WWE Night of Champions 2014 Results: Most Underrated Moments from Event

WWE Night of Champions 2014 will largely be remembered for the way it limped toward the finish line, its convoluted ending overshadowing some of the event's great, subtle moments.

Fine examples of in-ring emoting filled the Night of Champions undercard. However, Stardust's, Sheamus' and Mark Henry's showmanship gets lost in discussions about whether Seth Rollins attempting to cash in on Brock Lesnar was the right move.

The pay-per-view featured a memorable return from Dean Ambrose as well. The frenzied Superstar hopping out of a cab to pounce on Rollins once more is one of the night's headline-making moments.

The following is a look at the less prominent but highly effective elements of the show.

Stardust Issues a Slap

In the pursuit of the Tag Team Championship, Stardust and Goldust have grown increasingly predatory, morphing into nastier versions of themselves.

That was on display during their title win over The Usos on Sunday's pay-per-view. The challengers wore sneers as they clubbed Jimmy and Jey.

During the excellent opening bout, one image stands out. Stardust trapped Jey in the ropes, slipped off his glove and slapped it across his foe's face. Stardust looked gleeful as he smacked him.

Credit: WWE.com

In a world where men dropkick and clothesline each other on a regular basis, it's sometimes a mere act like this, more theatrical than violent, that leaves the biggest impression.

It was a sign of great disrespect, of how much Stardust and his brother have changed. A year ago, they were the gutsy heroes with the crowd behind them. At Night of Champions, they were flippant, cold and eventually the ones hoisting up the titles.

Sheamus Urges Cesaro to Hit Him

Sheamus and Cesaro offered a lot to love about their United States Championship matchup.

The two titans bashed each other with echoing blows. Cesaro pulled out a number of rarely seen weapons, including the Alpamare Waterslide. 

Just before Sheamus struck Cesaro's jaw with a Brogue Kick, he delivered a dramatic, engaging moment.

Sweaty, wobbly and bruised, Sheamus leaned against the ropes and urged Cesaro to come at him. He beckoned him into the corner with his hands, seemingly saying, "Bring it on." It was a less powerful version of Ric Flair doing the same thing to Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXIV

After the beating that Sheamus took during this fight, his insistence that Cesaro charge at him once more served to further the idea that The Celtic Warrior is a rugged, valiant champion.

Credit: WWE.com

Mark Henry Cries 

The buildup to Henry vs. Rusev had been good, but it wasn't until the national anthem that preceded it that emotions started to truly build for the audience.

Lilian Garcia sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the bout. Henry stood in front of her, head lowered, his right hand over his heart.

Then overcome with emotion, he began to cry.

Credit: WWE.com

Suddenly, the story of him trying to redeem his failures at the Olympics had far more weight. Suddenly, his goal of defeating Rusev felt far more significant. 

There aren't many WWE Superstars who can act as well as The World's Strongest Man. It's hard to imagine that there are many other members of the roster who can shed tears on command. 

The tears dripping down his face elevated the dramatic power of the match before the bell even rang.

Brock Lesnar Kicks Out 

A Curb Stomp from Rollins and what felt like indecision from the booking team will be what fans most remember about Lesnar retaining against Cena.

Early on, though, that bout offered an attention-grabbing image. Cena was eager to fare better than he did when Lesnar steamrolled him last time around. Much like The Beast Incarnate did at SummerSlam, Cena went for his best move in a hurry.

Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment in the match's opening moments.

Credit: WWE.com

Fans held their breath. Was Cena going to not only defeat the world champ but do so in just a matter of minutes?

Lesnar kicked out before the referee's hand barely touched the mat for a one-count.

That spoke to the strength and resiliency of the champ. Cena had given him his best shot, and it barely phased him.

Not many men have avoided defeat after that move, and until then, no one had shrugged it off like a dragon might a blow from a wooden sword. It would take a lot more to bring down Lesnar, something Cena spent the rest of the match trying to do.

That show of power, along with Stardust's slap and Henry's tears, provided Night of Champions with highlights beyond the show's biggest moments.