WWE Night of Champions 2011 Preview: Predictions You Can Take to the Bank

What's up, ladies and gentlemen? My name is Eric Kanes and I am back here today with my monthly pay-per-view preview. I will break things down and give the realistic odds for each match.

This month, I'll have my buddies, RiZE and Buzz M. joining me so there will be three different viewpoints on every match.

Make sure to add me on Facebook for daily wrestling discussion and to keep up with all of my latest columns.

Now, without any further ado, let's get this show on the road!

Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Alex Riley vs. Jack Swagger vs. John Morrison

Eric Kanes

The first match on the card will more than likely be the Fatal Four Way match for the United States Championship, featuring four guys who have produced Academy Award winning performances over the past few weeks. Okay maybe not, but it should be a fun opener.

The main story going in here is that Jack Swagger wants to be managed by Vickie Guerrero but Dolph Ziggler, Vickie's current client, is against the potential alliance. With that said, I think this is leading to Jack Swagger's first U.S. title win.

Following this, Vickie will get tired of Dolph constantly yelling at her and dump him while managing Jack Swagger going forward. No other scenario really makes sense because otherwise, there would be no point of involving Swagger with Vickie and Dolph.

Hey, it's not likely WWE would ever do anything illogical, right?

Eric's Pick: Jack Swagger

RiZE

 This will be the match of the night. Unless Punk vs. Triple H somehow tops this, I expect these guys to steal the show in this Fatal Four Way matchup. This match revolves around the Swagger/Ziggler/Guerrero angle they’ve been building for weeks now.

WWE Creative threw in John Morrison and Alex Riley because they obviously had no storyline plans for them. This is undoubtedly the hardest match to predict as each competitor has an overwhelming chance at winning the gold. Jack Swagger or Dolph Ziggler could win just because Creative wants to continue the angle. Alex Riley could win because Creative wants to give Riley a mid-card title and allow him to improve before putting him in the main event. Finally, John Morrison could win if Creative is planning to have Morrison resurrect the championship and prepare him for the main event scene.

In the end, I believe Swagger and Ziggler will be facing off with one knocking the other outside of the ring. John Morrison will pick up the straps and win the U.S. Championship. To those who are questioning my prediction and proclaiming it “illogical,” I’d like to point out that this is WWE Creative we’re dealing with. They haven’t done anything logical for quite some time now.

RiZE's Pick: John Morrison

Buzz M

I guess that Vickie Guerrero’s unstable relationship with Ziggler and Swagger’s involvement in it will be the main part of this match. I smell a screw job by Vickie or a miscommunication between her and Ziggler. Either way, her involvement will cost her boy the title. Now will she help Swagger or will it just end chaotically? That’s what I’m looking forward to seeing. I’d like to see Morrison win, but my realistic prediction goes to Swagger winning and maybe introducing Vickie as his new manager.

Buzz's Pick: Jack Swagger

Kelly Kelly (c) vs. Beth Phoenix

RiZE

WWE’s Barbie Doll, Kelly Kelly, has been on a role since winning the Divas Championship. If I’m not mistaken, Kelly Kelly is 19-1 since she won the Divas Championship from Brie Bella.

On the other hand, Beth Phoenix is out for revenge after Kelly upset her in a pretty decent match (especially for the Divas) at SummerSlam. I was one of the fans that felt the Glamazon would dominate Kelly at SummerSlam for the victory but I realized that Kelly had to retain so that another confrontation could occur down the line.

It finally seems as if WWE Creative is attempting to add some emphasis on the Divas Division with the “controversial” article on WWE.com by Katie Raymond. While it was obviously a work, the article displayed the general opinion of the IWC. Beth has returned to contender status with her destruction of Eve Torres last week.

The question is: can Phoenix finally dethrone the proverbial “model” she and Natalya Neidhart despise so much? This Sunday, the Glamazon returns to her rightful place at the top of the WWE Divas Division. Hopefully she’ll do it without spitting imitation blood in the face of the Champion.

RiZE's Pick: Beth Phoenix

Buzz M

In my Summerslam predictions, I successfully predicted a win for Kelly as I was expecting this feud to extend. Now I think it’s Beth’s time to hold a title again. I’m just thinking about all this controversy that surrounded WWE’s article about the Divas of Doom talking about the Divas division. Maybe WWE are trying to build a feud between them and the typical model Divas? Anyway, Beth will be in her hometown this Sunday and a win will be great for her. As for what will happen next, we’ll wait and see after the PPV.

Buzz's Pick: Beth Phoenix

Eric Kanes

If Beth doesn't win in under five minutes, then that's just a freaking joke.

Eric's Pick: Beth Phoenix

Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Ted DiBiase

RiZE

 Before I begin, I’d like to be the first to say that this feud is the epitome of impatience. I don’t speak for everyone, but I feel as if Creative should’ve allowed Ted to stay by Cody’s side while the physical and verbal abuse continues, in turn, allowing Cody to defend his title against the likes of Justin Gabriel, Daniel Bryan or RAW Superstars.

What do I know? I’m just an incompetent wrestling fan. I expect a great match between the two as both have put on great matches with Randal in the past three weeks (Ted vs. Randal was better). In the end, Cody will defeat Dibiase thus furthering the program.

RiZE's Pick: Cody Rhodes

Buzz M: Cody might finally be making his way to the main event scene and his matches with the World Heavyweight Champion, Randy Orton, might be the beginning. As for now, I think this current feud will go on for a while. It could lead to Dibiase winning the title later in a rematch. Maybe we will see more interactions between Rhodes and the World Champion during this feud that will lead to Dibiase winning the IC Title in the end and Cody moving to a World Title rivalry. But for now, I expect Cody to win and retain the Intercontinental Title.

Buzz's Pick: Cody Rhodes

Eric Kanes: I definitely agree with both of you guys. This feud seems way too rushed. Hell, I didn't even know that Rhodes and DiBiase split up until this Friday and I watch SmackDown every week. However, it'll probably go on for a little bit longer as Hell in a Cell is in just two weeks, so I wouldn't expect to see WWE building up a bunch of new feuds in that time span. Therefore, I think we'll see Rhodes picking up the win after using his mask as a weapon.

Eric's Pick: Cody Rhodes

Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne (c) vs. the Miz & R-Truth

RiZE

This is something we haven’t gotten in a long time, an actual feud in the WWE tag team division. I’m normally against throwing random superstars together but I like the direction both teams are going. Air Boom has resurrected some of the tag team division’s relevance while attracting the admiration of the live audience. On the other hand, R-Truth and Miz have become one of the WWE’s most entertaining duos in quite some time now. This match will be great but Air Boom should win to further the storyline and turn into a fully-fledged feud.

RiZE's Pick: Air Boom

Buzz M

 The Miz and R-Truth are entertaining together and I expect them to stay together for a while. I expect them to lose this match and go on claiming that there is conspiracy theory against them. Maybe they might win in another match later. Team Air Boom for the win.

Buzz's Pick: Air Boom

Eric Kanes

The outcome of this match seems obvious. The Miz and R-Truth have been dominating this feud while Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne just won the titles. I can't see any outcome other than Air Boom retaining their titles this Sunday.

However, that's not to say that they should win this feud. I don't care who wins here as long as Miz and Truth end up winning in the end. These are two guys who you can use as the centerpiece of the tag team division until a new, up-and-coming team like Kings of Wrestling makes its debut. Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne are not. For now, they are just transitional champions

Eric's Pick: Air Boom

Randy Orton (c) vs. Mark Henry

RiZE

This is the match that’s going to send shockwaves through the WWE Universe/IWC if the right guy wins. Mark Henry has been on a rampage since the 2011 WWE Draft and it seems as if he has Orton’s number. The World’s Strongest Man has destroyed Randal on two occasions and for the first time since his face turn, Randal’s back is against the wall. Or so it seems.

You see, Creative is obsessed with making Randal the “John Cena” of SmackDown. Their plan is failing due to Orton’s inability to draw fans and lackluster merchandise sales. The WWE needs to face the fact that Orton isn’t a superstar to carry a brand. The consistent push of Mark Henry has proved to be successful and the best way to further it is by having Mark Henry win the World Championship this Sunday. Knowing Creative, Orton is probably going to win by disqualification or count out.

RiZE's Pick: Randy Orton

Buzz M

 Even though Mark Henry has all the momentum beside him, I expect him to lose this Sunday. He will certainly have control in most parts of the match but I see Orton winning and retaining the title. Maybe Big Show or Kane will return and seek revenge after what Henry did to them. Henry’s "Hall of Pain" story was interesting, but I don’t see Orton joining this list.

Buzz's Pick: Randy Orton

Eric Kanes

 I have to say that I've been loving every moment of Mark Henry's monster run ever since Capital Punishment because it's the first time in years that WWE has booked a monster heel correctly. However, I have to agree with you guys and go with Randy Orton here. Mark Henry looked strong on the go-home show, which usually means he's losing on PPV.

Plus, WWE usually has at least half of the babyfaces win on PPV so it doesn't look like it's Mark Henry's time yet. Remember that WWE has to stretch many these feuds out until Hell in a Cell so Mark Henry could very well capture his first world title there. Until then...

Eric's Pick: Randy Orton

Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. John Cena

RiZE

 John Cena in a WWE Championship match at a pay-per-view, I’m so surprised! I must say, the buildup to this match has been atrocious. First, the WWE Champion misses the first RAW Supershow because of Visa issues? The smart thing to do would’ve been to have Del Rio win the Championship once his issues cleared.

Why would the WWE place the Championship on a guy who was facing visa issues a few weeks later? Don’t answer that, it’s a rhetorical question. If this wasn’t bad enough, Super Cena has returned to his familiar ways. He’s burying two stars at a time now. If Swagger and Ziggler wasn’t enough, Del Rio attempts to attack Cena and gets an Attitude Adjustment. Really?

Alberto Del Rio is the WWE Champion. He’s supposed to have some sort of momentum going into this matchup. If he’s getting thrown around by a guy who just got demolished by two guys, how am I supposed to believe he can beat Cena? Don’t get me wrong, I know he will but it’s a bad buildup all around. On the other hand, Cena has been proclaiming that he was going to win the Championship all week (even on Twitter).

Cena’s word is practically gospel nowadays but I’ll take the safe path and go Cena winning by disqualification.

RiZE's Pick: John Cena via DQ

Buzz M

I’m not sure who will win this, but I see Alberto Del Rio keeping his title regardless of the results. I don’t think he’ll drop the championship too quickly after all this destiny buildup. He could retain via DQ (whether a win or loss) but I expect Del Rio to win using some underhanded tactics. I guess it’s hard to imagine Cena tapping out even with outside interference and dirty tactics, so I expect the win to be via pinfall.

Buzz's Pick: Alberto Del Rio

Eric Kanes

 I've been over this a hundred times before—Alberto Del Rio is not ready to be a world champion. Some people actually tried to argue this point right after he won his title but it's becoming more and more obvious with each week. However, since pretty much the only reason for putting the title on Del Rio was the upcoming tour in Mexico, it would be pretty stupid to have him lose the title now, wouldn't it? I see John Cena winning via DQ after Ricardo Rodriguez interferes. In two weeks, Cena gets a rematch and this time it's in Hell in a Cell so no one can interfere.

Eric's Pick: John Cena via DQ

CM Punk vs. Triple H

RiZE

This pay-per-view revolves around one match and it’s CM Punk vs. Triple H. While I’m positive it’ll be a good match, it’s obviously the scapegoat for Nash being physically unable to compete. I must say, I feel as if this match with Hunter is rushed and displays Creative's current situation. They’re lost and they have absolutely no idea where this angle is going. I’m pretty sure they haven’t decided a winner of this match yet.

Anyway, I see this match going two ways. One, Nash screws Punk or two, Nash screws Triple H. If I were a betting man, I’d choose Nash screwing Triple H.

RiZE's Pick: CM Punk

Buzz M

 I expect Kevin Nash to interfere, but who will he attack? Will it be Punk or Triple H? He now has issues with both superstars. There are many scenarios for this match and many things can occur.

Because of this, I won’t go into too much detail as I have many things to say here. I’ll keep it short and predict a win for HHH even though I wish that Punk would win. Either way, this rivalry is still far from over for sure.

Buzz's Pick: Triple H

Eric Kanes

Since this is pretty much a one-match show, I'd expect these two to get a good 25 minutes and really go all out. As for the winner of this match, I've got to go with the predictable route of Kevin Nash screwing CM Punk. Maybe there'll also be someone else besides Nash involved. I don't know. But Triple H is not losing, that's for sure. This angle has just started and WWE wouldn't remove Triple H as COO this quick.

Eric's Pick: Triple H

Bonus Questions

As always, here are some bonus questions for our readers:

Which superstar left off the card should've gotten a spot on the show?

RiZE: Daniel Bryan should be on the show somewhere. He’s Mr. Money in the Bank and the way he's been booked as of late has been absolutely ridiculous. I understand the “underdog” angle the WWE is going for but it’s failing miserably. To be honest, I believe Bryan will lose the briefcase before WrestleMania.

Buzz M: Nobody. I know there are a handful of superstars who deserve to be part of the PPV but seven matches are enough. We have all titles on the line and one non-title match. No need for more non-title matches in this PPV, but I hope to see Sin Cara, Daniel Bryan, Sheamus, and Wade Barret booked for the next event.

Eric Kanes: It's Christian for me, with Daniel Bryan being a close second. He goes from main eventing one PPV and putting on a near five star match to being completely left off the card? What kind of booking is that?

Money in the Bank and SummerSlam were both surprisingly great PPVs. Can Night of Champions top them both?

RiZE: Initially, I believed this pay-per-view could top both but it will ultimately fall in the hands of the wrestlers and overall match quality.

Buzz M: Money in the Bank had great story telling and a nice ending. Summerslam had some great matches and nice swerves. Night of Champions can be good if it has the same things. Does it have the chance to top them? Maybe. It might not have the same crowd as Money in the Bank, but most matches could end up being great.

Add to it the current storyline between Punk and HHH, and I’m sure we can expect another great PPV. I just hope WWE can keep up this momentum until Wrestlemania, which is hard.

Eric Kanes: This PPV has a much better on-paper card than both SummerSlam and Money in the Bank. There isn't as much excitement going in, though. I don't know if it can top both of those PPVs but I hope to be pleasantly surprised.

Which match will steal the show?

RiZE: The Fatal Four Way for the U.S. Championship will steal the show.

Buzz M: Most matches look great, but let’s face i;, Punk vs. HHH will be the match to steal the show. I’m sure it will be a lengthy bout with a lot of back and forth action and numerous near pinfalls. Both superstars are great performers who can put a great match, so there’s no reason for us not to expect an epic match. I hope WWE gives some time to the other matches too.

Eric Kanes: CM Punk vs. Triple H. When it's the only match that's been properly built up, do I really have any other choices?

Will you be ordering this PPV?

RiZE: To be honest, I’ll probably read results afterwards and if the reviews are good, I’ll catch the replay sometime in the week that follows.

Buzz M: No, because I’ll be able to watch it for free in my area. :)

Eric Kanes: It's been a crazy workweek and the last few WWE PPVs have turned out great so yes, I'll be ordering this PPV. It might be the last one in a while, though, since there'll be three PPVs in the span of the next five weeks.

And that shall conclude our PPV Preview.

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Until next time, I'm out!