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WWE Night of Champions 2023 results, match grades: The Bloodline implodes, Seth Rollins & Asuka win gold

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Daniel Yanofsky
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• 16 min read
Seth Rollins - WWE
(WWE.com)

After years of dominating WWE, it appears a dynasty has ended. At WWE Night of Champions, the walls of The Bloodline came crumbling down as Jimmy Uso attacked Roman Reigns. It was a move the group may never recover from.

In Saudi Arabia, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn successfully defended the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles against Reigns, celebrating 1,000 days as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and Solo Sikoa. The main stories from the match were of triumph and betrayal. 

Zayn, of Syrian descent, finally competed at a WWE-Saudi Arabia show and was treated like a star. He used that momentum to create moment after moment in a match against Reigns, his former friend. Reigns, who has attempted to hold together The Bloodline, was close to winning all the gold. With the referee down, The Usos, who lost the titles against Owens and Zayn, got involved. They accidentally took down Sikoa with superkicks, which marked the beginning of the end of the match and The Bloodline. 

Reigns confronted The Usos, and yelled, "There ain't no Day One no more” to Jey, who has always been the defiant one of the group. However, Jimmy kicked Reigns down to the floor, ruining his chances at gold and solidifying The Bloodline’s demise. 

MORE: Breaking down WWE's history with Saudi Arabia

What’s next for The Bloodline? The next few months should be interesting for the group, and WWE, thanks to what should be an upset Reigns. 

That match was just one of many big moments that happened inside the Jeddah Super Dome.

To start the night, Seth 'Freakin’ Rollins and AJ Styles fought in a classic to determine the new World Heavyweight Champion. Considered the secondary title to Reigns and the Undisputed WWE Universal Title, this match was anything but an afterthought. 

They fought like this was the “Working Man’s Title”, with throwbacks to their days in Ring of Honor. Following several reversals, Rollins beat Styles to become the champion. Rollins, a true workhorse for the company for the past year+, is finally crowned for his efforts. He is now one of the most decorated champions in WWE history. 

In a throwback match, Cody Rhodes, with a broken arm, faced Brock Lesnar. Rhodes used the cast to his advantage like Bob Orton. However, Lesnar did not falter. “The Beast Incarnate” beat down on Rhodes, locking in a kimura on the injured arm. While Rhodes had a warrior's heart, it wasn’t enough, as he passed out in the middle of the ring. It is expected they'll continue their feud, either at Money in the Bank or SummerSlam. 

A shocking title change happened at Night of Champions as Asuka beat Bianca Belair to become the WWE RAW Women’s Champion. Asuka, who lost against Belair at SummerSlam, took advantage of Belair’s aggressive side to tire her out. Asuka rubbed mist into her hand, and as Belair went for the KOD, Asuka rubbed it into her face, landed a kick, and won the title. 

Belair’s reign ended at 416 days. 

MORE: Ricky Starks refuses to 'sit and wait' for AEW success

Meanwhile, Rhea Ripley squashed Natalya to retain the SmackDown Women’s Title, only needing about 1:09 to win. Gunther retained the Intercontinental title against Mustafa Ali, and Trish Stratus beat Becky Lynch in her first singles match in four years. 

The Sporting News provided results, match grades, and highlights from Night of Champions. Check it out! 

WWE Night of Champions 2023 results, highlights

Hello everyone, and welcome to The Sporting News' live coverage of WWE Night of Champions! 

The World Heavyweight Title match, determining the secondary champion to Roman Reigns, is opening Night of Champions. Interesting choice here. It's Seth "Freakin'" Rollins vs. AJ Styles. 

World 'Freakin' Champion: Seth Rollins beats Styles to become World Heavyweight Champion

Rollins is OVER with the crowd. It is the first time in four years the two fought one another for gold. Styles landed a dropkick right away as Rollins was playing to the crowd. A stalemate, then Rollins landed a Slingblade and a running knee to the outside. Rollins backed into the corner, and Styles, who recently returned from an injury, focused on Rollins' eye. Rollins with chops and put Styles into the turnbuckle. Styles appears to be either injured or selling very well. 

They exchanged shots, with Styles getting the better end of the deal with a suplex into the turnbuckles. In the middle of the ring, Styles with an old school offense that stunned Rollins. A moonsault into a DDT by Styles. Rollins landed a BuckleBomb and a Frog Splash but only for two. Rolling elbow by Rollins, and a neckbreaker by Styles followed. Pedigree attempt was blocked by Styles. Styles tried a Styles Clash from the second rope, but Rollins countered. On the other side of the ring, Rollins landed a reverse suplex from the top, into a Curtain Call. Phoenix Splash missed by Rollins. Styles then slammed Rollins' neck on the ring apron with a Brainbuster. 

Styles with a Phenomenal Forearm attempt, but Rollins countered into a suicide dive. With his knee hurt from the dive, Rollins got caught in a Calf Crusher. Out of the move, Styles attacked the leg. Back in the middle of the ring, they traded shots. Rollins kicked Styles in the face. They traded headbutts, and Styles missed a Pele Kick. Stomp to the hand by Rollins, Pedigree reversed, Styles Clash reversed, and Styles landed the Pele Kick. Pedigree by Styles but only for two. Now bleeding, Styles went for the Forearm but Rollins landed a superkick. A Stomp attempt, but Rollins' knee buckled. 

Calf Crusher countered into a Pedigree. Rollins landed the Stomp for the win. 

What a match. Rollins and Styles proved they won the "Working Man's Title." It was a throwback to their Ring of Honor days. Rollins deserved to win gold, regardless of the belt. 

Grade: A+

Trish Stratus vs. Becky Lynch is next. The past vs. the present. With her ring gear, Stratus was paying homage to the first time she main evented RAW with Lita in 2004. Lynch is cosplaying Kill Bill. 

'Thank you, Zoey': Trish Stratus def. Becky Lynch following help from Zoey Stark

Lynch went after Stratus right away, attacking her outside the ring. Stratus ended up with an advantage, and pushed Lynch into the steps. In the ring, Stratus choked Lynch in the corner. Tornado DDT by Stratus but only for two. Stratus took control of the match by not giving Lynch an inch to move. Grabbing Lynch by the hair, Stratus lifted her off the floor and swung her around. 

Finally having an edge, Lynch kicked Stratus, who reversed her momentum into a neckbreaker. They then traded blows in the middle of the ring. Lynch landed kicks in the corner. An Exploder suplex by Lynch and a leg drop from the middle rope, but only for two. On the outside, Stratus countered an attack into a reverse hurricanrana into the turnbuckle. Inverted hurricanrana inside the ring by Stratus but only for two. "Thank you Trish" chants by the fans, with Stratus enjoying every moment. 

Up top, a leg drop by Lynch, but only for two. Stratus with the Sharpshooter attempt, but Lynch countered. Losing her balance, Lynch reversed a move by Stratus into the Boston Crab. Stratus got out of it, and pushed Lynch to the outside. Chick Kick by Stratus but only for two. Disarm-Her by Lynch, but Stratus played dirty. Manhandle Slam but Stratus was by the ropes. Zoey Stark attacked Lynch. Stratusfaction by Stratus for the win. 

Was not expecting Stark to get involved. Looks like it's the past mentoring the present, which could be a good story. As far as the match is concerned, the women gave it their all. Stratus being able to perform after years away from the ring is nice to see. The feud goes on. 

Grade: B

Mustafa Ali, with a Pakistani and Indian background, will face Gunther for the latter's Intercontinental Title next in Saudi Arabia.

Gunther continues his dominant run as champion, beats a game Mustafa Ali

The crowd gave Ali a great ovation. Ali tried to chop Gunther down, but Gunther landed a vicious bodyslam. Gunther chopped Ali down the floor. He locked in the Boston Crab, and then a Crossface. Ali tried to fight back, but Gunther hit a boot to the outside. Inside the ring, Gunther continued his onslaught. 

Ali fought back, showing life. The crowd was on his side. A kick from the outside and a neckbreaker finally brought Gunther down. Trying to go up top, Gunther reversed. Ali went for a sunset flip, and landed a powerbomb. Going for the 450 Splash, he hit it but only for two. A vicious clothesline by Gunther, but Ali was still in the match. Ali slapped Gunther and landed a superkick. A defiant Ali landed a Tornado DDT, but missed the 450. Double dropkick and a powerbomb, and Gunther retained the belt. 

Ali stood no chance in winning this match, but he got to showcase his skills in the ring, which is always a plus. Gunther is the future of WWE. 

Grade: B-

Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens get solid reactions backstage. The former has doubt, but Owens performed a passionate speech indicating they will win the match.

LA Knight with a great reaction by the crowd. 

A rematch for the WWE RAW Women's Title followed the IC Title match. Bianca Belair vs. Asuka. 

Empress Crowned: Asuka dethrones Bianca Belair, wins RAW Women's Title

The two get into it right away, with Asuka grabbing Belair's hair and pushing the champion to the floor. Both women brawl on the floor, and Belair landed a hard shoulder tackle. As Belair went for the leapfrog, Asuka dropkicked her. Belair was acting like a heel, talking trash during the match. Outside the ring, Asuka used Belair's hair to push her into the steps. A suplex in the ring followed, and Asuka took over the match. 

Asuka had full control in the ring, landed an armbar, and put boots to Belair's face. Showboating, Asuka lost her advantage, as Belair landed a dropkick. On top, Belair landed a backflip and continued to attack. Suplex a shoulder tackle by Belair in the corner. Backbreaker by Belair and a moonsault but only for two. Asuka countered and landed kicks, and eventually landed a top rope dropkick. Armbar attempt by Asuka but Belair reversed. Powerbomb attempt, but Asuka reversed, so Belair planted her down to the floor.

Asuka Lock, and Belair reversed into a rollup. Multiple rollup attempts by both women, and a kick to the face of Belair almost won the match for Asuka. On the outside, Belair pushed Asuka into the steps. They push one another, and Asuka grabbed the hair of Belair. An aggressive Belair punished Asuka. Asuka went for the missed but missed. KOD attempt, and Asuka landed the armbar. Asuka blew mist into her hand, and as Belair went for the KOD, Asuka rubbed the mist into her face, landed a kick and won the title. 

Just like that, Belair's reign comes to an end. Asuka outsmarted Belair, who was acting like a true heel at certain points. Like their WrestleMania match, Belair and Asuka delivered. One would have to assume this feud continues. 

Grade: A-

Another women's match for a title, as Rhea Ripley defends the SmackDown Women's Title against Natalya. 

Rhea Ripley squashes Natalya to retain SmackDown Women's Title

Ripley attacked a distracted Natalya following a distraction by Dominik Mysterio. Riptide by Ripley for the win. 

A total squash of Natalya by Ripley. Natalya might be the most underrated and under-appreciated star in WWE history. It showed how dominant Ripley is, but didn't do anything to help Natalya, who was celebrating her birthday. Who's next for Ripley? 

Grade: D+

Rollins was being interviewed, celebrating his title win. He can't wait to dominate Monday nights as champion.

Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar 2 is up next. Rhodes has a broken arm, but is still competing. Cody Rhodes sold his broken arm by only lifting one arm during the "Whoa" part of his entrance.

Brock Lesnar cripples, conquers a game Cody Rhodes at Night of Champions

Rhodes lured Lesnar out of the ring, but Lesnar dominated once inside. He landed a suplex. And another. Lesnar landed a third suplex, and all of them have had Rhodes land on his arm. Rhodes with a left hand, using his cast as a weapon. He took Lesnar off his feet, and going for the dive, he used the cast to hurt Lesnar. Disaster Kick and Cody Cutter, but only for two. Cross Rhodes landed. 

Rhodes went for a second Cross Rhodes and connected. He went for a third one, but Lesnar landed a kimura on the injured arm. Rhodes attempted to win via rollup, but Lesnar didn't give in this time. With a broken arm, Rhodes didn't give up, making him a Superman. He grabbed the ropes to break the hold. F-5 attempt turned into a Cross Rhodes, but only for two. Using the case as a weapon, Rhodes hit Lesnar some more. Lesnar landed an F-5, but only for two. 

Another kimura attempt by Lesnar. Rhodes is out, and the referee called for the bell. 

Rhodes didn't tap out, and acted like Super Cena, but it worked, kind of. Lesnar is a dominant force, and working the arm of Rhodes made the match better than the first meeting between the two. The trilogy will either by at Money in the Bank or SummerSlam. 

Grade: A-

New RAW Women's Tag Team Champions will be crowned thanks to an injury to Liv Morgan.

The Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles are on the line in the main event. Roman Reigns, celebrating 1,000 days as champion, looks to keep The Bloodline in check, as he teams with Solo Sikoa against champions Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.

Owens and Zayn retain tag titles following the fall of The Bloodline

Zayn, competing in his first Saudi Arabia event in years, got a loud, positive reaction. He interacted with the crowd, who ate every word up of the man who has main evented three of the last four WWE events. 

The crowd wanted Zayn to start the match, and Owens obliged. It was Zayn vs. Reigns, until Reigns tagged in Sikoa. A game Zayn moved forward, but Sikoa used his power to take down Zayn. Owens tagged in, and traded hard shots with Sikoa. Zayn back in and both team up against Sikoa. Reigns, not in the match, distracted Zayn and Sikoa took advantage.  

Reigns was finally in the match, and he picked up the pieces of a broken Zayn. Working the crowd, Reigns slowed down the pace. Zayn attempted to chop Reigns, but Reigns wasn't having it. Sikoa and Owens got involved on the outside, and things got tense. Samoan Drop by Sikoa, as Zayn played face in peril. Outside of the ring, Reigns tried attacking Zayn, and he fought back. Trying to tag in Owens, Zayn failed at several points in the match. Superkick to Owens on the outside. Tornado DDT by Zayn to Sikoa. 

Owens finally got tagged in as Reigns was tagged in. The former landed several big blows to Reigns, including a running senton. Superkick by Owens. Sikoa with the distraction, and Reigns took Owens down. Superman Punch turned into a Popup Powerbomb by Owens, but only for two. Frog Splash by Owens Reigns kicked out. Superman Punch by Reigns but only for two. Reigns then talked all the trash. Going for the spear, Owens landed the Stunner instead, then Reigns landed a spear.

Zayn and Sikoa both got tagged in. The former took Sikoa out of the ring and landed a dive to the outside. Blue Thunder Bomb by Zayn but only for two. Superkick by Sikoa. Going for the Samoan Spike, Zayn countered with the Exploder. Helluva Kick connected, but Reigns stopped the pin. Zayn avoided a spear and Reigns speared the referee. Zayn with a Superman Punch to Reigns. He mocked Reigns, and Reigns landed a Superman Punch of his own. Spear by Owens, and he brought Owens to the outside. Owens brought Reigns to the table, but The Usos attack Owens. They push the announce desk on top of Zayn. 

A Superkick Party to Zayn, but they accidentally land one on Sikoa. Reigns got mad at The Usos. "There ain't no Day One no more" Roman said as Jimmy superkicked him. He did it again, as Jey looked shocked. The Usos left the ring, Sikoa got stunned by Owens, and Zayn landed the Helluva Kick for the three. 

The match kicked it up a notch in the middle, and there was no going back. That is especially true for The Usos, as The Bloodline is officially broken. The next few months should be interesting for WWE. 

Grade: A

WWE Night of Champions 2023 results

  • Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn (c) def. The Bloodline (Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa) for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles
  • Brock Lesnar def. Cody Rhodes 
  • Rhea Ripley (c) def. Natalya for the WWE SmackDown Women's Title
  • Asuka def. Bianca Belair (c) for the WWE RAW Women's Title
  • Gunther (c) def. Mustafa Ali for the WWE Intercontinental Title
  • Trish Stratus def. Becky Lynch 
  • Seth "Freakin" Rollins def. AJ Styles for the WWE World Heavyweight Title
Author(s)
Daniel Yanofsky Photo
Daniel Yanofsky

Daniel Yanofsky is a combat sports editor at The Sporting News.

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