CM Punk apologizes to Saudi Arabia after a controversial tweet resurfaced ahead of the Night of Champions event, Roman Reigns‘ comeback to WWE is being hinted at, and notable NXT stars confirm a new relationship. These developments have drawn significant attention in the lead-up to a major weekend for the organization.
As anticipation builds for Night of Champions 2025, WWE is abuzz with title changes, high-profile apologies, major returns, and fresh drama among its stars. The following events on and off screen have helped shape the current landscape, offering fans plenty to discuss as storylines develop and real-life moments intersect with wrestling entertainment.
Changes and Surprises on Friday Night SmackDown
Friday Night SmackDown’s final episode before Night of Champions delivered three championship bouts. Most titles remained with their holders, but the Women’s United States Championship saw a notable shift. Zelina Vega, who had been champion since the championship’s introduction last year, defended her title against Giulia. In a decisive finish, Giulia landed two knee strikes before connecting with her signature move, defeating Vega and securing her place as only the third woman to hold the Women’s United States Championship.
This title change added new intrigue ahead of the pay-per-view, as Giulia’s victory challenges the existing order among WWE’s female competitors. Vega now faces questions about her next steps, while Giulia’s win places her in the spotlight on the blue brand.
Roman Reigns’ Highly Anticipated WWE Return
The wrestling world continues to speculate on Roman Reigns’ comeback following his time away after a post–WrestleMania 41 attack involving Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker. While focusing on work outside WWE, including being cast as Akuma in an upcoming Street Fighter film, fan interest in Reigns has remained strong. Reports from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter suggest that Reigns is expected to return soon, likely to set up a central feud at the first-ever two-night SummerSlam Premium Live Event in New Jersey.
No official word has emerged regarding the storyline or future opponents, but with Rollins and his faction highlighted as likely rivals, Reigns’ return is positioned to become a summer centerpiece for the brand.
CM Punk Addresses Past Remarks Toward Saudi Arabia
Controversy from 2020 returned for CM Punk when a tweet aimed at The Miz was interpreted as criticism against Saudi Arabia. Prior to Night of Champions, a fan approached Punk during the Kickoff Show, pressing him for an apology for the years-old statement. Punk responded by clarifying his intent, emphasizing that the tweet targeted only The Miz rather than the country as a whole, and offered an explicit apology to those offended.
“This guy wants me to apologize to him for a mean tweet I wrote six years ago. Listen, it legitimately had nothing to do with Saudi Arabia. I woke up, and I was crabby, and I wrote a mean tweet to The Miz. I apologized to The Miz, and Mohammed, I sincerely apologize to you and all of Saudi Arabia,”
Punk said. —CM Punk, multi-time world champion
With this direct statement, Punk addressed concerns among WWE’s global fanbase ahead of his high-stakes match against John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship in Saudi Arabia, seeking to ease tensions and refocus attention on the upcoming contest.
WWE Stars Confirm New Relationship
Beyond the ring, NXT’s Myles Borne and Stephanie Vaquer confirmed recent speculation regarding their personal lives. Vaquer, who has drawn attention with her standout performance in the Women’s Royal Rumble, was rumored to be in a relationship with Borne. The rumors were further fueled by NXT’s Oba Femi, and were ultimately publicly confirmed when Borne responded to Lexis King on social media, proudly calling Vaquer his “Chilean queen.”
“I’ll be with my Chilean queen. See you soon,”
Borne posted on X/Twitter. —Myles Borne, NXT wrestler
Currently, Vaquer is active on WWE’s main roster, while Borne has departed from the No Quarter Catch Crew, shaping new dynamics across both brands. Their pairing has generated interest among fans and within WWE, marking a new chapter for both talents as they navigate their respective paths in the company.
Looking Ahead to Night of Champions
The events unfolding before Night of Champions 2025 set the stage for further developments across WWE. Giulia’s rapid rise, Roman Reigns’ impending return, CM Punk’s public effort to address controversy, and the confirmation of a new star couple all highlight the interconnected personal and professional narratives that fuel fan enthusiasm. With these stories in motion, the upcoming pay-per-view promises significant moments that could shape the company’s trajectory and the careers of its top performers.
