The upcoming WWE Night of Champions is set to feature a major title defense, as John Cena prepares to put his Undisputed WWE Championship on the line. However, CM Punk’s recent brutal encounter with Cena on Friday Night SmackDown throws the highly anticipated showdown into doubt, forcing speculation on possible John Cena WWE Championship contenders should Punk be unable to compete.
Tension Mounts After Cena’s Friday Night SmackDown Assault
The rivalry between John Cena and CM Punk reached a violent extreme when Cena attacked Punk on SmackDown, targeting him with a low blow and delivering a devastating Attitude Adjustment through a table. Punk remained down for several minutes, visibly injured, while Cena delivered fierce words over his fallen opponent. The vicious nature of the assault now raises serious concerns about Punk’s ability to recover in time for Night of Champions, leaving WWE management to consider emergency replacements for the marquee championship match.
The upcoming event, billed as a battleground for the Undisputed WWE Championship, stands at a crossroads. With so much uncertainty swirling around Punk’s health following the attack, the question of who might fill his spot is front and center for fans and company officials alike.
Potential Replacements for CM Punk in the Championship Match
If CM Punk is forced out due to injury, several prominent superstars emerge as possible candidates to face John Cena. Each carries a unique storyline and connection to both the current landscape and past with Cena, creating a complex atmosphere as the decision looms.
1. Cody Rhodes: The American Nightmare’s Redemption Path
Cody Rhodes has solidified his place as one of WWE’s top performers since his return in 2022, having scored both Tag Team and World Championship victories. Despite his rapid success, Rhodes suffered a crushing setback when he lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to John Cena at WrestleMania, an outcome heavily influenced by interference from Travis Scott. Currently, Rhodes is striving to win the King of the Ring tournament for another shot at the top prize.
If fate intervenes and Punk is sidelined, Rhodes could be slotted directly into the Night of Champions main event, bypassing the need to win King of the Ring. This would give him a rare chance to right the wrongs of WrestleMania, possibly reclaim the coveted championship earlier than expected, and resume his hard-fought rivalry with Cena.
2. R-Truth: A Fan Favorite With Unfinished Business
R-Truth has captured the spotlight with unexpected developments in recent weeks. After a surprise match against John Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event, the wrestling world was shocked when WWE decided not to renew Truth’s contract. The move triggered visible outrage among fans, prompting Triple H to intervene and facilitate Truth’s immediate return at Money in the Bank, where he launched an attack on Cena. Their conflict reignited on SmackDown as the two clashed once more, underscoring the simmering volatility between them.
Given this backdrop of personal animosity and mounting disputes, WWE leadership—particularly Triple H—may opt to thrust Ron Killings, better known as R-Truth, into the championship spotlight if CM Punk cannot step into the ring. The bitter rivalry makes Truth a compelling choice, with both fans and adversaries eager to see how this unfinished business unfolds on one of WWE’s biggest nights.
3. AJ Styles: The Phenomenal One’s Pursuit of Double Gold
AJ Styles is already scheduled for a match at Night of Champions, set to challenge Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship—a title he has previously held. However, Styles is recognized throughout WWE as a workhorse, never shying away from high-stakes competition or double duty. If CM Punk is ruled out, Styles could conceivably be called upon to compete twice in one night, adding a showdown against John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Historically, Styles and Cena share a fiercely competitive rivalry, with memorable clashes and championship stakes heightening their story. For Styles, facing Cena again—and having the chance to win two different titles in one evening—would cement his legacy as one of WWE’s most relentless stars. It also adds a dramatic twist for fans hoping to see The Phenomenal One seize another world title under extraordinary circumstances.
4. Sami Zayn: The Underdog Aiming for Validation
Sami Zayn occupies an emotionally charged space in WWE, driven by the aspiration to silence his doubters, including outspoken skeptics like Karrion Kross. Although Zayn advanced to the King of the Ring semifinals, he suffered defeat at the hands of Randy Orton on Friday Night SmackDown, leaving his Night of Champions status uncertain.
This disappointment, though, could become a launching pad if Zayn is granted the opportunity to challenge Cena in the absence of CM Punk. A title shot at Night of Champions would offer Zayn the chance to prove himself under the brightest lights, potentially dethroning a legendary champion and cementing his place in the main event echelon. Regardless of the outcome, the mere prospect of a major championship match signifies Zayn’s growing relevance within the upper ranks of WWE.
What Awaits at Night of Champions?
The unpredictability in the aftermath of Friday Night SmackDown has left the Night of Champions card hanging in the balance. John Cena’s actions against CM Punk have introduced uncertainty around WWE’s long-awaited title bout and placed the spotlight on a select group of superstars poised to step up if needed. Whether it is Cody Rhodes seeking redemption, R-Truth reigniting his rivalry, AJ Styles chasing dual championships, or Sami Zayn looking for long-awaited validation, Night of Champions is primed for dramatic developments that could reshape the main event scene. Fans and industry insiders alike are bracing for WWE’s decision, which will determine not only Cena’s next challenger, but also the direction of the championship narrative moving forward.
