It was an even contest in the early stages with no real advantage on either side. Asuka was using her technical skill while Cargill stuck with powerhouse approach. When it looked like one star was start to take control, the other countered it. There were several pin attempts in between moves to try and steal a victory that were unsuccessful.
Then came a real quick finish. Cargill nor Asuka was able to get the finishing moves to land, and when Asuka went for Empress Impact, Cargill caught her opponent. She picked her up for Jaded and it landed. Cargill went for a pin that came off really awkwardly, but the referee counted to three and Cargill is the Queen of the Ring.
Cargill then proclaimed a ‘storm is coming’ to SummerSlam with her title shot now secured.
Analysis: A match that real potential turned out to be somewhat of a letdown. The match felt really out of sync with no real solid flow. What was even worse was the finish, as it didn’t have the anticipation like the closing part of the match. The winning pin didn’t look right, and when it ended, it left an unsatisfying feeling in most of the wrestling world. It didn’t help that the crowd wasn’t really into it, but the match was really a dud with an unspectacular finish.
Despite a poor match, a big name is now getting a title opportunity and it’s felt like Cargill has had to really be patient in getting it. Her name and potential will help draw attention to whichever championship match she chooses, but work definitely needs to be done in order for it to not be a total flop like the Queen of the Ring final.
Jade Cargill arrives in X-Men outfit
A storm has indeed arrived. Cargill is wearing an outfit resembling Storm from the X-Men series, a perfect nod to her persona.
United States Championship match: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Solo Sikoa
Sikoa was clearly no longer extending an arm to Sikoa, immediately attacking the champion as the bell rung. But you have to remember it’s not easy to put Fatu down, and he quickly recovered.
Despite the clear talent advantage Fatu had, Sikoa was using his high in-ring IQ to stop any momentum of Fatu and instead get the better of his cousin. Sikoa had plenty to say to Fatu when he had him in a sleeper hold, taunting him in the process. For as smart as Sikoa is, he does get cocky, and it hurt him by allowing Fatu to get back on his feet and start to get rolling.
Tanga Loa returns, Hikuleo arrives
Fatu was closing in on victory, but JC Mateo came out to disrupt. The referee was focused on stopping Mateo when a hooded individual pushed Fatu off the top rope. It was revealed to be the returning Tanga Loa. Yet the help wasn’t enough for Sikoa to get a pin.
Sikoa prepared the Samoan Spike, but Fatu got out of it and launched himself out of the ring to take out Sikoa’s reinforcements. Fatu got ready for the win, but when he went for the pin the referee wasn’t there. Instead, there was the debut of Hikuleo, who slammed Fatu into the announcer’s table. He threw him back in the ring, and Sikoa spiked Fatu to get the pin and become the new champion.
Analysis: He may not be the Tribal Chief, but Sikoa remains a dangerous man.
He nearly has all of his group back with Loa returning for the first time since Survivor Series: WarGames in November, but he got a major addition with the debut of Hikuleo. The personal aspect of the rivalry is what makes it good, and it doesn’t hurt to bring in more of the family as they are all incredibly talented wrestlers.
Eventually, the numbers game was going to help Sikoa, but it’s a shock that it happened so quickly. Fatu looked to be really falling into a role as a dominant champion, but his reign ends in just more than two months. While disappointing, Sikoa is a great character that needed an accolade to remain a dominant force after spending most of 2025 trying to find something.
The rivalry between Sikoa and Fatu is far from over, and there’s no telling what the next chapter will be.
Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
The mind games from Kross started as soon as the bell ring, as he tried to get Zayn to crack. It didn’t look like Zayn was falling into Kross’ tricks, and Kross’ wife Scarlett was telling things to her husband in between breaks.
After getting taunted by Kross so much, Zayn was starting to show a more intense version of himself as he tried to put his opponent away. He nearly had a victory when he countered Kross with a Blue Thunder Bomb, but Kross kicked out. Zayn still felt close to winning, and he was going for a Helluva Kick when Kross caught him into the sleeper hold. Kross nearly had him out, but Zayn kept his arm up before the referee could stop the match.
Zayn was still shaken up and Kross was still trying to play with his mind. Kross spoke right to his opponent before he went to the other side of the ring, but when he turned around, there was Zayn surprising him with the Helluva Kick. It completely caught Kross off guard and Zayn got the win.
Analysis: No cracks in the mind of Zayn. He gets past the devil on his shoulder.
The whole match was going to be about whether Zayn finally turns full dark side, which would be a win for Kross regardless of the result. However, Zayn didn’t come close to doing it. Instead, he fended off any opportunity for Kross and comes out the better man for not folding.
Could Kross try to still get in the head of Zayn? Possibly, but it appears he wasn’t successful in this attempt, and Zayn could still be the fan favorite. If it’s any consolation, Kross finally got another premium live event match, and he did great in his opportunity to showcase his talents in front of the WWE universe.
Watch: Karrion Kross entrance
Kross makes his stunning entrance alongside Scarlett.
Street fight: Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
Ripley is used to being the dominant person in the ring, but it wasn’t the case to start this one. Rodriguez was immediately in control, throwing Ripley around in a sight rarely seen. Rodriguez tangled Ripley in the ropes and she brought out the kendo stick to lay some shots right to the midsection of her opponent. There was a brief moment where Ripley had momentum and tried to launch Rodriguez off the announcer’s table, but it was countered with Ripley getting sent through the top of the table.
Rodriguez took too long setting a table up in the ring to take full advantage. Ripley got back on her feet and used her belt to hit Rodriguez several times, with each shot sounding more painful than before.
Ripley tried to get Rodriguez to tap out before Roxanne Perez came in to stop the attack. While it did get Ripley off her opponent, it resulted in a brutal attack to Perez by way of the steel trash can. However, it allowed Rodriguez to regroup and throw Ripley into the corner of the ring and the steel steps.
After an exchange of blows, Ripley set Rodriguez up on a table on top of the top turnbuckle. She launched a Riptide from the top in a nicely executed maneuver. It was enough for the pin and get Ripley a win.
Analysis: It was easy to predict everything that would happen in this match. It was unexpected on how it ended.
Putting Rodriguez and Ripley in a street fight was a great idea, allowing each to really showcase the power they have, and do it against a dominant force in the process. For the limited time they had, the match had a nice flow. There weren’t several brutal moments, but there were great spots.
It was a given Perez would come into the match, but she seemed to be a non-factor with how quickly Ripley dispatched her. The tone felt like Rodriguez would win until the sudden momentum shift at the end.
Ripley getting the win was a major victory in her still trying to get past The Judgment Day. It’s unclear how it really advances the story, but it’s likely there will be a concentrated effort from Rodriguez and Perez to slow down Ripley. The duo will have to get the upper hand, and could use the numbers game to their advantage.
King of the Ring final: Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton
The mentor and mentee met in the ring to a raucous crowd, getting the energy going before the two could even lock up. There were several pauses as the two got reacquainted with each other as opponents.
Orton did a suplex off the top rope, but he appeared more hurt by it, immediately grabbing his back. With Orton suddenly hampered, Rhodes targeted Orton’s back. Anytime Orton got any offense in, it was met with pain.
Blows were exchanged and both stars appeared to be getting close for a victory. Rhodes executed a Cross Rhodes, but the pin didn’t work and not long afterward, Orton got the RKO out of nowhere. Then Rhodes was able to kick out. Orton saw Rhodes in position for his punt kick, but the hesitation on whether to do it bought Rhodes some time to get out of the way before the devastating shot.
After an exchange of hits, Rhodes tried a Disaster Kick, and got greeted by an RKO in the middle of the air. Orton’s pin attempt was unsuccessful.
Orton then brought a chair into the ring, and when the referee took it away, Orton exposed one of the top turnbuckles. Orton tried to drive Rhodes’ head to it, but he avoided it and instead shoved Orton into it. It clearly hurt Orton’s ribs, and with him in pain, Rhodes capitalized with a Cross Rhodes and got the pin to secure the crown.
After the match, Rhodes was interviewed by Byron Saxton. He gave props to Orton, and Rhodes said he will be waiting for the winner of John Cena vs. CM Punk at SummerSlam, where he will ‘get the ball back.’
Analysis: ‘The American Nightmare’ is now royalty. While it would’ve been nice to see Orton add another accolade, it was clear Rhodes was going to get his title rematch at SummerSlam, All that was needed was a compelling match to make sure it happened. It was far from a classic match, as it had a really slow start and several breaks in the action. But both stars were able to get their signature moves in, and the names and aura alone helped keep the intensity high.
How the match ended felt like a significant turn could be happening. Orton has always been one to look for any means of winning, even if it meant playing dirty. Even though he didn’t initiate it, Rhodes also did what he had to do by using the turnbuckle to his advantage. It’s not egregious, but it showed Rhodes is willing to do anything he can to get back to the top of the company. Little hints of a heel turn are being dropped, and by the time SummerSlam rolls around, we could finally see the end of the baby face and a true ‘American Nightmare.’
When is Night of Champions 2025?
Night of Champions takes place Saturday, June 28.
Night of Champions 2025 start time
WWE Night of Champions starts at 1 p.m. ET. The preshow begins at 11 a.m. ET.
Where is Night of Champions 2025?
It takes place at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
How to watch Night of Champions 2025
Night of Champions will be streamed on Peacock, but you must have their premium or premium-plus subscription to watch. Internationally, it will be available on Netflix in most markets.
Stream WWE Night of Champions on Peacock
How to watch Night of Champions 2025 preshow
The Night of Champions preshow will be available to watch on Peacock, and on WWE’s social channels, including YouTube.
Night of Champions 2025 match card
Matches not in order
Undisputed WWE Championship match: John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk
King of the Ring final: Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton
Queen of the Ring final: Asuka vs. Jade Cargill
United States Championship match: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Solo Sikoa
Street fight: Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
Night of Champions 2025 match order
PWInsider reported lineup.
Night of Champions 2025 predictions
See the full predictions of what happens in each match here.
Undisputed WWE Championship match: John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk
Jordan Mendoza: John Cena
Richard Morin: John Cena
King of the Ring final: Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton
Jordan Mendoza: Cody Rhodes
Richard Morin: Cody Rhodes
Queen of the Ring final: Asuka vs. Jade Cargill
Jordan Mendoza: Asuka
Richard Morin: Jade Cargill
United States Championship match: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Solo Sikoa
Jordan Mendoza: Jacob Fatu
Richard Morin: Jacob Fatu
Street fight: Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
Jordan Mendoza: Raquel Rodriguez
Richard Morin: Raquel Rodriguez
Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
Jordan Mendoza: Sami Zayn
Richard Morin: Sami Zayn
King of the Ring 2025 tournament
First round
Sami Zayn defeats Dominik Mysterio, Bron Breakker and Penta
Randy Orton defeats LA Knight, Aleister Black and Carmelo Hayes
Jey Uso defeats Sheamus, Rusev and Bronson Reed
Cody Rhodes defeats Shinsuke Nakamura, Damian Priest and Andrade
Semifinals
Randy Orton defeats Sami Zayn
Cody Rhodes defeats Jey Uso
Final
Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes (Night of Champions, June 28)
Queen of the Ring 2025 tournament
First round
Roxanne Perez defeats Kairi Sane, Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley
Jade Cargill defeats Michin, Piper Niven and Nia Jax
Asuka defeats Raquel Rodriguez, Stephanie Vaquer and Ivy Nile
Alexa Bliss defeats Candice LeRae, Charlotte Flair and Alba Fyre
Semifinals
Asuka defeats Alexa Bliss
Jade Cargill defeats Roxanne Perez
Final
Asuka vs. Jade Cargill (Night of Champions, June 28)
King of the Ring history
The 24rd King of the Ring will be crowned Saturday, as the tournament first took place in 1985. Here are all the stars who won King of the Ring:
1985: Don Muraco
1986: Harley Race
1987: Randy Savage
1988: Ted DiBiase
1989: Tito Santana
1991: Bret Hart
1993: Bret Hart
1994: Owen Hart
1995: Mabel
1996: Stone Cold Steve Austin
1997: Triple H
1998: Ken Shamrock
1999: Billy Gunn
2000: Kurt Angle
2001: Edge
2002: Brock Lesnar
2006: Booker T
2008: William Regal
2010: Sheamus
2015: Bad News Barrett
2019: Baron Corbin
2021: Xavier Woods
2024: Gunther
Queen of the Ring history
This is the third Queen of the Ring tournament after it debuted in 2021.
2021: Zelina Vega
2024: Nia Jax