WWE’s Night of Champions Premium Live Event has produced several memorable World Heavyweight Championship matches over the years. While some title bouts ended with the expected result, others left fans wondering whether the company missed an opportunity to crown a new champion.
From stars who were at the peak of their popularity to veterans who could have benefited from one last run at the top, several challengers arguably should have left Night of Champions with the World Heavyweight Championship around their waist.
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That said, in this article, we look at four times the WWE World Heavyweight Championship should’ve changed hands at Night of Champions but didn’t.
#4. Batista should have defeated Edge in 2008
By the time Night of Champions arrived, WWE fans had already watched Edge escape Batista‘s grasp multiple times. The Rated-R Superstar consistently found a way to retain the World Heavyweight Championship, often thanks to outside interference or controversial circumstances.
Night of Champions felt like the perfect opportunity to finally pull the trigger on Batista’s fourth World Heavyweight Championship reign. The Animal had already hit his signature Spinebuster and seemingly had the match won before Vickie Guerrero interfered and prevented the referee from completing the count. Later, Edge capitalized on the chaos by using the championship belt as a weapon before stealing the victory.
A Batista victory would have provided a satisfying conclusion to one of SmackDown’s biggest rivalries. Instead, Edge escaped with the title yet again. Ironically, Edge would lose the championship to CM Punk via a Money in the Bank cash-in on the following night’s RAW. Thus, making the Night of Champions finish feel even more frustrating in hindsight.
#3. Rob Van Dam should have dethroned Alberto Del Rio in 2013
When Rob Van Dam returned to WWE in 2013, the WWE Universe immediately got behind the former ECW Champion. His popularity was undeniable. Thus, many fans believed he had one more world title run left in him.
After earning a shot at Alberto Del Rio’s World Heavyweight Championship, RVD challenged The Mexican Aristocrat at Night of Champions 2013. Throughout the match, Van Dam showcased the high-flying offense that made him one of the most beloved stars of his generation. He looked capable of pulling off the upset.
However, towards the end of the match, Del Rio locked RVD in his finishing submission move, the Cross Armbreaker. RVD reached the ropes to break the hold, but Alberto Del Rio refused to let go. As a result, the referee disqualified the match.
The finish protected both men. However, it also prevented what could have been a feel-good moment. Van Dam’s return had generated significant excitement. Thus, Night of Champions would have been the perfect stage to reward fans with one final world title reign for the veteran superstar.
#2. John Cena should have dethroned Brock Lesnar in 2014
Following his destruction at SummerSlam 2014, John Cena entered Night of Champions looking for redemption against Brock Lesnar. Few fans gave the Cenation Leader much of a chance after Lesnar had dismantled him a month earlier, but the rematch turned out to be far more competitive than anyone expected.
Unlike SummerSlam, Cena took the fight directly to The Beast Incarnate. He survived multiple Kimura Locks, connected with several Attitude Adjustments, and repeatedly pushed Lesnar to the limit. As the match progressed, it became increasingly clear that WWE was telling a different story from their previous encounter.
By the closing stages of the bout, Cena appeared to be on the verge of capturing his 16th world championship. Lesnar had already absorbed four Attitude Adjustments and was in serious trouble. The challenger looked set to complete one of the greatest comebacks of his career.
Then Seth Rollins arrived. Mr. Money in the Bank stormed the ring and struck Cena with his briefcase. Thus, causing a disqualification. Rollins then attacked Brock Lesnar and briefly teased cashing in his contract before Cena chased him away. The chaotic ending allowed Lesnar to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship despite clearly being vulnerable.
There is a strong argument that WWE should have gone all the way and crowned Cena champion. The finish protected Lesnar, protected Rollins, and protected Cena. However, it also deprived fans of what would have been a shocking title change.
#1. AJ Styles should have defeated Seth Rollins to become the inaugural WWE World Heavyweight Champion in 2023
When WWE introduced the new World Heavyweight Championship in 2023, fans immediately began speculating about who should become the inaugural champion.
A 12-man tournament was held, with the final coming down to Seth Rollins and AJ Styles at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia. Rollins emerged victorious and became the first holder of the revived title. However, there is a strong case that Styles should have won instead.
The Phenomenal One had already achieved virtually everything there was to accomplish in WWE. However, by 2023, his opportunities at the very top of the card had become increasingly limited.
A victory over Rollins would have given Styles one final world title run. Thus, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest performers of his generation.
The Visionary went on to have an excellent reign. However, The Phenomenal One never received another realistic opportunity to hold a world championship after that match.
Given his legendary status and the respect he commands from the WWE Universe, Night of Champions 2023 arguably represented the perfect moment to crown AJ Styles as the inaugural World Heavyweight Champion.
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Edited by Steffi