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WWE ‘Night of Champions’ 2025: The Top Six Takeaways

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: WWE

Night of Champions from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia went off as planned on Saturday, June 28, even though there were talks about concerns of the WWE traveling to the Middle East. However, with the current Iran and Israel ceasefire, and much money and major matches on the line, it was all systems-go for the premium live event streamed on Peacock.

As in any good soap opera, the storyline potentials coming out of Night of Champions, will be ones being talked all over social media by the WWE Universe leading up to August’s SummerSlam and beyond.

First, I think it should be noted that referee Charles Robinson was the MVP of the card, getting tossed around, running sprints and always in the line of fire. Kudos to Chuck! Now below, let’s get into the top six takeaways from six matches on the card at Night of Champions.

Photo: WWE

A HEEL IS A HEEL?

The main event featured John Cena defending his WWE Undisputed Championship against longtime rival, CM Punk. Both veterans put on one of their best matches in their decades long feud. But the WWE couldn’t just leave the two to battle it out, it was time for the run-ins to begin.

HOWEVER, before that happened, Cena went outside the ring to grab his championship belt to use as a weapon on Punk, as he has done religiously to attain victory against his other opponents since his heel run began. Things almost took a turn, when the crowd in Saudi Arabia was able to talk Cena out of using it on Punk. Next, as the match continued, Cena accidentally knocked the referee out of the ring and onto the floor.

Photo: WWE

As Punk had the match won with a Go To Sleep, the referee was still out, so there was no one to make the count. Cue Mr. “Money in the Bank” Seth Rollins. Along with his faction and Paul Heyman by his side, he came down the ring ramp faced with an interesting decision. Go after his arch-enemy Punk and cost him to lose the match, or try to cash-in on Cena and win the belt.

Next, the aforementioned Charles Robinson comes down the ramp, only for him to be annihilated by Cena as he goes flying. Now inside the ring, it looked like Cena and Punk came together for one sweet moment to fend off Rollins and his sidekicks, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. We also had run-ins from Penta and Sami Zayn to help out Punk.

Photo: WWE

The crowd went nuts that after ridding the ring of Seth and his faction, Punk reached out his hand to Cena to shake it. And just as it appeared that Cena was seriously reconsidering his choice to end his retirement tour and go out a heel, they hug and Cena give us the heel face that started this run when he attacked Cody Rhodes. Punk was ready for his swerve, but Seth Rollins hit him in the head with the briefcase followed by his signature stomp, allowing Cena to retain the belt when the original ref “woke up” and got back into the ring for the count.

Photo: WWE

In the “Where does this go from here department?” – Do we see an eventual scenario before John Cena’s last match in December that he faces Seth Rollins, which at that point will have being the full babyface? It all depends on the SummerSlam main event which after the King of the Ring victory by Cody Rhodes, leaves fans with Cody vs. Cena – a rematch of April’s WrestleMania 41 main event.

KING CODY

The opener on the card was Cody Rhodes vs. his mentor, Randy Orton in the finals of the “King of the Ring” tournament and the chance to go to SummerSlam to wrestle for the title.

Photo: WWE

Shockingly, from the onset, the match featured a more aggressive Cody Rhodes, pummeling the injured back of Orton, bending his spine backwards on the ring post. Conversely, Orton hesitated on a Punt Kick because he was friend’s with Rhodes, which ultimately cost him during the match. However, towards the end of it, Randy was grabbing steel chairs and taking the turnbuckle cover off to expose the steel to injure Rhodes while the referee’s back was turned.

Photo: WWE

As the match came to its conclusion, Cody hit a Cross Rhodes for the win, but it was the aftermath and the great camera work by the WWE production team that set up the fact that a Randy Orton heel turn is now imminent. You could see it in his face as he went up the ring ramp, while Cody celebrated receiving the crown.

Photo: WWE

Coming out of this, look for a heel turn by Orton, who could possibly ruin Cody’s chance at winning back the championship from Cena at SummerSlam. UNLESS a double turn goes down between Cody and Cena! Confused??

BLOODLINE OUT OF THE BLUE

Jacob Fatu is one of the most popular wrestlers in the WWE right now. So, at first, you might think this outcome of having him lose the United States Championship to his cousin, Solo Sikoa, was a bad booking decision, but think again?

Photo: WWE

Fatu is so hot right now, we could see him gunning for the WWE World Championship currently held by Gunther at SummerSlam or beyond.

However, at Night of Champions, Jacob dropped the belt to Solo, with the help of the returning Tonga Loa and the debut of the giant Tala Tonga (formerly known as Hikuleo). This Samoan family dynasty has no end to it! And, it’s a good thing that with Tonga and Tala now by Solo’s side along with JC Mateo, we finally have a rejuvenated Bloodline 3.0 story.

Photo: WWE

The question is, does Fatu get into a storyline bringing back Jimmy and Jey Uso and perhaps a return by Roman Reigns to combat the bad guys, or would the WWE just leave Fatu alone and only have him primarily in singles competition? Stay tuned.

GIVE A GIRL A CHANCE

One of the best matches of the night belonged to Raquel Rodriguez and Rhea Ripley as they went at each other in a match billed as a “Riyadh Street Fight” were all weapons are fair game including: Kendo sticks, trash cans, steel steps, and a crazy move atop a wooden table atop the ring post!

Photo: WWE

The match should elevate Rodriguez, even though she lost to the Eradicator, Rhea Ripley. While she hasn’t won a lot of high-profile matches and is currently one-half of the WWE women’s tag team champs with the injured Liv Morgan, instead of putting her into a tag team with her Judgment Day team member, Roxanne Perez, maybe she could do OK in singles competition, if only given the chance! What do you say talent bookers?

A STORM IS COMING

As expected, Jade Cargill won the Women’s “Queen of the Ring” tournament and was crowned the victor following her match with Asuka. This sets up the potential of Jade going up against Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s championship at SummerSlam.

Photo: WWE

A reminder: Jade’s arch-enemy number one is Ms. “Money in the Bank” winner, Naomi. Either Naomi cashes in before SummerSlam on “Tiffy Time” and wins the belt forcing a Jade vs. Naomi match at the biggest event of the summer, OR Naomi gets the belt from Jade at SummerSlam. The wildcard in all of this is, what will the EST, Bianca Belair, have to say about all this when she returns to in-ring action following the injury to her hand?

SAMI and KARRION DESTINED TO BE TAG PARTNERS?

This was our least favorite match of the night, because the loss of Kross to Zayn, doesn’t really give Karrion, who has had little PLE time, to go anywhere. UNLESS, coming up, there is a moment where Sami needs saving and in a run-in by Kross, he actually helps Zayn and the two former rivals become a heel tag team? That would make the most sense, because this story feels incomplete coming out of Night of Champions.

Photo: WWE

Overall, this edition of Night of Champions had some exciting and buzzworthy matches with 3 out of 5 being notable. We give it a B+

Now below, check out the Michael Fairman Channel’s latest episode of its pro wrestling talk show series, What’s Up? Wrestling, where we break down the matches, and attempt to predict the future going into and out of SummerSlam.

So, what was your highlight and favorite moment from WWE Night of Champions 2025? Share your picks in the comment section.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16

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General Hospital’s 16,000th episode was packed with little reminders through points in today’s script that the ABC daytime drama series has set another milestone and it paved the way for the return of fan favorite and newly nominated Daytime Emmy Lead Actor nominee Steve Burton (Jason Morgan). The 16,000th episode also introduced viewers to the new surgeon in Port Charles Dr. Tristan Roberts played by Dean Geyer. 

Here are the key takeaways and what went down on the July 13 episode: Tristan and Jason are seated next to each other on a plane heading to Port Charles. Throughout the flight, a beaten up Jason has flashbacks to being thrown into, and being held captive in a cell and tortured. It appears Jason is suffering from some form of PTSD from what he was put through after being dragged out of Port Charles by the WSB months ago.

As the plane prepares to land, Tristan tells Jason there would be a car waiting for him once they land and to enjoy the rest of his life. Later, Tristan arrives at the nurses and doctors hub at GH and approaches Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst). He tells her his name and that he is the new surgeon on staff.

Photo: ABC

A REUNION PLUS A HEAD NURSE DEFENDS SONNY

Meanwhile, at the end of the episode, Jason is outside the Quartermaine boathouse looking bewildered when he runs into Danny (Asher Antonyzyn), who is so thrilled to see his father, and the two hugs each other as tears are shed.

Elsewhere, Elizabeth tells Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he thinks its a great idea for him to get the 16th seat on the hospital board, but when it comes times to convince Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) of that, things go awry when Tracy, Laura and Sonny try to work things out. After Tracy launches into Sonny about killing Alan and Monica’s son AJ, Sonny walks away dejected.

Next, Sonny runs into Elizabeth, where he informs her what happened with Tracy. So what’s a head nurse to do? Elizabeth marches into the conference room and reminds Tracy of all the different donations and ways Sonny has contributed to the hospital from the Stone Cates AIDS wing, to the Michael Corinthos Center for Pediatric Head Injuries as well as his constant support each year for the GH Nurses’ Ball.

Courtesy/ABC

WSB WAR SCARS

Then, in one of the best parts for longtime fans of the series, Elizabeth talks about her legendary grandparents, Audrey and Steve Hardy and she tells Tracy they would have wanted Sonny to have a seat on the board for all the good that he has done for the hospital. After Elizabeth states Sonny’s case, things took a turn and Tracy and Sonny wound up shaking hands as Sonny is board member #16.

In the how great was it to see Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) together scenes department, the pick-up of last Friday’s cliffhanger is played out as the two former lovers fill each other in on what has gone down in their lives in the last several months including Valentin admitting he had been living in Carly’s attic, and Anna realizing she was kidnapped by Cullum, Sidwell and Cassius Faison. During their conversation, Anna sees the hallucination of Peter August (Wes Ramsey) right while Valentin is standing there.

Courtesy/ABC

Later Anna was on her way to saying goodbye to Valentin, when the two share an emotional hug. After Valentin made his exit, Peter reappeared and warned Anna to not let Valentin distract her because she has important work to do. Anna answers, “I know.”

So, what did you think of General Hospital’s 16,000 episode? What do you think is wrong with Jason? What is the important “work” that Anna has to do? Were you glad to see Sonny get a seat on the hospital board, or not so much. Weigh-in via the comment section. But first, check out the scenes on Jason and Tristan’s long flight to Port Charles.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Jason Returns, Anna and Valentin Reunite

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This week on General Hospital begins with the ABC soap opera’s 16,000th episode which brings Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) back to Port Charles after being released by the WSB; all thanks to the deal made between Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) and Z (John Oliver).

On the same episode, the upshot of Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) coming face to face, and seeing each other for the first time in months plays itself out, and it may not be how you think. Josslyn hopes sending Valentin to the side of Anna, will break up his burgeoning relationship with her mother, Carly Spencer (Laura Wright), but will it?

It appears Valentin has a warning for Anna. In the GH video preview for the episode, Anna is seen saying “How do you know that?” What does Valentin know, and will he be the person that will catch on that she is being haunted by the ghost of Peter August (Wes Ramsey)?

Courtesy/ABC

In addition, look for the debut of Dean Geyer in his role of Dr. Tristan Roberts (named after the beloved late Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio), as he and Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) may have a tense exchange or two.

Then, in the aftermath of their argument, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) asks Chase (Josh Swickard)Did I push you towards Willow (Katelyn MacMullen)?” Is Chase going to admit his fixation with his ex-wife, or reassure his current wife that he is not interested in Willow? Stay tuned.

Finally, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) is seen talking to someone saying that the idea of this person filling the 16th seat on the hospital board is a great idea. Who is she talking to?

Check out the official GH spoilers for the week of July 13-17 below.

MONDAY, JULY 13
Milestone 16000th episode! Jason returns to Port Charles. Anna receives a warning. Laura’s choice appalls Tracy. Britt makes an accusation. Carly is caught off-guard.

TUESDAY, JULY 14
Jason explains his actions. Kai becomes privy to shocking information. Jordan strikes out. Elizabeth stands her ground. Valentin is suspicious.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
Anna seeks answers. Josslyn reveals a secret. Nina and Brennan plot their next move. Curtis voices his gratitude. Gio and Trina get big news.

THURSDAY, JULY 16
Emma and Gio discuss their future. Obrecht lashes out. Anna interrogates Britt. Isaiah interrupts Portia and Curtis. Cody delivers difficult news.

FRIDAY, JULY 17
Carly draws a boundary with Sonny. Valentin makes his feelings clear. Trina and Josslyn clear the air. Lulu cautions Ethan. Nina opens up to Brennan.

So, excited for Steve Burton’s return on tomorrow’s GH as Jason comes home? Are you rooting for Anna and Valentin to get back together, or are you hoping that Carly and Valentin continue their relationship, much to the chagrin of Josslyn? And, what should Brook Lynn do about her husband, Chase, who continually fights for Willow? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section, but first check out the preview teaser from GH for the Monday, July 13 episode below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell Offers Jordan a Way to Get Surgery On Her Face; Will She Cave and Comply with His Demands?

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On General Hospital, Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Jordan (Tanisha Harper) finally had it out at the PCPD. The scenes played out on the Thursday, July 9 episode of the ABC daytime drama series.

In story, Sidwell requested a meeting with Jordan. Angered, he wanted to know why she’d given the police the location of his safe house. After months of being undercover, Jordan finally admitted the truth!

Jordan reveals the entire time she was gaining his trust, she was working on the inside at SRE Worldwide, to find evidence against him and bring him down. Snidely, Jenz admitted he’d been suspicious initially of Jordan. However, she eventually won him over, and he saw the value in her being the pretty, public face of his criminal organization to throw everyone off.

Photo: ABC

Trying to make a deal to save his own skin, Sidwell offers to pay for restorative plastic surgery for Jordan’s face, and at the same renowned German clinic that had treated Michael (Rory Gibson) for his severe burns.

Sidwell tells Jordan if she would go to Zurich and empty some bank accounts for him, he will help her jump ahead of the long waiting list to get into the clinic. Defiant and standing up to him, Jordan turns down his offer.

Next, Sidwell threatens her intently, that he’ll find a way to pay Jordan back by making her life miserable. He tells her she will suffer and regret turning him down.

Once she exits the PCPD interrogation room, Jordan takes a deep breath, but brings her hands to the scars on her face from the car crash that injured her.

Is Jordan actually contemplating Sidwell deal to get her into the German clinic? If so, will she be the person to set him free into the world with loads of cash from his overseas bank accounts? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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