Night Of Champions 2014: A Look Back At The Matches

by Jhon Lennon 52 views

Hey wrestling fans! Let's rewind the clock and dive into the Night of Champions 2014 pay-per-view. This event, held on September 21, 2014, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, was a night filled with memorable matches, unexpected twists, and, of course, championship gold on the line. I'm going to break down the entire match card, give you a recap of what went down, and maybe even share some of my own thoughts on the event. So, grab your favorite snack, get comfy, and let's journey back to Night of Champions 2014!

The Build-Up: Setting the Stage for Night of Champions 2014

Leading up to Night of Champions 2014, the WWE Universe was buzzing with anticipation. The storylines were heating up, rivalries were intensifying, and the championships were hanging in the balance. WWE had done a great job of building the hype, ensuring that fans were glued to their TVs week after week. Major storylines that led into this pay-per-view involved the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, the United States Championship, and the WWE Tag Team Championship. There were personal grudges, high-stakes matches, and the promise of a night of unforgettable wrestling. The creative team really put their best foot forward to create the tension and drama needed to keep the audience engaged. The anticipation was palpable, and everyone was eager to see if their favorite Superstars would walk out of Nashville as champions. The promo packages that aired on Raw and SmackDown were top-notch, with excellent editing and music choices, adding to the anticipation and excitement of the event. All of this groundwork created a perfect environment for a successful pay-per-view. The buzz was so loud, with every match having its own storyline and personal stake. The writers were brilliant in creating the tension and anticipation required for the audience to invest in the product. The match card had such depth, with multiple storylines culminating at the pay-per-view, and the quality of the wrestling was also top-notch. It was the perfect storm, and everything was set for a night of wrestling brilliance.

Key Storylines and Rivalries

The main event scene was dominated by the simmering rivalry between Brock Lesnar, the reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion, and John Cena. Their feud was a highlight of the year. There was a desire to see Cena get his revenge after he was decimated by Lesnar at SummerSlam. Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins had their ongoing feud, with the former members of The Shield constantly at each other's throats. The Intercontinental Championship picture featured a multi-man match with Dolph Ziggler defending against The Miz, Cesaro, and others. The tag team division also had exciting matches brewing, with The Usos defending their titles. All these were just a few of the top storylines heading into Night of Champions 2014, each adding its unique flavor to the overall event. The fans were really invested in seeing how the stories would unfold and who would be able to walk away with the gold. Every rivalry was distinct and had its own nuances, which is a testament to the storytelling WWE put out.

The Night of Champions 2014 Match Card Breakdown

Let's get down to the meat and potatoes, shall we? Here's the complete match card for Night of Champions 2014, with a rundown of the results and a few of my own thoughts. Buckle up, it's going to be a fun ride!

Pre-Show Match: Rob Van Dam vs. Seth Rollins

Before the main card kicked off, we had a pre-show match featuring Rob Van Dam taking on Seth Rollins. It was a solid match to get the crowd warmed up. Rollins, a rising star at the time, was looking to establish himself as a dominant force. The high-flying offense of RVD made it a fun match to watch. Seth Rollins ended up winning the match, adding another notch to his belt. This match set the stage for Rollins's main card appearance later in the night. This was a good choice to start the show because of how popular both wrestlers were.

Main Card Matches

  • WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. The Miz vs. The Usos vs. Cesaro

    This match was a chaotic affair, showcasing the talent of all four competitors. The match was fast-paced, with each superstar getting a chance to shine. Ziggler, the defending champion, had a tough task ahead of him. After an exciting and high-paced match, The Miz, somehow, won the title. However, the crowd was not happy with the result. Everyone wanted to see Ziggler retain his title. It felt like the match had more to give.

  • WWE Tag Team Championship: The Usos (c) vs. Goldust & Stardust

    The Usos, the fan-favorite tag team, put their titles on the line against the unlikely team of Goldust and Stardust. These two brothers had a brilliant run, and their chemistry was undeniable. The match was a blend of athleticism and storytelling. The heels ultimately won the tag team titles. This marked a significant moment in the careers of Goldust and Stardust. It was a well-received match, and it delivered on all fronts. The crowd was invested from start to finish.

  • Sheamus vs. Cesaro

    Sheamus and Cesaro, two of the strongest superstars on the roster, went head-to-head in a hard-hitting match. It was a match of power, with both men trading blows and showcasing their strength. Both superstars were extremely over with the crowd. Both showed a lot of technical prowess. Sheamus won the match, solidifying his status as a top contender. This was a physical encounter, and both wrestlers gave it their all. The match highlighted their abilities and put on a show.

  • WWE United States Championship: Sheamus (c) vs. The Miz

    The Miz was in this match by pure luck. Sheamus had a match with Cesaro earlier in the night. The Miz, due to winning the intercontinental title, thought it would be a good idea to capitalize. After some antics and interference, Sheamus retained his title. Both of them were already exhausted, but they did the best they could.

  • Chris Jericho vs. Randy Orton

    Two veterans of the industry, Chris Jericho and Randy Orton, clashed in a match that was filled with experience and storytelling. Both wrestlers had history, and the match was built on their long-standing rivalry. It was a highly anticipated match, with fans eager to see the two face off. Orton won the match, adding another victory to his record.

  • WWE Divas Championship: Paige (c) vs. AJ Lee vs. Nikki Bella

    This match was a triple threat for the Divas Championship, showcasing the athleticism and skill of the women's division. It was a fast-paced match with a lot of near falls. AJ Lee ended up winning the title. It was a hard-fought match. It was a good step in the evolution of the women's division, as the wrestlers delivered a great performance.

  • Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins

    This match was a personal one, with Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, former brothers, facing off. The match was filled with emotion and intensity. Ambrose was seeking revenge on Rollins. Their rivalry was one of the most compelling storylines. It was a brutal match, with both men giving everything they had. Rollins ended up getting the win with the help of Kane. This match furthered their feud, and it had a great impact on the audience.

  • WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Brock Lesnar (c) vs. John Cena

    The main event of the night was the highly anticipated match between Brock Lesnar and John Cena for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Their match at SummerSlam had shocked the world. This match was a rematch. It was an all-out war. Lesnar dominated Cena, showcasing his strength and power. Cena put up a fight, but Lesnar ultimately retained his title. It was a brutal match that showed the dominance of Lesnar. The crowd was split, but it was a memorable encounter, ending the night with a bang.

The Aftermath and Lasting Impact of Night of Champions 2014

Night of Champions 2014 left a lasting impact on the WWE landscape. The event provided some unexpected results and set the stage for future storylines. The event helped to elevate the careers of some superstars. The feuds that came out of the event would continue for months, if not years. Some matches, like the one between Lesnar and Cena, would become iconic. The event was filled with surprises, and it kept the audience invested. The match card had a significant impact on WWE's future.

Key Takeaways and Memorable Moments

  • The Miz's shocking Intercontinental Championship win was a major talking point. Nobody expected that at all, and it led to some interesting developments. His heel tactics and his character work were perfect.
  • The Usos losing the tag team titles was a surprise, but it also opened the door for new challengers. It gave a breath of fresh air to the tag team division. Goldust and Stardust's victory was a highlight.
  • Brock Lesnar's continued dominance over John Cena cemented his status as a top-tier performer. His victory over Cena was one of the biggest talking points. It was an important moment for the company, as it established Lesnar as a force to be reckoned with.
  • The match between Ambrose and Rollins was a high point of the show. Their feud was one of the best in wrestling. It furthered their rivalry and set the stage for future matches. It was personal and it showed the audience what both wrestlers were capable of.

Conclusion: Was Night of Champions 2014 a Success?

So, was Night of Champions 2014 a success? In my opinion, it was. The event delivered a mix of exciting matches, surprising results, and compelling storylines. The matches were all entertaining. There were some great wrestling matches that were fun to watch. Some matches were better than others, but overall, it was a good show. The event provided a great night of wrestling, and it has earned its place in the annals of WWE history. It had a great main event. It provided plenty of talking points for fans. Night of Champions 2014 delivered on the promise of championship battles and intense rivalries. It was a pay-per-view that delivered on most of the things it promised, making it a success in my book! Let me know in the comments your favorite match or moment from Night of Champions 2014.