WWE Night of Champions 2025 took center stage at Kingdom Arenaz in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on June 28, 2025, drawing a sellout crowd and millions watching worldwide, with John Cena WWE Night of Champions 2025 as the evening’s central storyline. The broadcast began with sweeping aerial shots of Riyadh, with Michael Cole highlighting the city’s reputation for major sporting spectacles. As WWE superstars including Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, Karrion Kross and Scarlett, Rhea Ripley, Jade Cargill, and C.M. Punk arrived, the audience reacted with significant enthusiasm, especially for Punk.
The mood was amplified with backstage footage of wrestlers preparing for their matches, each athlete facing the core question: Are you enough?
Cody Rhodes Triumphs Over Randy Orton in a Story-Driven Showdown
The King of the Ring final opened with Randy Orton entering first, followed by an emotional Cody Rhodes. Fans were visibly engaged, chanting and waving their phones in support. Cole observed that Orton held a 7-3 singles match advantage over Rhodes, while Barrett mentioned Orton’s status as a sentimental favorite due to past events with Gunther.
The bout started as both men reacquainted themselves, having not met one-on-one in 12 years. Orton utilized an early top rope suplex but immediately showed signs of back discomfort—an issue frequently mentioned by both Cole and Barrett. Cody targeted Orton’s lower back and executed a Disaster Kick for an early near fall.
Orton showed determination with a brief comeback but was visibly hindered, noticeably wincing and struggling. A draping DDT by Orton was met with a Cody Cutter in response, resulting in another near fall. Cody then executed a springboard Cody Cutter, but Orton countered soon after with a crowd-pleasing draping DDT.
Near the match’s end, both Rhodes and Orton traded intense counters. Orton went for an RKO, but Rhodes evaded, shoving Orton into an exposed turnbuckle and landing a Cross Rhodes for the decisive victory. Cody appeared visibly affected by Orton’s resilience and repeatedly tried to finish the contest, while Orton’s hesitation—particularly when attempting his signature Punt—proved costly.
Byron Saxton conducted a post-match interview with Cody, who expressed his respect for Orton and described the challenging path it took to reach this point. He proclaimed Jey Uso is
“the most beloved character in all of WWE.”
Rhodes acknowledged he will face tough competition at Summerslam, declaring,
“at Summerslam, I get the ball back.”
—Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
Rhea Ripley Prevails in a Brutal Street Fight Against Raquel Rodriguez
Rhea Ripley and Raquel Rodriguez renewed their rivalry in a street fight, a bout Cole described as must-win for Ripley amidst recent setbacks. Barrett contrasted Ripley’s command on the main roster with Raquel’s current struggles to adapt. The two exchanged powerful offense early, with Ripley eventually battering Rodriguez at ringside.
Raquel responded by powerbombing Ripley through the timekeeper’s area, intensifying the physicality. After introducing tables and steel steps, the momentum shifted multiple times. Ripley, at one point, whipped Raquel with her belt and attempted a Razor’s Edge, while Perez entered the fray, targeting Ripley on behalf of The Judgment Day faction. Perez’s attack was ultimately neutralized, and Ripley regained control, culminating with a Riptide delivered atop a shaky ringside table for the win.
Despite the danger of the match’s closing move, both competitors emerged unharmed. The outcome further established Ripley’s dominance, with minimal outside interference ultimately affecting the result.
Sami Zayn Overcomes Karrion Kross in a Methodical Contest
Sami Zayn faced Karrion Kross (accompanied by Scarlett) in a match featuring deliberate pacing and escalating tension. Cole and Barrett shared differing views on Kross’s methodical approach, with Cole characterizing him as somewhat unorthodox. Kross relied on impactful suplexes and chinlocks, while Sami countered with resilience and timely offense.
As the match unfolded, Kross taunted Sami, instructing him,
“You gotta learn to stay down.”
—Karrion Kross, WWE Superstar. Ignoring Kross’s demand, Sami delivered a surprising Helluva Kick, securing the pin and an unlikely victory. The aftermath underscored Kross’s frustration and Sami’s persistence under pressure.
Solo Sikoa Secures U.S. Title in Chaotic Encounter With Jacob Fatu
The U.S. Title match pitted Jacob Fatu against Solo Sikoa, who entered aggressively. Fatu gained the upper hand early, but Solo’s tactics quickly leveled the playing field. Both struggled physically, with memorable moments that included Fatu leaping into Solo’s counter-strike and both exchanging throws and impactful suplexes.
The action was interrupted by interference from J.C. Mateo and Tonga Loa, who disrupted Fatu’s attempts at victory. Fatu managed to fend off both before landing a moonsault. However, the arrival of Hikuleo, another member of Solo’s stable, turned the tide decisively. Hikuleo’s devastating chokeslam on Fatu caused a significant injury scare; he and Solo’s alliance signaled a growing threat. Solo landed the Samoan Spike to claim the title, further securing his leadership role and intensifying rivalries within WWE’s U.S. division.
Jade Cargill Crowned Queen of the Ring After Contest With Asuka
The Queen of the Ring final featured Jade Cargill against Asuka, with both superstars demonstrating their technical skills and athleticism. Jade’s early frustration was apparent as Asuka unleashed a series of signature kicks and holds. Despite Asuka’s control and attempts to submit Jade with an armbar, Jade powered through with a series of impactful moves, including a spinebuster, fallaway slam, and chokeslam.
In the closing minutes, Asuka initiated an armbar but Jade leveraged her way out and ultimately delivered a decisive Jaded to win the match. Raw General Manager Adam Pearce presented Cargill with the Queen’s crown as the crowd voiced their disapproval. Cargill addressed the audience, reflecting that if anyone doubts you, perseverance can silence critics and hinted at the ongoing pursuit of excellence.
Cena and Punk Clash for the WWE Title in a Match Packed With Drama and Interference
The main event between John Cena and C.M. Punk was anticipated as a renewal of their storied rivalry, with a crowd torn between the two. Each superstar received loud reactions, with fans oscillating between chants of “C.M. Punk!” and “John Cena sucks!” The formal ring introductions were met with a charged atmosphere.
The action began cautiously, with Punk and Cena both seeking an early advantage in a test of strength. Early holds and counters defined the first portion, with Punk attempting a GTS and Cena controlling the tempo. Barrett remarked that controlling the pace has been central to Cena’s career and a likely indicator of success.
Mid-match, Punk imposed a clothesline and flying elbow, signaling for the GTS. Cena turned the tables with the STF, only for Punk to escape and apply the Anaconda Vice. Cena countered into an Attitude Adjustment for a near fall, and a series of counters and close calls ensued. The crowd repeatedly engaged with chants such as, “This is awesome!” and, “Fight Forever!”
Cena introduced the championship belt into the ring, but after considering its use, discarded it, drawing cheers from the audience instead of opting for a disqualification. Punk took advantage of the moment but could not finish Cena. As the match continued, chaos erupted: the referee was inadvertently knocked down, allowing outside interference. Seth Rollins—accompanied by Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed—entered, capitalizing on the disrupted situation. Breakker and Reed assaulted Punk, with both men driven through the announce table and ringside area. Rollins attempted to cash in his opportunity but was foiled when Cena intervened physically, attacking Charles Robinson and Rollins, then fending off additional interference.
Punk and Cena eventually faced each other alone in the ring, where Punk offered a handshake, which Cena accepted. Cena’s attempt at a low blow was countered by Punk, but before Punk could capitalize, Rollins returned and struck Punk with the briefcase. Cena took advantage, covering Punk to secure the win and retain the WWE Title after over 26 minutes of action.
The match highlighted the unpredictability of WWE’s main events, relying on external factors and alliances to heighten the drama. The story’s conclusion left the crowd reacting to Cena’s complex tactics while Punk absorbed another difficult loss amid a storm of interferences.
Major Implications for WWE’s Future
WWE Night of Champions 2025 left the landscape transformed, with new champions and clear trajectories for several key figures. Cody Rhodes advanced to a Summerslam title shot after his well-earned King of the Ring win, Solo Sikoa expanded his faction and secured prominence with the U.S. Title, and Jade Cargill’s Queen of the Ring victory pointed to future marquee matches. The main event’s twists involving John Cena, C.M. Punk, and Seth Rollins ensure lingering tension that is likely to play out in the following months, especially with intense fan reactions and growing alliances. The event set the tone for ongoing and future rivalries, keeping WWE’s championship scene dynamic ahead of the next major pay-per-view in the global spotlight.
