Glistening under the Arabian sun, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia became the wrestling hub for WWE’s Night of Champions 2023, starting unusually early at 1 p.m. ET. The most anticipated event was the World Heavyweight Championship tournament’s finale.
Beyond the coveted title match, notable bouts included Brock Lesnar vs. Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa taking on Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens for the tag team titles, and Bianca Belair’s defense against Asuka for the Raw Women’s Championship. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Seth Rollins vs. AJ Styles: Touted by many as main event-worthy, these athletes vied for the World Heavyweight Championship title. The crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable, especially for Rollins. In a spectacular showdown of wrestling finesse, Rollins ultimately overcame Styles, securing the title with Triple H’s belt presentation. Grade: A
Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus: A fierce face-off that saw Stratus dominate initially. However, Lynch’s resilience was evident. Unfortunately, some missteps and interventions from Zoey Stark overshadowed their performance. Stratus secured a win but it wasn’t as smooth as fans hoped. Grade: C+
Mustafa Ali vs. Gunther: Gunther showcased his dominant side, but Ali’s agility made it an engaging fight. Despite a valiant effort from Ali, Gunther retained his title. Grade: B-
Bianca Belair vs. Asuka: The title rematch saw intense exchanges, but a misdirected mist spray from Asuka gave her the edge to win. The bout didn’t surpass their previous WrestleMania face-off but was commendable. Grade: B-
Rhea Ripley vs. Natalya: A disappointingly short bout. Ripley’s dominance was unquestionable, and Natalya’s loss felt inevitable. Grade: Incomplete
Brock Lesnar vs. Cody Rhodes: Rhodes showcased immense heart, but Lesnar’s brute strength was too much to handle. The fight ended with Lesnar’s victory but told a compelling story of courage and perseverance. Grade: B
Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa: As the main event, the stakes were high. With story-driven wrestling and unexpected interventions from The Usos, the atmosphere was electric. The outcome was dramatic, fitting for the climactic match of the night.
Throughout the event, the production quality stood out. From Seth Rollins’ flamboyant jacket to Asuka’s incredible face paint, the intricate details enhanced the viewing experience.
In conclusion, WWE’s Night of Champions 2023 delivered a wrestling extravaganza that showcased grit, determination, and sportsmanship. Each bout was a testament to the athletes’ dedication and the passionate fandom they inspire.
