Night of Champions: History's Bound to Repeat Itself

At Night of Champions every title is on the line and as history shows – some things are meant to repeat. Since its title change in 2007, the night was meant to commemorate former champions by highlighting the careers of some, even allowing others to contend in championship matches – one last time [See Vengeance 2007] The phenomenon has caught on, making Night of Champions a regular pay-per-view; however, for the past two years, some patters have become apparent.

Edge has defended and retained the World Heavyweight Championship against “The Animal” Dave Batista, twice! Even though the WWE Universe is surprised that Edge is still featured to defend the Unified Tag Team Titles at Night of Champions – Edge has never been one to forfeit a title match. Let it be known that Edge has done the impossible before, and this night will be no different. However, do not cut Legacy short, seeing as last year, DiBiase promised a surprise partner and ended teaming with his opponent for the evening – Cody Rhodes. Rhodes betrayed his partner Hardcore Holly and became a two time World Tag Team Champion. Will Jericho introduce a new partner to the fray or will Ziggler be close by to insure the victory?

Both CM Punk and Jeff Hardy hold loses at Night of Champions 2007. Punk lost to John Morrison for the vacant ECW title, and Jeff and Matt Hardy lost to Trevor Murdoch and Lance Cade for the World Tag Team Titles. However, this year, one must emerge as Champion. As CM Punk has lately refused to complete a match, it would be in Hardy’s best interest to request a No DQ match, or to settle their differences inside the confinements of a steel cage!

Mickie James was the first Women’s Champion to be featured on a pay-per-view poster alongside the top superstars in the business, and since defending her title last year against Katie Lee Burchill, it is pretty much set that Mickie James can come on top again in her title match for the Diva’s Title. Or does the French Canadian have a backup?


Lastly, the WWE Championship match is once again a rematch of a Wrestlemania classic. Last year, Triple H and John Cena relieved their night at Wrestlemania 22 with a different ending – instead of Cena applying the STF, The King of Kings conquered the WWE Realm.

However, on both nights, the champions have retained. This year, Wrestlemania XXIV will be relived as Orton once again defends the WWE Title against Cena and Triple H. Will Orton retain or fall victim to either the pedigree or the STF? Yet, by the rules of Triple Threat – the champion does not have to be pinned to lose the title. Orton executed a sound strategy, two years ago, by avoiding the confrontation and capitalizing at the end – will Orton be as fortunate? If we look at Night of Champion history – the WWE Champion has always retained, but again, a Wrestlemania rematch has born a different result.

In my opinion, since Cena retained in 2007, Triple H in 2008, I see Orton repeating, not only Wrestlemania history, but Night of Champions history by retaining in 2009.