Drama, surprises, and a throwback: WWE’s wild week leading into Night of Champions

This week was a rocky one.

Not because of the matches or the moments, but because fans were uncertain that WWE would make it to Saudi Arabia.

I don’t think they should have gone, but SmackDown brought a great show despite some technical difficulties.

Night of Champions is early for us in America, so let’s not waste any time.

One Match

This was very close, but my pick is Cody Rhodes vs. Jey Uso. It’s an obvious choice—I’m a proud Cody Crybaby. But for everyone who complains Jey can’t wrestle, he always delivers in the main event.

I guess he has his nickname for a reason. 

It was dramatic and flashy. 

They traded submissions, Jey Uso hit a Cross Rhodes, and Cody hit a top-turnbuckle Cody Cutter.

This could have gone twenty minutes on a PLE with the two of them giving it their all, and we were lucky to get it on a Monday night.

One Moment

Tiffany Stratton looked like a Pink Power Ranger when she kicked Naomi, stopping her from cashing in her briefcase during her match with Nia Jax. Tiffy was in peak form, making this my One Moment of the week.

Tiffany Stratton backstage at Smackdown pic.twitter.com/0X83ki9GS5

— WrestlingWorldCC (@WrestlingWCC) June 27, 2025

I don’t care that my watch stopped working when I upgraded my iPhone, it’s always Tiffy Time.

My favorite champion looked smart and strong, using the briefcase to take out both Naomi and Nia so she could walk out of SmackDown with her belt.

One Promo

Last week we had John Cena delivering his version of the infamous pipe bomb promo.

This week, we got the return of the Doctor of Thuganomics. It’s a gimmick I desperately wanted back for Cena’s retirement run.

The twist?

Cena was already in the ring when “Basic Thuganomics” blasted over the speakers, and CM Punk walked out dressed straight out of 2003. 

Look up the whole promo yourself; CM Punk absolutely cooked Cena with his ‘freestyle.’

👊 PunkLife 👊

THIS IS BASIC PUNKANOMICS! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sflsErbZCn

— WWE (@WWE) June 28, 2025

Honorable mentions

I almost gave my match of the week to Nia Jax vs. Tiffany Stratton, but I didn’t want to double down on the match taking two segments in my post.

The tag matches on SmackDown were both great. 

Giulia being awarded the Women’s U.S. title after her match with Zelina almost made for my moment. It would have, had I given Tiffy the match spot instead. 

What were your favorites leading up to Night of Champions?

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