WWE: Predictions for the Night of Champions

2-on-1 Handicap Elimination Match - Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel and Paul Heyman vs CM Punk (non-title):

As I said in another column, this match really could go either way. Fans want Heyman to get destroyed by Punk, however, which is exactly why I think Axel and Heyman win this match.

I’m going to guess, Axel gets eliminated first (possibly via DQ), then comes out later to help Heyman defeat Punk when the referee is down.

The Punk/Heyman feud, in my opinion, will continue for a bit longer, with Brock Lesnar possibly being re-entered into it sometime before WrestleMania, and if Punk wins, the feud will pretty much be over.

World Championship - Alberto Del Rio (Champion) vs Rob Van Dam:

Alberto Del Rio

I’m not a big fan of RVD, but I wouldn’t mind him getting one more championship run in WWE, especially since his last one was cut so short (granted, it was his fault), and I would especially love to see ADR not be champion anymore, as I consider him one of the most worthless wrestlers on the roster.

RVD could easily win here, but I’m not sure that will happen. Despite what the storyline would say, I can easily see RVD’s new manager, Ricardo Rodriguez, turning his back on RVD and joining up with ADR once again.

This would have a 2-fold effect as well, as Ricardo could cost RVD the match, thus giving RVD a legitimate excuse for wanting a rematch down the road.

WWE Championship - Randy Orton (Champion) vs Daniel Bryan:

I would love nothing more than to see Bryan as the champion, as I think he is the most deserving wrestler on the entire roster right now. However, the current plan is for Bryan to chase Orton through the month of January, probably until the Royal Rumble.

Because of that, I don’t think Bryan is winning the belt. Not tomorrow night, anyway.

Bryan is very effective as the hunter, and if he hunts the belt a couple more months, it’s going to mean that much more when he finally wins it. Orton will retain, but this won’t be the last of this feud, and Bryan will be champion again.