WWE Night of Champions 2014: Defeats That Sent Biggest Messages to Fans

There were a few notable defeats at WWE’s Night of Champions pay-per-view that should serve as indications to fans as to where the creative team is heading over the next couple of months.

A distraught Mark Henry tapped out to monster heel Rusev in their heavily hyped bout. Does this mean WWE is abandoning Henry’s patriotic-themed babyface run and scripting him to go heel soon? I think so.

Having let down his country, is there anywhere left for the star to go as a babyface? I don’t think so. And it makes sense that bitterness and resentment from this loss could be the thing that sends him back to being a heel. Fans could see this angle develop at the next pay-per-view.

Credit: WWE.com

The result also confirms to the WWE Universe that the creative team remains firmly behind Rusev. Having easily dispatched every foe in his path, is it now time for him to move on to a bigger Superstar like John Cena?

Regardless, one thing is for sure: WWE has big plans for the former NXT performer.

In other news from the show: Dolph Ziggler lost the Intercontinental Championship to The Miz. Granted, the win wasn’t exactly clean—Miz’s sidekick Damien Sandow provided a distraction that allowed his boss to capitalize—but the loss likely hasn’t helped Ziggler’s credibility.

Will the star redeem himself at Hell in a Cell and get his title back? I would think so, but it’s not a sure thing.

Credit: WWE.com

Is it possible that after a brief career revival, Ziggler has found himself right back at square one? Has WWE lost faith in him yet again? Let’s hope not. He’s far too talented to just sink back to the lower midcard again.  

Paige also lost her Divas Championship in the Triple Threat match, with archenemy AJ Lee emerging  victorious.

The British Diva has been a highlight of WWE television throughout 2014. Ideally, she will continue to be—but only if the company has a good rebound feud planned for her. If not, it’s easy to see her fading into obscurity like so many other Divas have after losing the title.

Credit: WWE.com

As far as the main event scene goes, Cena failed in his attempt to win back his WWE World Heavyweight Championship from Brock Lesnar thanks to Seth Rollins’ interference.

Has WWE decided to keep the belt on Brock Lesnar in the long term? It’s possible. Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns for the title at WrestleMania next year may be the company’s best and most promising booking option. Maybe Lesnar retaining the title here was a big step toward that.

It’s probably a good sign that WWE refrained from putting the title back on Cena. It would have been too predictable, and as noted there are simply more storyline opportunities with Lesnar as champion.

In that respect, Cena’s "defeat" at Night of Champions was very definitely a big step in the right direction.