The Big Five Project returns just in time for things to start improving in our chronological compilation of the history of WWE’s Big Five PPVs. As bad as King of the Ring ’95 was, things could only get better. And get better they did with Summer Slam ’95. A much better card saw some outstanding matchups such as Hakushi vs the 1-2-3 Kid, Barry Harowitz winning a match, a casket match between Kama and The Undertaker, the PPV debut of Isaac Yankem, DDS (who would go on to a much more fiery career in WWE) as he faced Bret “Hitman” Hart. By far and away, the best match of the night was a rematch of WrestleMania X, a ladder match for the IC title between Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon. The match was good enough to be deemed watch-along worthy, and the guys do just that on this Episode. It’s not all good, though, as we also have Bertha Faye beating Alundra Blayze for the Women’s Championship and King Mable nearly breaking the WWF Champion, Diesel, in half during their title match. But Summer Slam ’95 was a definite step in the right direction for Vince McMahon and the WWF, and we have all the details for you here on another epic installment of the Big Five Project!

About the Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

MONDAY – Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY – 4 Corners Podcast (sports)

WEDNESDAY – The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY – POD is WAR

FRIDAY – DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY – The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY – Keeping the news ridiculous… The Oddity / The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

http://TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

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Kings, queens, and a Last Real Champion!

While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments finish in epic battles, John Cena and CM Punk battle over THE Undisputed WWE Championship! Will the Greatest of All Time or the Best in the World reign supreme?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• King of the Ring Finals: Cody Rhodes VS Randy Orton; Cody wins and will challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam.
• Street Fight: Rhea Ripley VS Raquel Rodriguez; Rhea wins.
• Sami Zayn VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux; Sami wins.
• WWE United States Championship: Jacob Fatu VS Solo Sikoa; Solo wins and becomes the new WWE United States Champion.
• Queen of the Ring Finals: Asuka VS Jade Cargill; Jade wins and will challenge for a title at SummerSlam.
• Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena VS CM Punk; Cena wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the Night of Champions Countdown Show!

Join Michael Cole, Wade Barrett & Jackie Redmond in discussing, analyzing and predicting all of the action about to happen in Riyadh!

The journey is long…

The path is hard. But the destination, distant, eternal, gleaming, is somehow clear. Getting here is framed by a question, and shaped by a fight. But maybe the fight isn’t the hardest part. It’s what you carry that’s even heavier. Not just the strength in will or grip in belief, but the other things: the pressure of expectation; the weight of opportunity; the burden of doubt; and the simple, central, unyielding question, “Are you enough?” This is where you get the chance to find out. And for some, the last time is now to show the world who they truly are. The chance to define yourself in this kingdom, this moment, this match, this night, as a champion.

King of the Ring Finals: Cody Rhodes VS Randy Orton!

The American Nightmare and The Viper spoke one more time just last night, and they both said that they need this victory. It isn’t just about the honor of wearing the crown, but about going after John Cena and the Undisputed WWE Championship one more time. Who will not only win their golden ticket to SummerSlam, but crown themselves as the 2025 King of the Ring?

The fans sing along with Voices during Randy’s entrance, and they also sing along with Kingdom during Cody’s entrance, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro and he continues to the ring. The bell rings and the fans fire up already. Cody and Orton soak in the moment, and they circle. They feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Cody puts Orton in the corner. the ref counts, and Cody lets off. The fans sing for Cody as he and Orton reset. Orton and Cody take a moment to hear the singing and chanting from this already electric fan. Cody and Orton reset, feel things out, and tie up again. Orton headlocks but Cody pries the hold open.

Cody powers Orton to a top wristlock, but Orton fights it to a hammerlock then headlock. Cody powers up and out, but Orton RUNS Cody over! The fans fire up and Cody nods. Orton waits and Cody resets. They feel things out again, tie up again, and they’re in another deadlock. Cody wrenches, but Orton wrenches back. Cody CHOPS and the fans cheer while Orton scowls. Orton and Cody go again, but Cody waistlocks. Orton pries at the hold, switches, but Cody fights around. Cody fires an elbow, Orton lets go, and Cody fires more shots. Cody runs, but into a kitchen sink knee! Orton then storms up, but into a kick and RHODES UPPERCUT!

Cody puts Orton in a corner to fire forearms. Cody whips, Orton reverses, but then Cody ELBOWS Orton! Cody runs and BULLDOGS Orton down! Cover, TWO! Orton is tougher than that but Cody stays cool. Cody hurries out to the apron and then up the corner. Orton stands and he ROCKS Cody first! Orton throws more hands, then climbs up. The fans rally and Orton has Cody on the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX! The fans fire up and Orton clutches his back. Orton may have done as much damage to himself as to Cody, but Cody uses this to CLUB Orton! Springboard and BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! Cover, TWO!

Orton survives but Cody keeps on him. Cody KNEES Orton in the back, drags him up, and suplexes! Cody pushes Orton to a cover, ONE!! Orton toughs it out to stay in this and the fans rally up. Cody watches Orton go to ropes, stands him up and fires forearms. Orton fires back, this much he can still do! They go forearm for forearm, Cody whips, but Orton has the sleeper! BACK2BACKBREAKER! That was double-edged for Orton but he couldn’t help himself. Cody drags Orton to the corner, and bends him against the post! The ref reprimands and counts, the fans even boo, but Cody lets go at 4.

Orton clutches his back but Cody goes to the apron. The fans rally and Cody waits on Orton. Cody goes up the corner again, and he MISSILE DROPKICKS Orton down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Orton rises, and Cody KNEES him in the back! Cody clamps on a cravat for a neck wrench. Orton rises up, but Cody shifts to a full SLEEPER! Orton is already red, and he drops to a knee. The fans rally, Orton fights up to his feet, and the fans fire up as he RAMS Cody into the corner! But Cody holds on! Orton RAMS Cody again! Orton is free, runs back in, but Cody goes up and over! Orton fakes out the powerslam and LARIATS!

Orton rallies, dodges, then SNAP POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Orton’s back is still holding him back, but Cody is still tougher than all that. Both men slowly rise, and Cody crawls to the ropes. Orton stalks Cody, and brings him through the ropes! The fans fire up for this already, but Cody slips free! Cody wrenches and CLUBS Orton in the back! Cody shoves Orton, CLUBS him again, and then springboard, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Cody grows a bit frustrated but even he knows Orton is tougher than that. The fans rally and Cody goes up the corner! SUPER CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Orton survives again!

The fans rally for Orton as he crawls away to a corner. Cody storms over to Orton, throws body shots, then CLUBS Orton on the back. Cody whips, Orton reverses, but Cody tumbles up and out! Orton kicks Cody on the apron, then has him in the ropes! DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up with Orton, but that back still bothers him. The fans fire up more as Orton hears those voices in his head! Cody slowly rises, R K- NO! Cody dragon sleepers through, CROSS RHODES!! Cover, TWO!?! Orton survives and Cody is shocked! The fans fire up while Cody thinks on what he has to do. Cody watches Orton slowly sit up.

Cody goes to Orton, RKO OUTTRA NOWHERE!! Cover, TWO?!!? The fans can’t believe it but Cody survives! Orton seethes, “This is Awesome!” Orton aims from the corner?! Orton huffs ‘n’ puffs, but he is conflicted. The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” Orton did say he’d do anything to win, but this? Orton says screw it, and he runs up! But Cody dodges the punt! Cody grabs that leg, trips Orton, steps through and has the FIGURE FOUR! The fans “WOO~” as Cody makes Orton endure his mentor’s best hold! The fans rally, Orton reaches out, and Orton works to turn it! Orton turns it and has Cody in pain! But Cody turns it back over, ROPEBREAK!

The fans applaud as the leglock is let go. Orton now clutches a knee on top of his bad back, but the fans still rally up. Orton and Cody use the ropes to help them stand, and Orton fires a punch! Cody fires back! Orton scrambles away, stands back up, and he kicks low! But then Cody punches back! Orton punches again! Cody wobbles but he hits back! Orton and Cody keep going, the fans clearly on Orton’s side now. Orton HEADBUTTS, but Cody HEADBUTTS! Orton and Cody trade haymakers again, faster and faster, and then fast ‘n’ furious! Cody kicks low, KICKS high, then runs, CODY- RKO!! Cover, TWO?!?!

Cody survives and the fans can’t believe it! Orton seethes again, and he considers his options. Orton goes outside, gives a look to the crown, but then grabs a chair?! The fans are excited but the ref reprimands, this isn’t that kind of match! Orton and the ref fight over the chair, and Orton lets go. The fans boo the ref, but then Orton undoes a buckle pad! He learned a lot from Ric Flair, here’s another trick! Orton brings Cody up, and goes for the buckle! Cody blocks, fires hands, but now Orton blocks the buckle bump! Orton ELBOS Cody, Cody stops the RKO! Cody sends Orton into the steel!! CROSS RHODES!! Cover, Cody wins!!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (2025 King of the Ring)

The fans are torn but Orton only has himself to blame on this one. Orton tried to use tricks, but it came back to bite him. Two years in a row, and Orton falls short of the crown. And now, Cody is going to SummerSlam, primed to face a whoever is Undisputed WWE Champion after tonight. Nick Aldis is here to crown Cody, and Byron Saxton is there to interview the king. Big congratulations on winning, how does it feel to have a chance to reclaim the WWE Championship? Cody says first off, he has to thank Randy Orton for this match. Nothing but respect for the guy who mentored and defended Cody.

Orton is a future Hall of Famer, this won’t be his last time in Riyadh, so give it up for Orton! The fans cheer, and Cody says he is well-aware that this is an arduous path. First, he had to beat Jey Uso, the most beloved man in WWE. Then the modern day locker room leader, Randy Orton. And now, at SummerSlam, Cody either faces CM Punk or John Cena! Cody completely understands how the audience feels seeing him face these beloved names. But Cody was born to do this. Cena and Punk want that title for themselves, but they’re holding onto it for Cody! Because at SummerSlam, the quarterback gets the ball back!

Cody holds up the crown and gets the pyro, but will  he get the prize he truly wants at SummerSlam?

Street Fight: Rhea Ripley VS Raquel Rodriguez!

This rivalry dates back several years, to when both women were in NXT. And recently, their grudge has only gotten worse because of how the Judgment Day fallout has affected their careers. Blindside attacks and costing each other opportunities has all led to this! Will Mami be on top once again? Or will Ricky Desperado use anything and everything to tear her down once and for all?

The bell rings and the fans fire up for Rhea already. Raquel and Rhea stare down, then circle. They tie up, go around, and Raquel puts Rhea on the ropes. Raquel hits low, then TOSSES Rhea to a corner! Raquel blocks the boot, scoops Rhea, but Rhea slips free! Rhea kicks low, stomps and KNEE SMASH! Then DISCUS LARIAT! But Raquel stays up!? Rhea LARAITS again but Raquel shakes her head. Rhea ducks Raquel’s lariat, but not the SOUTHPAW! Raquel then scoops Rhea to FALL AWAY SLAM! Raquel grins as she storms up on Rhea, to scoop and FALL AWAY SLAM again! Rhea flounders away to a corner and Raquel soaks up the heat.

Raquel runs up but Rhea BOOTS her! Rhea goes up, up, and MISSILE- NO, Raquel dodges! Rhea flounders up, Raquel RAMS her into a corner, and then RAMS her again and again! Raquel digs her shoulder in, then fires back elbows over and over! Raquel lets off to catch her breath and the fans boo. Raquel CHOPS Rhea, then runs up to SPLASH! Rhea flounders along the ropes but Raquel puts her on the ropes. Raquel ties Rhea up in the ropes and fires off body shots! Raquel talks trash, then CHOPS! Rhea kicks at Raquel but Raquel taunts her. Raquel CHOPS, then she goes outside to look under the ring.

Raquel grins as she brings out chairs and kendo sticks! Raquel puts those in the ring, and Rhea panics! Raquel SMACKS her with the kendo stick! Raquel tells the ref to watch himself, then SMACKS Rhea again! Rhea stands but she gets another SMACK for it! Rhea slumps down but Raquel has the chair! Raquel aims, but Rhea BOOTS the chair into Raquel’s face!! Rhea powers out of the ropes, then runs to DROPKICK Raquel out of the ring! Rhea RAMS Raquel into the steel steps! The fans fire up while both women are down! They cheer Rhea on, and she clears off the Arabic announce desk! But she sets the hood up on barriers?

Rhea brings Raquel up and SMACKS her off the desk! The fans fire up again as Rhea climbs up onto the desk. Rhea drags Raquel up to join her, and aims for the hood?! Rhea reels Raquel in, but Raquel fights the suplex! Raquel fires body shots, but Rhea HEADBUTTS! Raquel flops down and Rhea steadies herself. The fans fire up again as Rhea aims, CANNONBALL! Raquel blocks that?! And she POWEROMBS Rhea through the hood!! Rhea hits the floor below and the fans lose their minds! The ref checks on Rhea and she’s somehow still in this. Raquel flounders away to the ring and stands back up while the fans rally behind Rhea.

Raquel goes looking for more items, and she brings out a TABLE! The fans cheer that, who doesn’t love tables? Rhea stirs in the wreckage of the hood while Raquel puts the table in the ring. Raquel sets the table up, leaning it against a corner. Raquel then fetches Rhea, SMACKS her off the desk, then SMACKS her off the apron. Rhea sputters and Raquel pulls the steel steps apart! Raquel puts that on the apron, then brings Rhea up, but Rhea blocks the bump! Rhea SMACKS Raquel off the steps! The fans cheer as Raquel falls over! Rhea then gets an idea, and she takes off her belt! The fans fire up as Rhea LASHES Raquel!

The fans fire up as the studded belt SMACKS and SMACKS and SMACKS Raquel again and again! Raquel retreats into the ring but Rhea pursues! Rhea SMACKS away on Raquel, and Raquel can only cower in the corner! Rhea RAMS Raquel, then lifts her up! Shoutout to Priest with the RAZOR’S EDGE! Then basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Raquel survives and Rhea is furious! The fans fire up while Rhea thinks on what else to do, but “This is Awesome!” Rhea has the legs, in a PRISM TRAP!! Raquel endures but Rhea pushes on the legs! Rhea thrashes, but ROXANNE PEREZ ATTACKS?!

Roxie tells Raquel to get up, but n ow Rhea spots her! Roxie panics, runs away, but Rhea chases her! Roxie dropkicks Rhea’s legs! Then tilt-o-whirl, but Rhea blocks the DDT! Rhea powers up to suplex Roxie to the floor! Roxie writhes, but Rhea goes looking for goodies. Rhea brings out a trashcan! Rhea storms upon Roxie, and puts the can around her! And then DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Roxie flounders inside the steel. But Raquel is up to scoop Rhea, and LAWN DART into the POST! Raquel puts Rhea in the ring, then THROWS her into the steel steps! Raquel goes up, up, TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO!!

Rhea survives and Raquel is shocked! The fans rally for Rhea but Raquel hauls her up. Raquel scoops for the TEXANA- NO, Rhea RANAS! Raquel avoids hitting table, and she comes back to BOOT Rhea! Rhea sputters but Raquel looms over her. The fans chant “You Suck!” Raquel says if that’s what they think, then watch this! Raquel puts the table sideways in the ropes! Raquel scoops Rhea, but Rhea slips free! Rhea shoves Raquel into the table’s edge! ENZIGIRI! Both women are down, and Rhea looks up to see the table! The fans fire up and Rhea climbs the corner. Rhea drags Raquel up to SMACK her off the table again and again!

The fans cheer, but now they’re worried as Rhea drags Raquel right up onto the table. Rhea pump handles Raquel, for a SUPER DUPER RIPTIDE!! Cover, RHEA WINS!!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall

Now that was some brutality! Rhea overcame Raquel AND Roxanne, and now Mami is on top! But will this help Rhea return to the mountaintop with a title opportunity?

Sami Zayn VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux!

For months now, the Underdog from the Underground has had to deal with Mr. Doomsday talking to him like he knows him. Kross says Sami will never make it to that world title level if he keeps lying to himself. But will Sami show that is Kross is just a bully? Or will there be some truth to what Kross has been saying?

The bell rings and the fans fire up behind Sami. Kross grins as he and Sami circle. The fans sing, “Sami Zayn~! Sami! Sami Zayn~!” The two tie up, Kross powers Sami to a corner but Sami turns things around. Kross dares Sami to take a shot but Sami backs off. The fans rally and Kross smirks. Sami and Kross circle, tie up, and Kross pulls hair to put Sami in the corner! The ref counts, Kross lets go, but Sami pie faces Kross. The fans cheer and Kross nods. Kross wants Sami to get down and dirty, so this is a start. They tie up, Kross KNEES low then throws hands! Kross beats on Sami at the ropes, stomps away, but stops as the ref counts.

Scarlett taunts Sami, Kross runs up, but Sami dodges to CHOP! CHOP! CHOP! Sami fires off a flurry and the fans fire up! The ref counts, Sami stops, and Sami whips. Kross grabs ropes, but Sami LARIATS Kross up and out! The fans fire up as Sami builds speed, and Sami fakes Kross out to Arabian Press backflip! The fans cheer and now Kross is frustrated. Scarlett calms Kross down, whispers some ideas, but Sami grabs at Kross! Kross drags Sami out of the ring to DECK him! Kross stomps Sami’s hand, kicks him around, but the fans boo. Kross whips Sami, Sami goes up the barriers to QUEBRADA! The fans fire up as Sami knocks Kross down!

Sami fires up and the fans are with him. Sami puts Kross in the ring, but Kross gets Sami for a DOOMSDAY SAIDO! Kross stomps on Sami, then puts him on the ropes. Kross fires forearms, then whips Sami to ELBOW him down! The fans boo but Kross soaks it up. Kross paces, covers, ONE!! Kross smirks as he stalks Sami to a corner. Kross CHOKES Sami on the ropes but the ref counts. The fans sing for Sami as Kross lets off, but Scarlett is there to taunt Sami more. Kross hauls Sami up, puts him on the top rope, and then climbs up to join him. Sami fires elbows and Kross falls! But then Kross is back up to CLUB Sami!

Kross has Sami in the Tree of Woe and stomps a mudhole in! Kross says Sami is a liar, he’s lying to himself! Kross drags Sami out of the Tree, covers, TWO! Kross rains down fists on Sami but the fans still rally. Kross hammers away on Sami, Scarlett loves it, but the fans boo. Kross taunts Sami, and he rains down more shots! Kross laughs as he keeps beating up on Sami! Sami hits back! The fans fire up as Sami fights from below! Sami rises, but Kross knees low! Kross whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS! The fans fire up and Sami throws hands and CHOPS! Sami climbs up to rain down fists!

The fans count, and we go all the way to TEN, then past ten! Sami pushes Kross down, then goes up to AX HANDLE! Sami climbs up, but he has to leap over Kross! Kross comes back to fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Kross grows frustrated. Kross aims from a corner while the fans rally up. Sami sits up, Kross grins as he clamps on the SLEEPER! But Sami snapmares free! BLUE- NO, Kross fights Blue Thunder with elbows! Kross wrenches for another DOOMSDAY SAIDO! The fans boo but Kross soaks it up. Kross winds the hands of time, Sami stands up, KROSS- NO, Sami gets around the hammer to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!

Kross survives and Sami is beside himself! The fans rally behind Sami and he rises up. Sami drags Kross up, but Kross is a ragdoll. Sami still tries to stand Kross up, but Kross uses that to waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX! Kross grins as he again suckers Sami in. Then Kross hits another GERMAN SUPLEX! Kross says night-night! Kross scoops Sami, but Sami slips free! Sami clinches and CORNER EXPLODER! Kross is down and the fans fire up! Sami goes to the far corner and he takes aim! HELLUVA- NO, Kross catches Sami into the KROSSJACKET SLEEPER!! Sami flails, reaches out, and the fans rally as hard as they can!

Sami is red like his hair, but Kross drops into the body scissors! Sami fights around, reaches out, and the fans rally up! Sami is red, and his arm drops once! His arm drops twice! But then Sami comes back to life! The fans fire up again as Sami fights his way over! Kross squeezes tight, but Sami manages to turn! Kross hurries to rear mount as part of the sleeper! Sami is fading again, but Kross says, “I told you!” Sami gets a third wind and he gets the ROPEBREAK! Kross lets go but Sami sputters around. Kross stands Sami up, “What’s wrong with you?!” Kross runs corner to corner, and he LARIATS!

Kross wants Sami to say it! He SLAPS Sami, tells him to admit he is a liar, then runs again. LARIAT! Kross tells Sami to admit it! “Kross told the truth!” Kross runs, but Sami HELLUVA KICKS!! Sami falls to the cover, SAMI WINS!

Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall

Sami took everything Kross threw at him and turn this around in the blink of an eye! Kross’ pride came before his fall, will the truth free Sami of the taunting torment?

WWE United States Championship: Jacob Fatu VS Solo Sikoa!

You can’t choose your family, but you can choose how you treat them. And in the case of the Samoan Werewolf and the would-be Tribal Chief, being treated like he was just some animal was not cutting it for Jacob. Will he show Solo what happens when you talk down to your family? Or will Solo find a way to usurp another throne?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who keeps it 100, YADADA MEAN?!

Solo CLOBBERS Fatu before the bell! Then he POSTS him! The fans boo but Solo rains down fists! The ref backs Solo off, but Solo goes back for more hands! The ref backs Solo down again and Solo soaks up the heat. But Fatu gets Solo by the neck! Fatu puts Solo in the corner, SPLASHES and HEADBUTTS, then stomps and rains down hands! Fatu backs off at 4, but then goes back for more stomps! The fans fire up and Fatu brings Solo up. Fatu whips corner to corner, then runs in, but Solo BOOTS him! Fatu stays up and UPPERCUTS Solo down! The fans rally as Fatu puts up his one. Is that for a certain someone?

Fatu lines up a shot on Solo and says, “You should’ve known!” Fatu says he gave Solo everything he had! Fatu runs corner to corner but Solo bails out! The fans boo but Solo knows better. But Fatu goes up the steps and FLYING LARIATS! Fatu drags Solo up and puts him in the ring. SENTON! And then another SENTON! Fatu says he’s got something for Solo’s ass! BEST MOON- NO, Solo bails out again. The fans boo but Solo knows that move too well. Fatu builds speed and DIVES into a right! Solo drags Fatu out to APRON URENAGE! And then an URENAGE to the floor! The fans tell Solo off but he leaves Fatu behind.

The fans boo but Solo waits on Fatu. Fatu slowly rises up, the ring count passes 5 of 10, but Fatu is back in the ring. Solo says Fatu should’ve just listened to him and obeyed orders. Solo throws hands, then stomps away at the ropes. The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, and he taunts Fatu. Fatu rises but Solo puts him in the corner. Fatu blocks the uppercut to throw haymakers! The fans cheer, Fatu backs Solo down, then whips corner to corner. Fatu runs in, Solo dodges and Fatu’s splash hits POST! The fans boo but Solo goes corner to corner! HIP ATTACK! Solo mocks Fatu’s geeking out but the fans still boo.

Solo storms up on Fatu and taunts him. Solo drags Fatu up but the fans tell Solo off again. Solo pushes Fatu around, then clamps on a chinlock. Solo says Fatu should’ve just listened to him. Solo gave Fatu everything, but Fatu never really loved him! The fans rally as Fatu endures and pries at the hold. Solo powers Fatu down to the mat and grinds the hold. Solo says he loved Fatu, but now he has to take Fatu out. Solo mocks the “All gas, no brakes” catchphrase, but Fatu still fights up! The fans rally as Fatu rises! But Solo ROCKS Fatu! Solo pie faces Fatu and says he looks stupid now. Solo throws hands, insists Fatu should’ve listened, but Fatu shoves Solo!

Solo swings but Fatu counter punches! The fans fire up as Fatu fires shots! Solo dodges and waistlocks, GERMAN SUPLEX! But Fatu rises up!? Solo mocks Fatu again, but Fatu has the waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX! Fatu then SUPERKICKS Solo to a corner! HIP ATTACK! And then an IMPALER DDT! Fatu goes to the corner, climbs up, and SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO! Solo survives and Fatu is beside himself. The fans rally up and sing “OLE~, OLE OLE OLE~! FATU~, FATU~!” Fatu rises, he drags Solo up just to HEADBUTT him down! “All gas, no brakes with it!” Fatu HEADBUTTS Solo again, then goes to the corner.

The fans fire up, but wait! JC Mateo runs out here! He didn’t accompany Solo to the ring just for this moment! But wait, who is this? TANGA LOA trips Fatu up!! The fans fire up as the Silverback gives Fatu a MAGIC KILLER!! The fans are torn but Solo covers, TWO!?! Fatu wins and the fans fire up again! Solo is stunned but that screw job wasn’t enough! Loa & JC coach Solo up and he says Fatu should’ve listened! SAMOAN- NO, Fatu dodges the spike to SUPERKICK! And then he HANDSPRING KICKS Loa off the apron! Fatu keeps moving, and he FOSBURY FLOPS to take out Loa & JC! The fans fire up as Fatu shows off even more athleticism!

Fatu hurries back in, and he gets Solo with a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! JC runs in, but Fatu SUPERKICKS him! And HIP ATTACKS in the corner! Fatu geeks out and he has Solo in the drop zone! BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, but someone else is here! HIKULEO drags Fatu outta the ring!! The fans go nuts as Hiku says Fatu messed up! Fatu had everything and he wasted it! CHOKE SLAM onto the desk!! The ref is too busy with Loa & JC to see this! Hiku TOSSES Fatu back in, and Solo grins. The rogue bloodline is only growing stronger, and now Solo has Fatu for the SAMOAN SPIKE!! Cover, SOLO WINS!

Winner: Solo Sikoa, by pinfall (NEW WWE United States Champion)

Solo needed new pawns to do it, but he has made himself a king again! Solo holds up the title, he gets the pyro, will these guerrillas soon run SmackDown?

Queen of the Ring Finals: Asuka VS Jade Cargill!

The Empress of Tomorrow made her return and promised the fire inside was only burning brighter. However, The Storm wants to prove she made the right move coming to the WWE. These forces of nature are about to collide and only one will be standing when the smoke clears! Who will be crowned the 2025 Queen of the Ring?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Asuka and Jade circle, feel things out, then Asuka grabs a leg! Jade fights the takedown with height alone, but Asuka waistlocks. Asuka ducks the elbows and the fans fire up behind Asuka. Jade and Asuka circle again, tie up, and Asuka grabs an arm! Jade powers out, the two go again, btu Asuka still wants an arm. Jade powers out again but Asuka swings around, IRON OCTOPUS! Jade powers through to SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Asuka is tougher than that but she does go to the apron. The fans rally up and Jade waits on Asuka. Jade runs up, but Asuka catches the boot!

Asuka DRAGON SCREWS in the ropes! Jade falls back and Asuka storms in. Asuka has a leg, steps over and stomps the leg. Jade clutches the knee but Asuka grabs that leg again. Asuka kicks away on the leg, then goes for the other, but Jade BOOTS her away! Asuka comes back to SLIDING KICK! Cover, ONE! Jade is still strong but Asuka stays calm. Jade slaps her leg into working and Asuka aims. Asuka KICKS Jade in the chest! Jade stays up but Asuka KICKS her again! Jade eggs Asuka on so Asuka KICKS! And KICKS! Jade blocks, then choke grips! But Asuka victory rolls thorugh, to a KNEEBAR!

Jade endures, reaches out, but the fans rally! Jade powers up, steps back, and she stacks Asuka! Then deadlifts for the WHEELBARROW GERMAN! Asuka is down but the fans rally up. Asuka goes to ropes, Jade rises up, and Asuka runs in. Jade blocks the shot to fire forearms! Jade whips, lifts, and SPINEBUSTERS! Jade fires up but the fans are torn. Asuka rises, Jade slaps her leg into working, and Jade runs to ELBOW Asuka in the corner! Jade reels Asuka into a scoop and FALL AWAY SLAM! Jade kips up and the fans fire up. Jade grimaces from the pain in her leg but she waits on Asuka. Asuka stands, into a SUPERKICK!

Asuka falls but Jade dares her to get up. Asuka stands, Jade choke grips, SLAM DUNK CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Asuka survives and the fans cheer but Jade grows frustrated. Jade chicken wings, but Asuka REAR HEADBUTTS! Asuka is free, Jade runs up, but Asuka ROUNDHOUSES! Jade falls, Asuka rests on the apron, and the fans rally up again. Asuka crawls after Jade, grabs a leg, but Jade kicks free. Asuka fires a forearm, Jade fires back, and the shots keep going! The fans rally as the shots keep going! Asuka and Jade trade shots but Jade gets the edge! But Asuka URAKENS! SOBATS! FRONT KICKS! CODE BREAKER!

Jade falls and the fans fire up with Asuka! Asuka runs up to HEEL KICK in the corner! Jade falls and Asuka goes up! The fans rally as Asuka reaches the top! MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Jade stays in this and Asuka grows a bit frustrated. Asuka still has the fans behind her as she brings Jade up. Asuka brings Jade around, wrenches, chicken wing, but Jade switches! Jade chicken wings but Asuka victory rolls! TWO, and Asuka BUZZ- NO, Jade gets under to lift and SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives and now Jade grows frustrated. Jade drags Asuka up but Asuka has the ARMBAR!!

The fans fire up as Asuka has Jade down! Jade powers up to clasp hands, but Asuka pries them right apart! The fans rally as Jade fights around! Jade rolls to a stack, TWO! Asuka lets Jade go, but Jade BOOTS her down! Jade hurries to chicken wing Asuka again, for JAD- no, Asuka kicks through and has her chicken wing! ASUKA LOCK!! Jade fights around and the fans fire up! Jade endures, fights and rolls back to a cover, TWO!! BUZZSAW!! Asuka BUZZSAWS again!! The fans fire up and Asuka aims from a corner! Jade sits up, Asuka runs up, but Jade waistlocks! Chicken wings, JADED!! Cover, JADE WINS!!

Winner: Jade Cargill, by pinfall (2025 Queen of the Ring)

A tough battle for both women as Asuka put Jade and herself to the test so soon after her return. But Jade’s strength saw her through, and now she will challenge for the WWE Women’s Championship at SummerSlam! Adam Pearce presents her with the crown, and Byron Saxton is there to interview her. Jade is now headed for a match with Tiffany Stratton, how does she feel? Jade says when she first entered the tournament, it felt like the world was on her shoulders. But y’know what? For the people out there who are doubting themselves, praise yourself because you are fighting through the boos! Don’t let them tell you who you are, you show them!

And the grind don’t stop! This storm is coming for SummerSlam! Jade is ready, and she gets the pyro as she raises the crown. But while #TiffyTime is on the clock, will everyone have to proceed with caution knowing Naomi is watching?

Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena VS CM Punk!

The Greatest of All Time and the Best in the World have are icons of their generation and influences upon the current, but the moment has come. This will be their final match against each other, and it is so fitting that it is for this title. Each man has copied the other as an attempt to belittle, yet it shows just how historic both men’s careers have been. But now, with no more time for talking or tricks, we see who is truly THE greatest! Who closes out Night of Champions as THE champion of the WWE?

The fans sing Cult of Personality for Punk, because “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk sits cross-legged in the ring as we all wait. And then the music hits for Cena! Fans of course sing, “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as Cena makes his way out in Riyadh green and gold now. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who has the last word on this storied rivalry!

The bell rings and the fans fire up as these icons circle. The dueling is thunderous and both men take a moment to soak that in. They tie up, go around, and Cena headlocks. Punk pries the hold open, they fight for top wristlock control, and Punk has Cena on his knees. The fans rally even harder as Cena powers up to go to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts. then gets in there, and the two let go. Cena and Punk reset as the fans continue their raucous dueling. Punk and Cena circle, tie up, and Punk headlocks. Cena fights up and pries the hold open. Cena wrenches, wristlocks, then snapmares to cover, ONE!

Punk and Cena reset again and they feel things out. They knuckle lock, but then Punk kicks one to wrench and hammerlock, then headlock. Punk hits the takeover, Cena hits the headscissors. Punk fights around, headstands and hops around to pop free. The fans applaud as Punk says You Can’t See Me! Cena is annoyed, he storms up, and the two tie up. Punk headlocks, Cena puts him in a corner, and the ref counts. Cena and Punk slowly let off, and Cena paces in frustration. The fans just keep on cheering and chanting, and the two tie up again. Cena wrenches an arm, then headlocks, but Punk powers up and out.

Cena RUNS Punk over, then takes a bow! The fans cheer as Punk and Cena reset. Punk eggs Cena on, the fans just get louder, and Cena gets more annoyed. Cena runs up to kick and DECK Punk! Cena HEADBUTTS Punk to the corner, then throws hands while Punk is in the ropes! Punk teeter-totters with every haymaker! The ref counts, Cena lets off, and Cena reels Punk in to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Cena hauls Punk right up to scoop and SLAM! Cover, ONE! Cena clamps onto Punk with a chinlock and he grinds Punk down. The fans rally, Punk fights up and powers out, but Cena RUNS Punk over! Cena keeps moving, Punk fireman’s carries!

Cena fights free and scrambles out of the ring! The fans boo but Cena knew he had to avoid going to sleep. Punk lounges on the corner while he waits on Cena. The fans cheer and Cena storms back into the ring. Punk and Cena reset, tie up, but Punk blocks a kick! Punk KICKS and KICKS then ROCKS Cena with a right! Cena goes for an octopus but Cena powers up to a fireman’s carry! Punk slips down to roll Cena up, TWO! Punk LARIATS! The fans fire up while Punk has Cena down! Punk brings Cena around, wrenches, and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS! Cover, TWO! Cena stays in this but Punk stays on Cena with an armlock.

Cena endures and the fans duel again. Cena fights up, Punk wrenches, and Punk YANKS the arm! And YANKS again! Punk then hooks Cena up for the IRON OCTOPUS! Punk throws elbows into Cena’s side, but Cena powers up to THROW Punk down! Cover, TWO! Cena grows frustrated but the fans rally up. Cena rains down fists on Punk while the fans duel. “This is Awesome!” as Punk flounders. Cena scowls and BOOTS Punk down! The fans boo but Cena waits on Punk. Punk slowly rises but Cena says okay. Cena runs to hit the SHOULDER TACKLE! And SHOULDER TACKLE! Then the SPIN-OUT BOMB!

The fans fire up as Cena is moving at normal speed for once! “You Can’t See Me!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Fireman’s carry, but Punk slips free to CALF KICK! And then a wrench and spin, NECKBREAKER! Punk runs corner to corner for the SHINING WIZARD! Then a short arm LARIAT! Punk says time to go up and the fans cheer! Punk climbs a corner, takes aim, and hail to the king with the MACHO ELBOW! The fans fire up as Punk says night-night! Fireman’s carry and GO TO- NO, Cena blocks the knee! Cena drags Punk down, S T F!! Punk endures as Cena pulls on the crossface! Punk reaches out, but he manages to drag Cena down! ANACONDA VICE!!

The fans rally and duel as Cena endures! Cena reaches, rolls, makes it a cover, TWO! Cena has the fireman’s carry! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!?! Cena is stunned that Punk survives! The fans rally even harder now as Cena waits on Punk. Punk stands, Cena fireman’s carries again, but Punk slips free! Punk kicks and DDTS! Both men are down and the fans cheer again! Punk grabs a leg and steps over?! S T F!! Punk uses Cena’s favorite hold and the fans fire up! Cena fights around, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Punk holds on! The ref counts, Punk lets go at 4, and Cena goes to the corner.

Punk runs in again, SHINING WIZARD! And then the BULL- NO, Cena stops that to SPIN-OUT BOMB! Cena wants it again! “You Can’t See Me!” Punk KICKS from below! And then fireman’s carries! GO- NO, Cena slips free! Cena swings, into another spin and- NO, Cena slips through to fireman’s carry! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT AGAIN!! Cover, TWO!?!? Punk survives yet again and Cena is beside himself! “This is Awesome!” as Cena watches Punk flounder. Cena drags Punk up, puts him on the top rope, and fans hope these two “Fight Forever!” Cena climbs up to join Punk, and he fireman’s carries!

The fans rally as Cena stands, but Punk fires elbows! Punk slips down, SHOVES Cena from the corner, then CROSBODIES! But Cena rolls through! Cena has the power to fireman’s carry again! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT for the THIRD time! Cover, TWO!?!?! The fans cannot believe it but Punk survives again! This is how much the title means to him! Cena drags himself up with the ropes while Punk rolls away. Cena looks to his title, and he goes over to it. The fans boo, they can already tell what Cena’s scheming. The ref tells Cena not to, but Cena brings the belt into the ring. Cena takes aim, but then Punk locks eyes with him.

The ref says don’t do it, the fans say don’t do it, and Punk’s eyes say Cena doesn’t need to do it. Cena tosses the belt away, fireman’s carries, but then Punk slips out! Fireman’s carry and GO TO SLEEP!! Cover, TWO?!?! Cena survives and the fans fire up again! Punk and Cena slowly rise, the fans duel as hard as they can, and Punk JABS! Cena fires a haymaker! Punk fires back! Cena kicks low! Punk fires haymaker after haymaker! Cena fires a body shot, a haymaker, and repeat! Punk fires a flurry! Then he swings, but Cena dodges! SHOULDER TACKLE! SHOULDER- NO, Punk ducks, the tackle hits the ref!

Punk fireman’s carries! GO TO SLEEP!! Cover, but the ref is down!! Punk would’ve won twice over by now! Punk is beside himself as he sees the ref is down and out quite literally. Punk calls for a second ref, but SETH ROLLINS shows up instead!! The fans go nuts, could this be Heist of the Century 2.0? Rollins has Heyman, Bron Breakker AND Bronson Reed with him! But wait, they’re not bringing a ref? Are they skipping the cash-in to instead screw Punk over? The Visionary and his muscle make it to ringside, takes his time taking off the suit jacket, and then takes his briefcase from The Wise Man.

Rollins points to the ring, and he unleashes the dogs! Punk fights off Bron & Bronson! Punk LARIATS Bron up and out, them BOOTS Bronson! Bronson comes back but Punk DUMPS him out! Punk PLANCHAS and manages to topple the monsters! But then Bronson is up to HEADBUTT Punk! Bron & Bronson DOUBLE POWERBOMB Punk through the Arabic announce desk! The fans boo, but they also chant for “O T C! O T C!” Wait, Rollins ushers to someone, and NOW a referee is here! Charles Robinson does a classic Lil’ Naitch run down the ramp, but CENA POUNCES HIM!!! Cena screws over Rollins!

Cena gets in Rollins’ face, they argue about whose moment this is, and Rollins takes a swing! Cena dodges, then fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT on Rollins! But Bron & Bronson attack Cena now! The fans boo as the monsters mug Cena! But then wait! Here comes PENTA! The fans fire up as Cero Miedo takes a stand! Bronson beats on Cena and Bron goes up the ramp. Penta dodges Bron to then KICK, KICK, and KICK! Penta aims, SUPERKICK! But Bron stays up! Penta swings, but Bron catches him to BACKDROP him on the ramp! The fans bark as Bron beats Penta down, but here comes Sami Zayn!

The fans fire up as Sami takes a stand! Sami fires hands on Bron and they brawl up the ramp! Sami SMACKS Bron off barriers, then punches away as they go towards the stage! Bron TACKLES Sami, throws more hands, then shoves Sami. Wait, Penta is up! Penta FLIES and takes Bron and Sami down! The fans fire up but Bronson still has Cena in the drop zone! Bronson climbs, but Punk SHOVES Bronson down! Bronson staggers into a fireman’s carry! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT on Auszilla!! The fans fire up as the champion and challenger end up allies! But then they find they’re the only two left in the ring.

“This is Awesome!” as Punk and Cena stare down. They step up, and with the fans singing for them, Punk offers a handshake? Cena is surprised, the fans are torn, but Cena takes it! They hug it out! But then that look on Cena’s face…! LOW- NO! Punk blocks the low blow to fireman’s carry! But Cena slips free, and Rollins CLOBBERS Punk with the briefcase! CUR BSTOMP for Punk!! But Cena TOSSES Rollins! The ref counts the cover, CENA WINS!!

Winner: John Cena, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Champion)

No one can believe it, but Cena survives the chaos! Rollins tried to screw Punk over, but he may have screwed himself! Cena is now heading to SummerSlam still the Never-Seen Seventeen! But will he finish out the year as the Last Real Champion? Or will Cody Rhodes have his revenge soon enough?

My Thoughts:

A great Night of Champions, even for having outcomes I expected. Cody VS Randy was a great opener, and though the fans wanted Randy to win by the end of it, Cody was of course going to win. King of the Ring appointing a #1 contender to the Undisputed Championship, Cody winning to get his rematch was a given. Similarly, it made sense for Jade to win because she and Naomi can continue their feud through the WWE Women’s Championship. It just seems a shame that SmackDown got BOTH crowns and Raw got nothing… But at the same time, Raw’s been doing better overall so SmackDown really needed these top title stories to get viewership back.

Rhea VS Raquel was an awesome Street Fight, and it even worked for Roxie to get involved given she’s trying to make good with Raquel and Judgment Day. Rhea coming out on top even with that was a bit surprising, though. That Riptide off the table was risky but thankfully it worked out. And while I don’t know who could, I wonder if someone teams with Rhea in hopes of getting the tag titles off Raquel. To be fair, this should be more like Rhea going back to the Women’s World Championship story, even if she has to face Asuka as part of it.

Sami VS Kross was really good, but I would think this story isn’t done with just one match. Kross surely feels he’s close to turning Sami, and a couple more matches could be just the thing. Great match from Fatu VS Solo, and I’m glad to finally see Hikuleo on main WWE programming. Now, they were very careful on commentary to not call him Hikuleo, because the rumors were and still are that “Talla Tonga” is on file. But either way, it seems the Tongans are still on Solo’s side, and once Tama Tonga is back, Solo’s faction will be back up to five. A shame Jimmy didn’t show up, he could’ve fought off Loa and/or JC while Hiku showed up, but oh well.

And of course, great stuff with the main event. Cena and Punk did great busting out all the classics, and Cena was definitely fighting against the “You Can’t Wrestle” talk by actually doing some headlocks and technical moves. But as I figured, Seth Rollins would try to cash-in, only for it to backfire. It was still very clever for Cena and Punk to inadvertently work together against Rollins, and kudos to Charles Robinson for taking that body check from Cena. But in the end, Cena stays Heel, stays champion, and keeps this story on course for Cena VS Cody 2, probably on Night Two of SummerSlam, and that is when Cody wins the title back.

My Score: 9/10