<
>

2023 WWE Night of Champions: Who will take home the world heavyweight championship?

play
Tamyra Mensah-Stock announces she's joining the WWE (1:45)

Tamyra Mensah-Stock tells Marc Raimondi she's retiring from Olympic wrestling and has signed with the WWE. (1:45)

WWE will keep things international with its next premium live event as the promotion leaves San Juan, Puerto Rico, for Backlash and heads to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the return of Night of Champions on May 27 (1 p.m. ET on Peacock).

Heading into the event, all eyes will be on the crowning of the new WWE world heavyweight champion. Triple H announced the return of the title before Backlash and 12 wrestlers had a chance to make their way into this match. Seth Rollins defeated Finn Balor to punch his ticket into the match from Raw and AJ Styles defeated Bobby Lashley on Smackdown to earn his way.

The undisputed Universal champion, Roman Reigns, will have his eye on that match, but will also make his return to the ring as well. However, he won't be defending his title, but instead teaming up with Solo Sikoa to face Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens in a match for the undisputed tag team titles.

Other titles will be on the line as well, including both women's championships and the Intercontinental title. How does the fight card look when the final matchups are in place and the stakes are set? Are we in store for a few surprises throughout the night?

Here's everything you need to know about the 2023 edition of Night of Champions, including the announced match card. Plus, check out the bracket for the return of the World Heavyweight Championship.

Night of Champions full card

  • Inaugural world heavyweight championship: Seth "Freakin" Rollins vs. AJ Styles

  • Undisputed tag team championships: Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn (c) vs. Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa

  • Raw women's championship: Rhea Ripley vs. Natalya

  • SmackDown women's championship: Bianca Belair vs. Asuka

  • Intercontinental championship: Gunther vs. Mustafa All

  • Singles match: Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus

  • Singles match: Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar


World Heavyweight Championship Tournament

The Big Gold Belt is back, as the world heavyweight title will make its return to WWE in Saudi Arabia. Randy Orton was the final winner of the belt, as he dethroned John Cena in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match in Houston on Dec. 15, 2013. Ten years later, WWE established a tournament to decide who will hold the gold once again. Here are the participants and their possible path to a championship.

  • Raw quarterfinals, May 8: Seth "Freakin" Rollins def. Damian Priest and Shinsuke Nakamura via pinfall

  • Raw quarterfinals, May 8: Finn Balor def. Cody Rhodes and The Miz via pinfall

  • Raw semifinals, May 8: Seth "Freakin" Rollins def. Finn Bálor via pinfall

  • SmackDown quarterfinals, May 12: AJ Styles def. Edge and Rey Mysterio

  • SmackDown quarterfinals, May 12: Bobby Lashley def. Sheamus and Austin Theory

  • SmackDown semifinals, May 12: AJ Styles def. Bobby Lashley

  • Raw vs. SmackDown final, May 27: Seth Rollins vs. AJ Styles


Night of Champions year-by-year history

Clash of the Champions? Night of Champions? Vengeance? This premium live event has had a few different iterations and remixes, but the concept of having all of the promotion's titleholders defend their belt on the same night isn't new. Here's a look back at the marquee PPVs from previous years.


Reliving the best moments from Night of Champions

2020: "I want you to call me 'Chief.'"

Clash of Champions recap: Roman Reigns sends clear message by destroying Jey Uso, retaining title

2019: "Let them fight!"

Clash of Champions recap: Rollins survives Strowman, but Fiend gets last laugh. Plus Sasha and Becky put on a show

2016: The series is tied 3-3

Clash of Champions recap: Sheamus and Cesaro go seven, Roman Reigns becomes the new U.S. champ