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Time of India
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
WWE Night of Champions 2025: List of all winners, top performers, and more
Randy Orton vs Cody Rhodes (Image Source: Getty) WWE Night of Champions 2025 did not disappoint as one of the biggest events of the energetic year yet, a wild night full of action, returns, and massive wins. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hosted the premium live event, which crowned a new King & Queen of the Ring, featured the highly-anticipated John Cena vs. CM Punk showdown for the Undisputed WWE Championship, and helped pave the way for some gigantic clashes as SummerSlam looms ever closer. Everything from savage fights to a traditional technical wrestler's match, this night could cater to any wrestling fan. Below is a full recap of all of the match results, individual performances, and new royalty. WWE Night of Champions 2025 all matches and winners The event showcased six marquee matches, each carrying major stakes: King of the Ring Final: In a back-and-forth contest, Cody Rhodes picked up the win over Randy Orton after a massive Jeopardy ring walk and kick. Taking advantage of an error from Orton, Rhodes nailed him with the Cross Rhodes to win the match. Queen of the Ring Final: Asuka went after Jade Cargill 's banged-up knee, but Cargill prevailed. She was able to complete the Jaded finisher for the win to retain her crown and earn a title shot against SummerSlam. Undisputed WWE Championship: One of the world's greatest, John Cena, in the blockbuster match against CM Punk, defeated the former. It was a match high on near-falls and callbacks to their decades-long rivalry, and the two legends went all-in. United States Championship: Tonga Loa and the freshly introduced Hikuleo assisted to ensure Jacob Fatu's defeat at the hands of Solo Sikoa. This surprise title change marked a new chapter for The Bloodline. Street Fight: Rhea Ripley defeated Raquel Rodriguez in a brutal No Disqualification Match Ripley finished him off with a Rip Tide through a table. Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross: Sami Zayn defeated Drew McIntyre in a hard-hitting opener, delivering a perfectly timed Helluva Kick for the clean win. WWE Night of Champions 2025 top performers Several superstars stole the spotlight on this action-packed night: In one of the highest-profile matches of the night, Cody Rhodes showed why he still is 'The American Nightmare,' withstanding a punishing bout against former mentor Randy Orton to earn a world-title shot against the winner of the Night of Champions main event to be held at SummerSlam. In her moment of crowning splendor, Jade Cargill overcame Asuka, showing remarkable tenacity and horsepower on her way up and extreme heights. One of the physical highlights of the night came from Rhea Ripley taking on Raquel Rodriguez. That kind of dominance by Ripley cements her as one of WWE's top stars. While Hikuleo debuted at the behest of New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) for America, Solo Sikoa captured the United States Championship and ushered in a new era for The Bloodline in one fell swoop. Sami Zayn gave them a fire-breathing, working solution — he outwrestled the scary guy on the end, used his heart to stifle the fury of the doom-laden, hulking brute. John Cena and CM Punk headlined the WWE night with a legacy-defining match, proving to their fans why they're still the best in the world, even as veterans. WWE Night of Champions 2025 new King and Queen of the Ring The King and Queen of the Ring tournaments concluded in dramatic fashion: The King of the Ring tournament final saw Cody Rhodes defeat Randy Orton to win the crown. Here at the 2025 King of the Ring tournament final, this victory puts Rhodes in line for a championship match at SummerSlam, where he will reportedly face World Heavyweight Championship holder John Cena. Jade Cargill picked up her 2025 Queens of the Ring title by edging out one of WWE's most accomplished female wrestlers, Asuka. This coronation would serve as a Women's Championship match at SummerSlam, probably against Tiffany Stratton. Also Read: WWE Night of Champions 2025 Result: Asuka falls short against Jade Cargill in Queen of the Ring title match Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Metro
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
WWE fans in awe as 'freakish' star finally debuts after 12-month wait
WWE fans were stunned as a new face made a massive impression at Night of Champions 2025. Former New Japan Pro Wrestling star Hikuleo – who was previously a member of Bullet Club and Guerrillas of Destiny – was reported to have signed with the company back in July 2024. It's been a year since the towering star left NJPW, and 11 months since he was said to have inked his WWE deal. Finally, he reappeared and made his debut during Saturday's Night of Champions event in Saudi Arabia just hours after a historic King of the Ring win for Cody Rhodes. He had a defining role to play in the United States Title match which saw Jacob Fatu putting his gold on the line against Solo Sikoa. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. After Tonga Loa returned from a seven month injury layoff to turn the tide in Sikoa's favour, the former Bloodline enforcer had another trick up his sleeve with Hikuleo appearing to cost Fatu the title. Taking to X after the match, WWE boss Triple H retweeted a photo of Solo celebrating with his allies and wrote: 'By any means necessary…#WWENOC' It's been a long wait, but now he's joined his for GoD teammates – and real life cousin Loa and brother Tama Tonga – on the WWE main roster. Commentators Michael Cole and Wade Barrett avoided saying Hikuleo's name, which suggests a change in moniker is on the horizon for the newcomer, who stands at 6ft 8ins. However, Preston-born Barrett immediately hyped up the big man, branding him an 'absolute freak', while fans watching on Netflix were in awe of his size. 'Huge surprise with Hikuleo helping Solo! Great twist in the title match. #WWENOC,' raved @LaurenMill62673 on X. 'HIKULEO IS HUGE MY GOD,' shouted @ChefOsco, with plenty of fans stunned by his hulking frame. 'Hikuleo is him! Dude is massive af. #WWENOC,' added @ShinTails77. He's a newcomer to WWE fans, having only recently appeared in so-called dark matches, which are off-air bouts for the live crowd. In his first on June 13, he overcame Pretty Deadly's Kit Wilson, while last week he beat Ryan Matthias before SmackDown. Before joining WWE, he made his name in New Japan, where he became Strong Openweight Tag Team Champion on two occasions with El Phantasmo, while the duo also won the IWPT Tag Team Titles. View More » He's also a former Strong Openweight Champion, having wrestled in the United States for TNA and All Elite Wrestling. King of the Ring final : Cody Rhodes pinned Randy Orton : Cody Rhodes pinned Randy Orton Street Fight : Rhea Ripley beat Raquel Rodriguez : Rhea Ripley beat Raquel Rodriguez Sami Zayn pinned Karrion Kross United States Title : Solo Sikoa defeated Jacob Fatu (c) : Solo Sikoa defeated Jacob Fatu (c) Queen of the Ring: Jade Cargill beat Asuka Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'It's a hell of a ride!' Your favourite shows like Squid Game MORE: Netflix WWE SmackDown live stream cuts out with millions unable to watch MORE: TV fans torn between bingeing Netflix hit series or 'anxiety-inducing' drama this weekend
Kyodo News
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
Retired judo star Wolf announces move to professional wrestling
KYODO NEWS - 9 hours ago - 19:10 | Sports, All Tokyo Olympic judo gold medalist Aaron Wolf announced Monday he is embarking on a new career in professional wrestling. The 29-year-old, who retired from judo earlier this month, has joined major grappling promotion New Japan Pro Wrestling. Wolf won men's 100-kilogram judo gold at his home Olympics in 2021 and finished seventh at the Paris Games three years later. He is scheduled to debut at a New Japan event at Tokyo Dome in January. Wolf, a longtime fan of professional wrestling, decided to make the switch after last summer's Olympics. "I had wanted to go into pro wrestling once I thought I could walk away from judo with no regrets," Wolf said at a press conference in Tokyo. "I am excited to challenge myself on a new stage." The Tokyo native, born to a Japanese mother and an American father, is already a popular media personality, making regular television appearances. With his move into the theatrical world of professional wrestling, he follows in the footsteps of countryman Naoya Ogawa, who won heavyweight judo silver at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before becoming a pro wrestler. Japan's Hidehiko Yoshida, the 78-kg gold medalist in Barcelona, and Satoshi Ishii, the 2008 Beijing Games heavyweight champion, both went into mixed martial arts after retiring from judo. Related coverage: Judo: Kagawa wins 1st nat'l open-weight title, Abe loses in 2nd round FEATURE: Ukrainian kids practice sumo free from missile attack fears
The Mainichi
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Retired judo star Wolf announces move to professional wrestling
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Olympic judo gold medalist Aaron Wolf announced Monday he is embarking on a new career in professional wrestling. The 29-year-old, who retired from judo earlier this month, has joined major grappling promotion New Japan Pro Wrestling. Wolf won men's 100-kilogram judo gold at his home Olympics in 2021 and finished seventh at the Paris Games three years later. He is scheduled to debut at a New Japan event at Tokyo Dome in January. Wolf, a longtime fan of professional wrestling, decided to make the switch after last summer's Olympics. "I had wanted to go into pro wrestling once I thought I could walk away from judo with no regrets," Wolf said at a press conference in Tokyo. "I am excited to challenge myself on a new stage." The Tokyo native, born to a Japanese mother and an American father, is already a popular media personality, making regular television appearances. With his move into the theatrical world of professional wrestling, he follows in the footsteps of countryman Naoya Ogawa, who won heavyweight judo silver at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before becoming a pro wrestler. Japan's Hidehiko Yoshida, the 78-kg gold medalist in Barcelona, and Satoshi Ishii, the 2008 Beijing Games heavyweight champion, both went into mixed martial arts after retiring from judo.
Kyodo News
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
Retired judo star Aaron Wolf announces move to professional wrestling
KYODO NEWS - 10 minutes ago - 16:51 | Sports, All Tokyo Olympic judo gold medalist Aaron Wolf announced Monday he is embarking on a new career in professional wrestling. The 29-year-old, who retired from judo earlier this month, has joined major grappling promotion New Japan Pro Wrestling. Wolf won men's 100-kilogram judo gold at his home Olympics in 2021 and finished seventh at the Paris Games three year later. The Tokyo native, born to a Japanese mother and American father, is already a popular media personality, making regular television appearances. With his move into the theatrical world of professional wrestling, he follows in the footsteps of countryman Naoya Ogawa, who won heavyweight judo silver at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before becoming a pro wrestler. Related coverage: Judo: Kagawa wins 1st nat'l open-weight title, Abe loses in 2nd round FEATURE: Ukrainian kids practice sumo free from missile attack fears
