WWE Night of Champions PPV Results
September 19, 2010
Chicago, Ill.
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Monday through Friday, join Wade Keller or James Caldwell and a guest co-host for the PWTorch Livecast, featuring live callers, live chat room questions, and conversation on the latest breaking news in pro wrestling from WWE, TNA, and other organizations. The show launched in late-December and is already one of the top sports talk shows at the Blog Talk Radio network.

***

We have a note from the arena that WWE is selling Night of Champions t-shirts where the back of the t-shirt says the Hart Dynasty's WWE tag title match will be a "tag team turmoil" match. Take it for what it's worth right now...

The PPV opened with a video package recapping that every WWE title is on the line tonight. The video slowed down and focused on WWE champion Sheamus, then Kane, then the Six-Pack Challengers, then Undertaker. Sheamus holds the most-prized possession, the voice-over man said. What does that make Kane's World Hvt. Title? The video stopped again to focus on Kane's evilness. "Sometimes the desire for a championship pushes one to do the unthinkable," the voice-over man said about Kane. Tonight, is blood thicker than gold?

Arena: Live inside the building, pyro shot off as they focused on the stage with a bright red backdrop and images of all the WWE titles on banners hanging from the stage. Michael Cole introduced the show and said history will be made. Cole was joined by Jerry Lawler and Michael Striker for commentary.

In-ring: Tony Chimel introduced the first title match of the night for the Intercontinental Title. Chimel announced the champion will lose the title via count-out or DQ tonight. Suddenly, Vickie Guerrero interrupted with Kaitlyn. Guerrero introduced the "current and future Intercontinental champion," Dolph Ziggler. Out walked Ziggler with a Chippendale's bowtie to complement the silver vest. Guerrero marched out with Ziggler and made sure Kaitlyn didn't get the spotlight. Kofi Kingston then came out to challenge for the title. Same match to start this PPV as Summerslam last month.

1 -- IC champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero and Kaitlyn) vs. KOFI KINGSTON -- Intercontinental Title match

Nice feeling-out process to begin things with both men coming to a standstill. Kingston then clotheslined Ziggler over the top rope to the floor. Kaitlyn was the first one to check on Ziggler, then Vickie stepped in to check on her man. Meanwhile, the ref reached a six count, and Ziggler ran back into the ring. Vickie sent Kaitlyn to the back during this. They reset in the ring and Ziggler cut off Kingston in the corner to establish offensive control. The announcers tried to create witty banter as Ziggler continued to cut off Kingston. Ziggler then landed a Fameasser and Striker noted he was "trying to make him famous." Ziggler re-established control as Striker tried to hit the talking point on Ziggler being the "college-educated, 21st Century wrestler."

At 7:00, Ziggler fought back from his knees to escape a reverse chinlock. They started trading bombs, then Kingston had to be pulled away by the ref when Ziggler reached the corner. Kingston came back with a top rope cross-body attempt and Ziggler jumped into the air to make it look good, but not real. Kingston scored a nearfall, then went to work with high-flying offense. Kingston followed with the Boom Drop before going to the corner to do the hand-clap. Ziggler ducked the Trouble in Paradise, but Kingston escaped a sleeperhold and hit his swinging SOS maneuver. Kofi had the pin, but Dolph put his foot on the bottom rope to break the count just in time. Very good nearfall.

The match moved to the floor where Kingston scoop slammed Ziggler on the floor. He then sent Dolph back into the ring and made a cover for a two count. Cole noted Kofi should have left Dolph on the outside to get him counted out. After a replay, Kofi teased the swinging SOS again, but Dolph sprung to life with a sleeperhold. Kofi dropped down to one knee and tried to break free, but Dolph maintained control. Kofi eventually broke free to a pop and slapped on a sleeperhold of his own. Dolph ran Kofi into the ropes to escape, though. Vickie then warmed up a slap, but Dolph yelled at her that he's got this. Dolph then turned around and managed to duck Trouble in Paradise just in time. Ziggler followed right up with the Zig-Zag and scored the pin for the win.

Post-match: Vickie entered the ring to ruin Ziggler's parade by selling she was upset with him for the scolding. Ziggler then raised her arm in the air and she smiled. They replayed the finish of the match before showing Dolph and Vickie hug it out in the ring. Meanwhile, Cole's infatuation with Vickie continued.

WINNER: Dolph Ziggler at 12:45. Nice story and some strong nearfalls throughout the match. They took a while to kick it into second gear, then delivered a strong finish. It will be interesting to see who's next for Ziggler. (**3/4)

Backstage: Todd Grisham brought in Edge to talk about the Six-Pack Challenge match. Edge told Grisham to go find the other five men and ask them how they plan to defeat him. Edge said he shocks people in these situations and he will do it again by walking out the new WWE champion.

In-ring: Tony Chimel gave the audible introduction for C.M. Punk being from Chicago, which drew a loud ovation, before Punk came out to face Big Show. Striker said it's the hometown advantage vs. Big Show's right hand punch tonight. Punk entered the ring and paraded around the ring soaking in the cheers. Punk's music stopped and he paused for a loud "C-M Punk" chant. Punk took the mic and slowly said, "I love Chicago." He put over various aspects of Chicago, but said he hates the inhabitants of Chicago. They cut to a shot of fan laughing along with Punk's heel promo. Punk called out everyone, then called out the "horrible White Sox." Punk said he is proud to live here in Chicago and said the people should be ashamed of themselves. Punk boldly said there should be a second Chicago fire and he will rebuild it under the SES banner. Punk said he is defiant of Big Show and confident he will run Chicago tonight. Punk said he is David and Show can be Goliath. His slingshot is the "power of almighty Straight Edge," he said as he lifted his fist in the air. Big Show's music then hit and out came Colt Dusty Show (the Cabana bandana with the Dusty Rhodes polka-dots). And off we go.

2 -- C.M. PUNK vs. BIG SHOW

Early on, Show landed a big overhand chop that flipped Punk over the top rope to the floor. Show then rolled him back in, but Punk booted Show in the face to cut him off. Punk tried to win via count-out, but Show slipped back in the ring at nine. Punk then landed kick strikes, but Show shoved him away, so Punk went for a double axe handle from the second rope. Punk tried to stay on Show to keep him on the mat, then went for a springboard move from the top rope, but Show smashed him with a mid-air football tackle. Show got his second wind, then roared like a bear, waited for Punk to turn around, and smashed him with the KO Punch to the face. Show made the cover for the win. Post-match: Show sold the ribs selling Punk's offense on the way out of the ring. Show clutched his mid-section on the way out as Punk remained out cold.

WINNER: Show at 4:40. They tried to give Punk enough offense to remain credibility before the inevitable finish. Time to move on from the program after the babyface got the final word. (*1/2)

Backstage: Josh Mathews brought in a smug Chris Jericho to discuss the Six-Pack Challenge. Jericho said his track record is so strong that it was only natural the Raw GM put him in the Six-Pack match. Jericho noted he beat Steve Austin and The Rock in one night. Also, he beat five other men in the Elimination Chamber match earlier this year. Jericho said his goal will be eliminate everyone. He vowed to walk out the new WWE champion. Jericho said it's not luck, but because he is the best in the world at what he does.

Ringside: WWE focused on the National Guard members on the front row to give them a shout-out. Cole and Striker re-visited the stipulation for Jericho that he's done if he doesn't win the WWE Title. Up next is the U.S. Title match.

Video package: WWE recapped the history of Miz vs. Bryan dating back to the first season of NXT. After the video, The Miz and Alex Riley came out first. Miz was sporting a slick black jacket with the MITB briefcase in hand. Riley stood ringside as Miz stood in the ring holding up the case for everyone to get a good look at. They focused on Miz as he waited for Daniel Bryan to come out as the challenger. Strong reaction for Bryan, who pointed at Riley on the way into the ring.

3 -- U.S. champion THE MIZ (w/Alex Riley) vs. DANIEL BRYAN -- United States Title match

Bryan teased the LeBell Lock early on, so Miz ducked to the outside for a break. Striker put over Bryan's background and training as Bryan landed a running kick strike in the ring. Miz then slingshot Bryan's arm across the top rope and began working on the left arm. Miz followed with a seated full nelson lock to wear down Bryan, who countered into a back slide for a two count. Miz suddenly came back with a boot to the upper body and followed with elbow strikes to the shoulder to re-establish the advantage. Bryan tried to fight back, but Miz cut him off and executed a nice shoulder breaker for a two count. Miz then knocked Bryan to the outside and rolled him back in for a cover resulting in a nearfall.

At 6:00, Miz re-applied a shoulder submission as the crowd rallied behind Bryan. Miz kicked Bryan in the shoulder, but Bryan fired back by flinging Miz to the outside. Bryan then nailed a suicide dive ala Week 1 of NXT on Chris Jericho, which Cole noted. Back in the ring, Bryan landed a top rope missile dropkick for a two count. Bryan continued to sell the left shoulder, then he tried a submission, but Miz kicked him in the shoulder. Bryan came right back with another flying kick strike for a two count.

Miz and Bryan started trading bombs center ring, then Miz landed multiple kick strikes in the corner. The ref pulled Bryan away, then Bryan came running into the corner with a flying kick strike. Bryan measured Miz and landed a KO kick to the face. He made the cover, but Miz kicked out. Bryan then took Miz up top and they started trading bombs before Miz crotched Bryan across the top rope. Miz then came flying off the top turnbuckle with a nice inside-out clothesline. He made a cover, but Bryan kicked out.

At 9:30, Miz sat down on an innovative submission hold. The camera focused in on a big red bump on Bryan's head from leading on his forehead via the inside-out clothesline. Bryan refused to tap out, then Miz released the hold, got the big eyes, stalked Bryan, and measured him for the Skullcrushing Finale. Bryan blocked, though, and rolled through into a close two count. Bryan then teased the LeBell Lock, but Riley got on the apron to distract. Miz then accidentally smashed Riley and Bryan teased a three count on a roll up, but Miz escaped just before three. Miz suddenly snapped and landed multiple left hand blows on Bryan before the ref broke it up. Miz then walked over to Bryan to follow up, but Bryan slapped on the LeBell Lock. Miz fought the hold and reached out looking for a rope, but eventually tapped out.

The crowd popped as Bryan took the title and held it up for the crowd while still selling the shoulder. After a replay of the finish, they showed Miz selling deep despair as Cole made excuses for Miz's loss. Bryan was shown holding up the title on the stage to conclude the segment.

WINNER: Bryan at 12:28. That was an excellent, high-energy match. Some great nearfalls throughout leading to the satisfying finish for the audience that has bought into Bryan as a babyface to rally behind. It was the type of match Miz needs on his resume to be a top star and it was the type of match to confirm Bryan as a future star in WWE. (***3/4)

Backstage: Mathews brought in John Cena, which drew boos from the crowd. Cena ran down the likely percentages of anything and everything possibly happening. He said no one really knows if they will win, but the one thing they can count on is him giving his best to win.

In-ring: The Diva lumberjills came out for the Unification Title match. Out first was Women's champion Michelle McCool sans Layla, who vowed not to be by her side after the rigged draw-out-of-the-hat on Smackdown. Divas champion Melina came out next and the brawl started on the outside before the match began.

4 -- Women's champion MICHELLE McCOOL vs. Divas champion MELINA -- Unification Title match -- lumberjills ringside

The match moved to the floor early and often to give the lumberjills camera time. The match settled down with McCool on the offensive cutting off Melina's comeback teases. Melina eventually had a pinfall, but the ref was distracted by the lumberjills ringside. McCool then kicked out in time. Again, chaos broke out, the ref lost control, and Layla snuck in the back door to give the assist to McCool on winning the unification title match. McCool and Layla then took the titles and walked up the ramp to celebrate as the babyface lumberjills consoled Melina in the ring.

WINNER: McCool at 6:36 to become new Unified champion. Tough spot following Miz-Bryan as the "comedown match." It will be interesting to see what the future of women's wrestling on the Raw brand will be. Not that WWE has given them any quality focus over the last few years to have a bright future to begin with. (*)

Backstage: Wade Barrett was pumping himself up for the Six-Pack Challenge match to come. Barrett said he's up against five of the very best tonight and he'll prove the winds of change are blowing. He said he will become new WWE champion.

Announcers: Cole, Striker, and Lawler plugged the Kane vs. McCool's husband match coming up next for the World Hvt. Title. They cued up the full-length video package recapping the history of their feud, including the past broadcasting voices of Vince McMahon and Jim Ross.

In-ring: The Undertaker's music hit to bring out the challenger first for the World Title match. Taker was shown sporting a long, black, sleeveless hooded jacket as he slowly emerged and made his way to the ring. Thunder rolled as Taker slowly removed his jacket. Taker appeared to be not selling the effects of the vegetative state. Kane came out to defend the title and Taker charged the ringside area to attack him on the stage. The bell sounded as Cole noted it's No Holds Barred. So, what's the difference vs. a No DQ, no count-out match? Anyways.

5 -- World Hvt. champion KANE vs. THE UNDERTAKER -- World Hvt. Title match

Taker sent Kane reeling into the stage and rammed him into one of the Night of Champions pillars on the stage. Kane came back with a kick to the knees to cut off Taker. They fought on the floor below the stage as Lawler noted they have "seen how hideous their father is." Another subtle Paul Bearer reference. The match moved to the red-carpeted entrance ramp, then to the floor up against the guardrail. Kane dominated as they moved to the ringside area. Kane eventually retrieved the World Title belt and jabbed it into Taker's gut. Striker said it's no holds barred. Since when is using a belt as a weapon a wrestling hold? They eventually entered the ring and Kane landed a flying fist off the top rope for a two count.

At 6:00, Kane continued to dominate with methodical corner offense taking it to Taker before making another cover for a nearfall. Kane took the fight back to the outside and ripped off the cover of the announce table. Kane then chucked it into Taker's face to knock him down again. Kane tried to follow with a whip into the ring steps, but Taker countered to finally get an opening in the match. Taker followed by placing Kane across the apron and landing the big leg drop. Kane was the first one up, though, so Taker got up and clotheslined him over the guardrail nearly into Justin Roberts's lap. Suddenly, Taker got a running start and went flying over the guardrail with a big dive on Kane. Nice. Taker didn't see Kane grab a chair, though, then took the chair to the gut.

Kane and Taker then took their fight deeper into the arena near the production/sound table. Taker knocked down Kane, but Kane came back with an uppercut that floored Taker. They took the fight back toward the ringside area with Taker being uppercut again, this time over the guardrail to the ringside floor. Kane then perched himself on the guardrail and flew off with a fist smash. And they made it back into the ring where Taker stumbled across the ring as Kane sold confidence. Kane landed right hand blows as Taker sold not being able to cover up. Cole said if it were a boxing match, it would have to be called off. That also applies to a wrestling match since it's presented as a simulated fight. Kane eventually landed a succession of right hands that Taker sold terrifically.

Taker asked for more and Kane landed more uppercuts. Taker started firing back with rights and we had our third "trading of right hand bombs" on the PPV tonight. Taker found some offense, but Kane kneed him in the gut. Taker then came flying off the ropes with a clothesline that floored Kane. Taker followed with a corner splash and right hand jabs to the head. Taker then delivered Snake Eyes and the big boot. He dropped a Hogan leg, but Kane kicked out. Taker then teased a chokeslam and delivered it center ring. Taker sold the move as it taking everything out of him, as he backed up to the corner to catch his breath. Taker then went for the Tombstone Piledriver, but Kane countered into the Tombstone. Kane delivered it near the ropes, dragged him back to the middle, and made the cover for a clean pin and the win.

Post-match: The announcers sold that they and the crowd were stunned by this turn of events. Striker said Kane has finally emerged from his brother's shadow. Cole said he's in absolute shock. Kane took the title belt and walked away with a big smile on his face. Cole said Taker might not have been 100 percent, but Kane was dominant tonight. They showed Kane clutching the World Title belt as the announcers continued to put over Kane. Cole asked what's next as they showed Taker pulling himself to the ropes. The lights came back on as they focused on Taker trying to pull himself together. "Is this the end of an era?" Lawler asked. Taker was shown limping down the ramp selling various injuries. He then stopped before reaching the stage and took a knee. He pulled himself up again, then hobbled to the stage as the crowd cheered. They stayed with this all the way until Taker disappeared. Lawler said his powers might be completely sapped.

WINNER: Kane at 18:26 to retain the World Hvt. Title. Another excellent match, this time due to the very strong back-story and WWE really getting over Kane as a dominant force as the champion. It sets up a very intriguing "next chapter" in the story, especially with the Hell in a Cell PPV two weeks away. (***1/2)

Backstage: Grisham brought in WWE champion Randy Orton for his words on the Six-Pack Challenge. Orton simply said, "No," after Grisham asked if he had any words.

Up next: Tag Team Turmoil match. They have the Usos, Mark Henry & Evan Bourne, Santino & Kozlov, and Rhodes & McIntyre as the opponents for Hart Dynasty. There was no explanation of how this match was decided, which would have made sense if the Raw GM decided it since the GM has historically shown to have disdain for the Harts.

In-ring: WWE tag champs Hart Dynasty came out first in the gauntlet-style match. The Usos are up first to face the Harts. The next team will come out after the first decision.

6 -- WWE tag champions HART DYNASTY run the gauntlet -- WWE Tag Title match

Lawler noted that whoever came up with the title match concept had it in for Hart Dynasty. Chaos broke out and Tamina helped the Usos score a pin on Kidd. So, there will be new tag champions.

FIRST DECISION: Usos at 2:13. It will be interesting to see where WWE takes the Hart Dynasty from here after the sudden tag title loss basically out of nowhere.

Santino and Kozlov were out next, setting up the intrigue of Tamina being split on who to cheer for. The crowd was hot for Santino, who nearly scored an early fall. Santino then teased the Cobra, but Tamina stepped up on the ring apron to imitate the move. Santino lost his focus and took a Samoan Drop for the next pinfall. The crowd was quite upset at Santino losing.

SECOND DECISION: Usos at 3:18.

Out next were Mark Henry and Evan Bourne. Bourne scored some flashy offense, then Henry tagged in and dominated with power offense. Bourne eventually tagged back in and nailed Air Bourne much to the crowd's delight for the next decision.

THIRD DECISION: Bourne & Henry at 5:11.

Out last were Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes and they quickly went on the offensive working on Bourne. So, one of two unnatural tag teams will be tag champs at the end of this. Rhodes and Mac continued to work over Bourne, who sold and sold and sold until finally landing a double knee strike to the face on Mac. Bourne crawled across the ring to his corner and brought in a fresh Henry. Rhodes bumped for Henry, who then headbutted McIntyre off the apron. Henry followed with a charging corner splash before press-slamming Rhodes down to the mat. Henry then tagged in Bourne, who climbed up top to Henry's shoulders. It took too much time, allowing McIntyre to cut off the move. Rhodes then smashed Bourne with Cross Rhodes and scored the pin for the win. And Rhodes is saddled with the tag titles again. Striker gave a positive spin that Rhodes and McIntyre can appear on Raw now that they have the tag titles.

WINNERS: Rhodes & McIntyre at 11:43 to capture the WWE Tag Titles. The formula match got the crowd wrapped up in the quick falls, so that was a positive aspect. The tag champs being put in an unfair position wasn't focused on that much by the announcers when they could have hammered home the point about the Raw GM having it in for HD. We'll see where this leads on Raw. I'm not thrilled about Rhodes and McIntyre as tag champs when Rhodes is ready for a singles push, but with a heel IC champion, it's understandable they're holding off on the start of his singles push. (**)

Superstar profile: Alberto Del Rio. They made sure to get Del Rio on the PPV with a collection of his Smackdown intro vignette pieces.

WWE Title lineage: They aired an excellent video package establishing the legacy of the WWE Title going back to the "smoke-filled arenas," the clips of Backlund, Hogan, Michaels, Austin, Rock, Eddie, Undertaker, Andre, Bret, and Edge. The video transitioned into focusing on Sheamus, then individual focus on the five challengers for the title.

Backstage: WWE champ Sheamus was the last one to be interviewed about the Six-Pack Challenge tonight. Mathews noted Sheamus is at a distinct disadvantage. Sheamus cut off Mathews and said this is not the face of a man concerned. Sheamus said he's WWE champion because he just wins, baby. Or, fella. Sheamus said it's going to end just like every other night and him leaving with two things: a smile on his face and the WWE Title on his shoulder.

In-ring: Justin Roberts introduced the Six-Pack Challenge elimination match for the WWE Title. Roberts said the only way to be eliminated is via pinfall or submission. Out first was the champion, Sheamus. Cole noted WWE's next PPV, Hell in a Cell, is in two weeks from Dallas. Lawler got over the first talking points of the Cell providing "some of the most memorable moments" in WWE history.

Out as the first challenger was John Cena, who received a huge reaction with a loud, loud mix of cheers and boos. Cena saluted the members of the National Guard ringside, then exchanged looks with Sheamus. Out next was Edge to a strong reaction. After Edge posed in the ring, Chris Jericho's music hit. Pause. Jericho eventually came out and bobbed his head on the way to the ring. Striker noted his forthcoming DVD as Cole reminded viewers of Jericho's vow to walk away from WWE if he doesn't win. Striker got over one of my favorite words, hubris, before the Nexus music hit. Wade Barrett walked out alone and stood center ring. After a pause to build anticipation, Randy Orton's music hit to bring out Orton to a huge reaction. Cole noted no one has been hotter than Orton coming into the PPV.

With everyone assembled in the ring, Justin Roberts handled the formal ring intros. Cena was 75 percent booed. Edge did his head bobbing, then received a positive reaction. Jericho simply stood in the corner, then slowly walked out to center ring to boos. Barrett received louder boos. Orton was 100 percent cheered as the favorite here. Sheamus then held up the WWE Title belt to draw heat. Cole said the men in the match have a combined 32 championship reigns. Referee Charles Robinson held up the title belt for all to see before calling for the bell.

7 -- WWE champion SHEAMUS vs. JOHN CENA vs. RANDY ORTON vs. CHRIS JERICHO vs. EDGE vs. WADE BARRETT -- Six-Pack Challenge for the WWE Title -- Elimination match

Chaos broke out and Jericho scored an early nearfall on Orton. Cole noted the history of the WWE Title and got over the legacy of the belt. There was a Bruno Sammartino reference in there. Jericho and Cena then came face-to-face and teed off on each other. Orton then smashed Jericho with an RKO. Suddenly, a three count and Jericho is gone.

FIRST ELIMINATION: Jericho at 1:30 via Orton. After the pinfall, Jericho knelt down on the mat and sold that he was stunned. Orton simply backed up to the corner and stared at Jericho, who slowly ducked under the ring ropes. Edge sold that he was stunned as the crowd chanted, "Y2J." Lawler said Edge and Jericho were probably planning some sort of alliance in the match. All eyes were on Jericho as he slowly made his way up the entrance ramp to the stage. Jericho finally disappeared as the announcers sold shock over the elimination.

They reset with Wade Barrett suddenly in the middle of a big circle. The other four ganged up on Barrett before Edge and Sheamus clotheslined Barrett over the top rope. Cena and Orton then cleared the ring, bringing the match back to the TV main event Monday night on Raw. Barrett then "spoiled the party" attacking Cena to interrupt the heated stare down. Cena and Orton suddenly delivered simultaneous dropkicks to clear the ring again. Yes, Cena with a dropkick.

Again, Orton and Cena circled around each other before coming face-to-face. Orton teased the RKO, but Cena blocked. Orton then set up Cena for the spike DDT, but Cena teased the AA. Barrett canceled everything out before Sheamus clotheslined Barrett and tried to pin Cena in the ring, but Cena kicked out. Sheamus then went to work on Cena in the ring as the other three men were on the outside. Sheamus teased the High Cross Outsider's Edge from the top turnbuckle, but Cena blocked. Cole slipped in a note that Sheamus has "for all intents and purposes" ended Triple H's career. Edge then entered the ring and cut off Cena at the knee. Cena sold the knee as Sheamus and Edge began to work him over. They wanted a double superplex and executed it. Edge made the cover, but Cena kicked out and rolled to the outside.

Edge and Sheamus then went to the floor and attacked Barrett. They sent him flying into the guardrail, with Barrett making a loud thud crashing into the rail. The next target was Orton, who the heels rolled into the ring and tried to isolate. Orton suddenly came firing out of the corner and went nuts on the heels until Sheamus blind-sided him with a big double axe handle. Edge then went to work on Sheamus, with their alliance out the window. Edge suddenly had eyes for a spear, but Sheamus moved and hit the Irish Curse backbreaker. The intensity suddenly picked up with more men in the ring and some finishing move teases. Cena then smashed Edge with the Attitude Adjustment and made a quick pinfall to eliminate Edge.

SECOND ELIMINATION: Edge at 15:02 via Cena. Barrett finally re-entered the picture, cleared the ring, and went to work on Cena. Barrett wanted the Wasteland overhead backbreaker, but Cena shifted into the AA. Barrett countered with a DDT and made a cover, but Cena kicked out. And now Barrett is in control of the match. Check that, Cena fired back on the offensive and delivered the sit-out slam to set up the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena teased the AA, then dropped it when Sheamus re-entered. Cena then slapped on the STF on Sheamus. The champ's in trouble. Sheamus teased a tap out, but eventually grabbed the bottom rope for a break. Great nearfall tease.

Suddenly, Nexus members came storming down to ringside. In the confusion, Barrett caught Cena from behind and nailed the Wasteland Slam. Barrett with the cover and Cena is gone, which drew a reaction. THIRD ELIMINATION: Cena via Barrett at 18:32. Nexus then beat down Orton and rolled him into the ring at the feet of Barrett. The crowd came to life rallying behind Orton, then Nexus suddenly got on the ring apron. Out of nowhere, Cena blasted the Nexus members with chair shots. Orton then wildly cleared the ring. Barrett tried to hit Orton with Wasteland, but Orton slipped out and hit a backbreaker. Orton pounded the mat, then waited for Barrett and smashed him with the RKO center ring. FOURTH ELIMINATION: Barrett via Orton at 20:33.

Sheamus snuck back into the ring and waited for Orton to get up, then he absolutely smashed Orton with the Brogue Kick. Sheamus had the pin, but Orton kicked out just before three. Huge pop for the nearfall. Sheamus flipped out, then went for the High Cross, but Orton slipped out and nailed the RKO. Orton with the cover and there's a new WWE champion. The crowd exploded for Orton winning the title. Orton took the belt and posed in the ring as Striker wondered aloud what this means for Hell in a Cell in two weeks. They replayed the highspots of the match, including Nexus costing Cena. (Set up for a match going down at Hell in a Cell.) After the replays, they cut to Orton celebrating the WWE Title victory in the ring. Orton paraded around the ring and soaked in the moment as they stayed with the celebration for a while. No sign of Miz with the MITB cash-in. They replayed the finish again to keep stretching this out with the match ending pretty early. Cole signed off at 9:47 p.m. CST with one more Orton celebration.

WINNER: Orton at 21:27 to capture the WWE Title. Another satisfying match for the audience that bought the PPV to see Orton win the WWE Title. The match had plenty of intriguing developments and the crowd was hot throughout. Very good WWE-style PPV main event. Looking ahead to Hell in a Cell, the match set up a likely Orton vs. Sheamus re-match and perhaps Cena vs. Barrett in the Cell to keep Nexus out. (***1/2)

BREAKING NEWS: Big UFC headlines this weekend as a PED test failure threatens an upcoming major title fight, plus an eye injury puts in jeopardy the next PPV main event. Check out full details at our sister site, www.MMATorch.com right now!

We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for a "WWE PPV Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. To contribute your thoughts on the PPV, click here.

We suggest these recent related articles...

McNEILL's Late Night Deadblog - WWE Night of Champions: Bucklebombs, Light-up Jackets, Poachers, IcoPro, Eddie, more!

KELLER’S WWE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS PPV REPORT 9/20: Ongoing “virtual time” coverage of event including Sting vs. Seth, Cena vs. Seth, Ryback vs. Owens, mystery partner with Reigns & Ambrose, Divas Title, Tag Title, more

CALDWELL'S WWE NOC PPV REPORT 9/20: Live Night of Champions Coverage from Houston - Seth Rollins's double duty