Night of Champions 2025: Top 5 Moments
WWE’s annual Night of Champions rolled into Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena this weekend, and as expected, the company pulled no punches — or RKOs, for that matter. The event served up shocks and more drama than a season finale of Home and Away. Here are the top five moments that stole the show in Saudi Arabia.
1️⃣ Cody Rhodes Becomes King of the Ring
Cody Rhodes went to war with Randy Orton in the King of the Ring final. Orton dished out a pair of RKOs that would’ve put most down for the count, but The American Nightmare refused to stay buried. A vicious exposed turnbuckle shot, followed by not one but two Cross Rhodes, sealed the deal. Crown on head, Rhodes now books himself a ticket to SummerSlam for a WWE Championship opportunity. Stardust, this ain’t.
2️⃣ Jade Cargill Claims Queen of the Ring Throne
Jade Cargill has officially arrived. In a hard-hitting clash against Asuka, Cargill showcased her freakish power and resilience, surviving the Asuka Lock and turning the tide with a thunderous “Jaded” finisher. With the Queen of the Ring crown now in her possession, Cargill’s ascension through WWE’s women’s division just went from hot streak to undeniable.
3️⃣ John Cena Retains Amid Absolute Chaos
In what could best be described as a WWE 2K Universe Mode match gone rogue, John Cena defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against CM Punk in a main event laced with interference. Penta, Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed all stuck their noses in, but Cena still stood tall. Love him or loathe him, the man’s clutch gene is still alive and well in 2025.
4️⃣ Rhea Ripley Wins Brutal Street Fight
Adelaide’s own Rhea Ripley threw hands, chairs, and kendo sticks at Raquel Rodriguez in one of the most savage women’s matches of the year. Ripley sealed the win with an Avalanche Riptide through a table — the kind of impact that sends loud a message. The Eradicator reminded the world why she’s one of WWE’s most dangerous forces.
5️⃣ Solo Sikoa Captures U.S. Championship
The Bloodline drama isn’t cooling off anytime soon. Solo Sikoa toppled Jacob Fatu to win the United States Championship in a match filled with Samoan pride and family tension. Hikuleo also made his debut, interfering on Solo’s behalf. It’s clear — Solo’s vision for The Bloodline’s future doesn’t include extended family.
PPV + PLE Content. Northern Adelaide suburbs resident with a lifelong passion for professional wrestling since the age of 14. What drew Rhys to wrestling was the antics of Eddie Guerrero and the freestyles of John Cena, and has been hooked ever since. Currently, Rhys watches WWE and AEW programing. This passion for wrestling has led to Rhys writing for PW Down Under, where he has become the resident PPV guy.
