Kester's WWE Night of Champions Preview and Predictions: CM Punk vs. John Cena, Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio, Randy Orton vs. Dolph Ziggler, and more

By Ryan Kester

The following predictions are made with no foreknowledge as to what the finishes or booking will be. They are predictions made solely based on what WWE has done and what I think they will do.

CM Punk vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship: There is no reason to move the belt at this point. Punk is just settling into his heel persona and the time for him to drop the belt would have been while he was a babyface and could use the chase mode. I'm expecting to see a great match here with a convoluted and screwy finish to both give Punk some heat and to protect Cena.

Prediction: CM Punk retains.

Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship: WWE took away the Brogue Kick and Sheamus hasn't lost a step. I'm expecting a few spots with Sheamus tempted to use his signature boot, but ultimately Sheamus will go over with his Texas Cloverleaf. As a quick side note, I actually enjoy Sheamus using the submission hold in his repertoire, but the story surrounding this match has simply been poor. It's time to put an end to this feud.

Prediction: Sheamus retains.

Randy Orton vs. Dolph Ziggler: Ziggler is in build mode for his eventual cash in with the briefcase. I see no reason to have him lose here as Orton managed to shrug off a submission loss to Del Rio without issue, so I hope Orton puts Ziggler over in a similarly convincing manner.

Prediction: Dolph Ziggler defeats Randy Orton

Kofi Kingston and R-Truth vs. Daniel Bryan and Kane for the WWE Tag Team Championships: Though the build for this match really hasn't been o the tag belts, Kane and Bryan have had the lion's share of attention from creative and they are easily the bigger stars in this match. Truth and Kingston have done nothing with the belts, so I hope the switch is made here. Bryan and Kane are actually in a position to make the straps mean something, even if it that something is a prop for their storyline. It's better than what they are currently.

Prediction: Kane and Daniel Bryan win the Tag Team Titles.

Layla vs. Kaitlyn for the WWE Divas Championship: I cannot even pretend to care about this match. It features Kaitlyn and Layla, two women who are not even slightly over with the WWE fans, and WWE has spent the past month building up Eve more than they have the champion or the challenger. I see Layla retaining here only to drop the strap to Eve at a later date.

Prediction: Layla retains.

The Miz vs. Sin Cara vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes the Intercontinental Championship: This has the potential to be a great match, depending on whether the luchadores are having an off night or not. The Miz was just crowned champion a few weeks back and he hasn't been given a chance to do much with the belt yet, so I am expecting him to retain the title here.

Prediction: The Miz retains.

Antonio Cesaro vs. a battle royal winner for the United States Championship: I'm expecting Santino to win the battle royal and go on to have a repeat of the many matches he's had with Cesaro to this point, complete with horny Cobra spot. Cesaro is in the midst of a push, and I see no reason to have him drop the belt tonight without a real feud to speak of.

Prediction: Antonio Cesaro retains.

If you have any questions or comments or just wish to chat with a fellow wrestling fan about whatever, then feel free to email me at ryan.kester@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter at @TheRyanKester.