Night Of Champions 2011: Match Card Highlights

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive into a blast from the past and relive the excitement of Night of Champions 2011. This pay-per-view event, held on September 18, 2011, at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York, was jam-packed with title defenses and intense rivalries. So, grab your favorite snack, and let’s get ready to rumble through the match card!

WWE Championship: John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio

The WWE Championship match was undoubtedly the main event attraction, featuring a clash between John Cena and Alberto Del Rio. At this time, Alberto Del Rio was at the height of his villainous reign, having captured the WWE Championship. Cena, the perennial babyface, was determined to regain the title. This rivalry was built on the classic foundation of good versus evil, with Del Rio’s arrogance and penchant for underhanded tactics contrasting sharply with Cena’s never-give-up attitude. The match itself was a dramatic back-and-forth affair, filled with near-falls and impactful maneuvers. Both superstars showcased their signature moves, with Cena delivering his trademark Attitude Adjustment and Del Rio countering with his devastating Cross Armbreaker. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the tension mounted, each near fall eliciting a roar of anticipation. Ultimately, John Cena emerged victorious, dethroning Alberto Del Rio to once again become the WWE Champion. This win marked another significant chapter in Cena's illustrious career, reaffirming his status as one of the company's top stars. The victory was celebrated by fans worldwide, who appreciated his dedication and resilience. For Del Rio, the loss was a temporary setback, fueling his determination to reclaim the title in the future. This match not only delivered in terms of in-ring action but also further solidified the characters and storylines of both superstars.

World Heavyweight Championship: Mark Henry vs. Randy Orton

Another major title defense saw Mark Henry defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Randy Orton. Mark Henry had undergone a career resurgence, transforming into the "Hall of Pain" persona, an unstoppable force of destruction. Randy Orton, known for his Viper-like precision and cunning, was looking to dethrone Henry and add another World Heavyweight Championship to his impressive resume. The buildup to this match was intense, with Henry decimating opponents and leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. Orton, however, remained unfazed, promising to exploit any weakness in Henry's armor. Their clash at Night of Champions was a brutal and physical encounter, with both men unleashing their full arsenal of moves. Henry relied on his immense strength and power, while Orton utilized his agility and technical prowess. The match was filled with impactful moments, including Henry's devastating World's Strongest Slam and Orton's signature RKO. The crowd was captivated by the sheer force and determination displayed by both competitors. In the end, Mark Henry managed to retain his title, further solidifying his dominance in the World Heavyweight Championship scene. The victory was a testament to his transformation and newfound aggression, proving that he was a force to be reckoned with. For Orton, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, but it only fueled his desire to seek revenge and reclaim the championship. This match was a highlight of the event, showcasing the intensity and drama that professional wrestling can offer.

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Cody Rhodes vs. Ted DiBiase

The WWE Intercontinental Championship was on the line as Cody Rhodes faced off against Ted DiBiase. Cody Rhodes, with his "dashing" gimmick and later his masked persona, had been building momentum as a cunning and skilled competitor. Ted DiBiase, the son of the legendary "Million Dollar Man," was eager to establish his own legacy and capture the Intercontinental Championship. The rivalry between these two former tag team partners added an extra layer of intrigue to the match. Their history created a natural tension, as both men knew each other's strengths and weaknesses. The match itself was a showcase of technical wrestling and strategic maneuvering. Rhodes utilized his intelligence and agility, while DiBiase relied on his power and determination. The crowd was engaged as the two competitors traded blows, each vying for control of the match. In the end, Cody Rhodes managed to retain his Intercontinental Championship, further solidifying his status as a rising star in WWE. The victory was a testament to his growth and development as a performer. For DiBiase, the loss was a setback, but it motivated him to continue honing his skills and pursuing his championship dreams. This match was a memorable part of the event, highlighting the talent and potential of both Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase.

WWE United States Championship: Dolph Ziggler vs. Jack Swagger vs. Alex Riley vs. John Morrison

A Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE United States Championship saw Dolph Ziggler defending against Jack Swagger, Alex Riley, and John Morrison. This match promised high-flying action and unpredictable moments, with all four competitors eager to capture the prestigious title. Dolph Ziggler, known for his athleticism and showmanship, was looking to solidify his reign as champion. Jack Swagger, with his amateur wrestling background and aggressive style, aimed to dominate the competition. Alex Riley, a former protégé of The Miz, was determined to prove his worth as a singles competitor. John Morrison, with his acrobatic maneuvers and innovative offense, sought to steal the show. The match was a whirlwind of chaos and excitement, with all four men showcasing their unique skills and abilities. High-flying moves, impactful slams, and near-falls kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. The fast-paced action made it difficult to predict the outcome, as each competitor had moments of dominance. In the end, Dolph Ziggler managed to retain his WWE United States Championship, overcoming the odds and proving his resilience. The victory was a testament to his determination and skill. For Swagger, Riley, and Morrison, the loss was disappointing, but it fueled their desire to continue improving and pursuing their championship aspirations. This match was a thrilling spectacle, highlighting the athleticism and excitement of WWE's mid-card division.

WWE Tag Team Championship: Air Boom vs. The Miz & R-Truth

The WWE Tag Team Championship was defended by Air Boom (Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston) against The Miz and R-Truth. Air Boom, with their high-flying offense and infectious energy, had quickly become a fan favorite tag team. The Miz and R-Truth, as a newly formed alliance, brought a mix of arrogance and unpredictability to the tag team division. The contrasting styles and personalities of these two teams made for an intriguing matchup. Air Boom relied on their speed and agility, while The Miz and R-Truth utilized their experience and cunning. The match was a blend of high-flying maneuvers and strategic teamwork. The crowd was engaged as the two teams traded blows, each vying for control of the match. In the end, Air Boom managed to retain their WWE Tag Team Championship, showcasing their teamwork and athleticism. The victory was a testament to their chemistry and hard work. For The Miz and R-Truth, the loss was a setback, but it motivated them to continue refining their teamwork and pursuing their championship goals. This match was a highlight of the event, showcasing the excitement and dynamics of WWE's tag team division.

Divas Championship: Kelly Kelly vs. Eve Torres

Kelly Kelly defended her Divas Championship against Eve Torres. Kelly Kelly, known for her bubbly personality and athleticism, had captured the hearts of fans with her underdog story. Eve Torres, with her background in dance and martial arts, brought a combination of grace and power to the Divas division. The match was a showcase of athleticism and determination, as both women sought to prove their dominance in the ring. Kelly Kelly relied on her speed and agility, while Eve Torres utilized her strength and technical skills. The crowd was engaged as the two competitors traded blows, each vying for control of the match. In the end, Kelly Kelly managed to retain her Divas Championship, overcoming the challenge posed by Eve Torres. The victory was a testament to her hard work and dedication. For Eve Torres, the loss was disappointing, but it fueled her desire to continue improving and pursuing her championship aspirations. This match was a memorable part of the event, highlighting the talent and potential of WWE's Divas division.

Conclusion

Night of Champions 2011 delivered a solid card with memorable moments and title defenses. From Cena's triumph to Henry's dominance, the event had something for every wrestling fan. It's always fun to look back and remember these epic nights in WWE history! What were your favorite matches from this event? Let us know in the comments below!