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{{short description|World Wrestling Entertainment pay-per-view event}} {{short description|World Wrestling Entertainment pay-per-view event}}
{{use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox Wrestling event {{Infobox Wrestling event
|name = Night of Champions |name = Night of Champions
|image = Night of Champions (2009) - In Demand.jpg |image = Night of Champions (2009) - In Demand.jpg
|alt = |alt =
|caption = Promotion poster featuring ] holding the ] |caption = Promotion poster featuring ] holding the ]
|tagline = Every Championship Is on the Line |tagline = Every Championship Is on the Line
|promotion = ] |promotion = ]
|brand = ]<br />]<br />] |brand = ]<br />]<br />]
|date = July 26, 2009 |date = {{start date|2009|07|26}}
|attendance = 17,774<ref name=WorldChampionship/>
|attendance = 17,774<ref name=WorldChampionship>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/matches/10713226/results/|title=Results:A lifelong dream comes true|last=Murphy|first=Ryan|publisher=]|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-26}}</ref>
|buyrate = 267,000<ref name="Buyrate">{{Cite journal|title=WWE Reports 2008 Third Quarter Results|publisher=]|date= 2009-11-05|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/documents/Q32009EarningsCallAdvisory.pdf|access-date=2009-11-05}}</ref><ref name="Buyrate 08">{{Cite journal|title=World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Reports 2008 Second Quarter Results|publisher=]|date= 2008-08-05|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/documents/PressRelease84toKateFINAL.pdf|access-date=2009-11-05}}</ref> |buyrate = 267,000<ref name="Buyrate">{{Cite journal|title=WWE Reports 2008 Third Quarter Results|work=]|date=November 5, 2009|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/documents/Q32009EarningsCallAdvisory.pdf|access-date=November 5, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Buyrate 08">{{Cite journal|title=World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Reports 2008 Second Quarter Results|publisher=]|date=August 5, 2008|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/documents/PressRelease84toKateFINAL.pdf|access-date=November 5, 2009}}</ref>
|venue = ] |venue = ]
|city = ] |city = ], ]
|lastevent = ] |lastevent = ]
|nextevent = ] |nextevent = ]
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|nextevent2 = ] |nextevent2 = ]
}} }}
The 2009 '''Night of Champions''' was the third annual ] ] ] (PPV) ] produced by ] (WWE). It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's ], ], and ] ]—the final to feature ECW. The event took place on July 26, 2009, at the ] in ]. The ] of the show was that every ] in the company at the time was defended. All eight matches on the ] were championship matches; four were won while four were retained. The 2009 '''Night of Champions''' was the third annual ] ] ] (PPV) ] produced by ] (WWE). It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's ], ], and ] ]—the final to feature ECW. The event took place on July 26, 2009, at the ] in ], ]. The ] of the show was that every ] in the company at the time was defended. All eight matches on the ] were championship matches; three were won while five were retained.


This show was considered a ], which featured more than one ] match. The main event matches featured were: ] defeating ] for the ], ] retaining the ] against ] and ], ] winning the ] against ], and ] ] retaining his title against ]. The ], featured ] and ] defending the ] against ], ] defeating ] for the ], ] defending the ] in a ] against ], ], ], ], and ], and ] defending the ] against ]. The event had 267,000 buys, down on the ] figure of 273,000 buys. This show was considered a ], which featured more than one ] match. The main event matches featured were: ] defeating ] for the ], ] retaining the ] against ] and ], ] winning the ] against ], and ] ] retaining his title against ]. The ], featured ] and ] defending the ] against ], ] defeating ] for the ], ] defending the ] in a ] against ], ], ], ], and ], and ] defending the ] against ]. The event had 267,000 buys, down on the ] figure of 273,000 buys.


==Production== ==Production==
===Background=== ===Background===
] was an annual ] (PPV) event produced by ] (WWE) since ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Night of Champions history|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/|publisher=]|access-date=January 1, 2012}}</ref> The 2009 event was the third event in the Night of Champions chronology. It was held on July 26, 2009, at the ] in ] and featured wrestlers from the ], ], and ] ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/|access-date=2008-06-02|title=WWE Night of Champions website|publisher=]|date=2008-06-02}}</ref> ] in ], ].]]
] was an annual ] (PPV) event produced by ] (WWE) since ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Night of Champions history|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/|publisher=]|access-date=January 1, 2012}}</ref> The 2009 event was the third event in the Night of Champions chronology. It was held on July 26, 2009, at the ] in ], ] and featured wrestlers from the ], ], and ] ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/|access-date=June 2, 2008|title=WWE Night of Champions website|work=]|date=June 2, 2008}}</ref>


As per the theme of the event, every championship promoted by WWE at the time was defended. These included the three championships on Raw—the ], the ], and the ]—the three championships on SmackDown—the ], the ], and the ]—ECW's sole championship—the ]—and the promotion's two tag team championships—the ] and ], which had been unified at ] in April as the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship, the umbrella term for two titles that were independently active but defended together on any brand.<ref name="details">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/schedules/events/eventdetail/?id=6623948|access-date=2008-05-01|title=WWE Night of Champions Details|publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/schedules/events/eventdetail/?id=8880658|title =Night of Champions 2009|access-date=2009-05-01|publisher=]}}</ref> This was also the first Night of Champions to feature the Divas Championship, which had been established in July 2008, just after the ] event.<ref name="creation + GD match1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06062008/|title=Golden Dreams|date=June 6, 2008|last=Passero|first=Mitch|access-date=July 15, 2008|publisher=WWE}}</ref> As per the theme of the event, every championship promoted by WWE at the time was defended. These included the three championships on Raw—the ], the ], and the ]—the three championships on SmackDown—the ], the ], and the ]—ECW's sole championship—the ]—and the promotion's two tag team championships—the ] and ], which had been unified at ] in April as the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship, the umbrella term for two titles that were independently active but defended together on any brand.<ref name="details">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/schedules/events/eventdetail/?id=6623948|access-date=May 1, 2008|title=WWE Night of Champions Details|work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/schedules/events/eventdetail/?id=8880658|title=Night of Champions 2009|access-date=May 1, 2009|work=]}}</ref> This was also the first Night of Champions to feature the Divas Championship, which had been established in July 2008, just after the ] event.<ref name="creation + GD match1">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06062008/|title=Golden Dreams|date=June 6, 2008|last=Passero|first=Mitch|access-date=July 15, 2008|work=]}}</ref>


===Storylines=== ===Storylines===
Night of Champions featured ] that involved different wrestlers from pre-existing ]ed feuds, ]s, and ]s that were played out on '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''—]'s (WWE) television programs. Wrestlers portrayed a ] or a ] as they follow a series of events that built tension and culminated in a wrestling match or series of matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp |title=Live & Televised Entertainment of World Wrestling Entertainment |publisher=] |access-date=2009-01-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6LDleY7Lr?url=http://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp |archive-date=November 18, 2013 }}</ref> All wrestlers were from WWE's Raw, SmackDown, and ECW brands—a ] in which WWE employees are assigned to a television program of the same name.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2006/2006_05_25_02.jsp|title=WWE Launches ECW As Third Brand |publisher=]|access-date= 2009-01-11}}</ref> Night of Champions featured ] that involved different wrestlers from pre-existing ]ed feuds, ]s, and ]s that were played out on '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''—World Wrestling Entertainment's (WWE) television programs. Wrestlers portrayed a ] or a ] as they follow a series of events that built tension and culminated in a wrestling match or series of matches.<ref>{{cite web|title=How Pro Wrestling Works|url=https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|last=Grabianowski|first=Ed|work=HowStuffWorks|date=January 13, 2006|publisher=]|access-date=March 5, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129050844/https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|archive-date=November 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Live & Televised Entertainment|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|work=]|access-date=March 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218142749/https://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|archive-date=February 18, 2009}}</ref> All wrestlers were from WWE's Raw, SmackDown, and ECW brands—a storyline division in which WWE employees are assigned to a television program of the same name.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/2006/2006_05_25_02.jsp|title=WWE Launches ECW As Third Brand|work=]|access-date=January 11, 2009}}</ref>


] defeated ] for the ]]] ] defeated ] for the ].]]
The main ] from SmackDown heading into Night of Champions was between ] and ] in their conflict over the ].<ref name=WorldChampionship>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/matches/10713226/results/|title=Results:A lifelong dream comes true|last=Murphy|first=Ryan|publisher=]|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-26}}</ref> One month prior to the show, at ], Punk invoked the guaranteed title match he earned by winning the ] against Hardy; he defeated him, and won the World Heavyweight title, after Hardy had already defeated Edge in a ladder match to win the championship. Hardy received his rematch against Punk on the June 15 episode of ''Raw'' in a triple threat match also involving Edge, who Punk pinned to retain the title after Hardy had hit a ] on him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/history/2009/matches/10294714|title=Jeff Hardy def. Edge; CM Punk cashes in Money in the Bank to become new World Heavyweight Champion|date=June 7, 2009|access-date=June 21, 2012|publisher=]}}</ref> The two had constant confrontations in the following weeks over the legitimacy of Punk's reign before they met at ] in a match for the championship that saw Punk get ] for striking the referee, leading to Hardy attacking Punk for what he saw as dodging competition (a title cannot change hands on a disqualification).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thebash/matches/10535420/results/|title=Punk crushes Hardy's dreams... again|last=Passero|first=Mitch|publisher=]|date=2009-07-03|access-date=2009-07-03}}</ref> On the July 2 episode of ''WWE Superstars'', it came to light that Punk had suffered a ] eye injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwesuperstars/results/|title=Eye give up|last=Vermillion|first=James|publisher=]|date=2009-07-02|access-date=2009-07-02}}</ref> Punk's rebuttal to Hardy's accusation was that he struck the referee due to his inability to clearly see a target. To clear up any dispute on to who the rightful champion was, ], ], announced another match for the World Heavyweight Championship between the two at Night of Champions, which was accepted by both competitors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/04/10020026.html|title=Smackdown: Eye for an eye|date=July 4, 2009|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=June 21, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]}}</ref> The main ] from SmackDown heading into Night of Champions was between ] and ] in their conflict over the World Heavyweight Championship.<ref name=WorldChampionship>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/matches/10713226/results/|title=Results:A lifelong dream comes true|last=Murphy|first=Ryan|work=]|date=July 26, 2009|access-date=July 26, 2009}}</ref> One month prior to the show, at ], Punk invoked the guaranteed title match he earned by winning the ] against Hardy; he defeated him, and won the World Heavyweight title, after Hardy had already defeated Edge in a ladder match to win the championship. Hardy received his rematch against Punk on the June 15 episode of ''Raw'' in a triple threat match also involving Edge, who Punk pinned to retain the title after Hardy had hit a ] on him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/history/2009/matches/10294714|title=Jeff Hardy def. Edge; CM Punk cashes in Money in the Bank to become new World Heavyweight Champion|date=June 7, 2009|access-date=June 21, 2012|work=]}}</ref> The two had constant confrontations in the following weeks over the legitimacy of Punk's reign before they met at ] in a match for the championship that saw Punk get ] for striking the referee, leading to Hardy attacking Punk for what he saw as dodging competition (a title cannot change hands on a disqualification).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/thebash/matches/10535420/results/|title=Punk crushes Hardy's dreams... again|last=Passero|first=Mitch|work=]|date=July 3, 2009|access-date=July 3, 2009}}</ref> On the July 2 episode of ''WWE Superstars'', it came to light that Punk had suffered a ] eye injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwesuperstars/results/|title=Eye give up|last=Vermillion|first=James|publisher=]|date=July 2, 2009|access-date=July 2, 2009}}</ref> Punk's rebuttal to Hardy's accusation was that he struck the referee due to his inability to clearly see a target. To clear up any dispute on to who the rightful champion was, ], ], announced another match for the World Heavyweight Championship between the two at Night of Champions, which was accepted by both competitors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/04/10020026.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713065642/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/04/10020026.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 13, 2015|title=Smackdown: Eye for an eye|date=July 4, 2009|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=June 21, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]}}</ref>


] defended the ] against ] and ] in a ].]] ] defended the ] against ] and ] in a ].]]
The Raw brand was represented by ] defending his ]. After defeating ] in a ] match at The Bash,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/thebash/matches/10536556/results/|title=Viper's pit|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|publisher=]|date=2009-06-28|access-date=2009-07-06}}</ref> Orton was without a contender for the championship, so on the June 29 episode of ''Raw'', it was announced by the special guest host of the week, as well as onscreen ], ], that the title would be defended at Night of Champions against the winner of a ]. The semifinals commenced that night with Triple H defeating ] (MVP) and ] defeating ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/30/9977216.html|title=Raw: Dubious guest host makes Orton run "The Gauntlet"|date=June 30, 2009|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=June 21, 2012|work=Slam Sports|publisher=]}}</ref> Triple H and Cena faced each other on the following week's episode of ''Raw'', only to see Orton's protégés, ] and ], interfere in the match and attack both men. As a result, it was announced Orton would defend the title against both Triple H and Cena in a ].<ref name="DiBiase">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/07/10045671.html|title=Raw: A Million Dollar edition|date=July 7, 2009|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=June 21, 2012|work=Slam Sports|publisher=]}}</ref> The Raw brand was represented by ] defending his WWE Championship. After defeating ] in a ] match at The Bash,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/thebash/matches/10536556/results/|title=Viper's pit|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|work=]|date=June 28, 2009|access-date=July 6, 2009}}</ref> Orton was without a contender for the championship, so on the June 29 episode of ''Raw'', it was announced by the special guest host of the week, as well as onscreen ], ], that the title would be defended at Night of Champions against the winner of a ]. The semifinals commenced that night with Triple H defeating ] (MVP) and ] defeating ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/30/9977216.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208232442/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/30/9977216.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 8, 2015|title=Raw: Dubious guest host makes Orton run "The Gauntlet"|date=June 30, 2009|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=June 21, 2012|work=Slam Sports|publisher=]}}</ref> Triple H and Cena faced each other on the following week's episode of ''Raw'', only to see Orton's protégés, ] and ], interfere in the match and attack both men. As a result, it was announced Orton would defend the title against both Triple H and Cena in a ].<ref name="DiBiase">{{cite web|url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/07/10045671.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310025653/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/07/10045671.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Raw: A Million Dollar edition|date=July 7, 2009|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=June 21, 2012|work=Slam Sports|publisher=]}}</ref>


After winning the ] at Extreme Rules,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/history/2009/matches/10329958|title=Tommy Dreamer def. Christian & Jack Swagger in Triple Threat Hardcore Rules Match (New ECW Champion)|date=June 7, 2009|access-date=June 21, 2012|publisher=]}}</ref> ] had been involved in a scripted rivalry with perennial ally, rival, and ], ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/06302009/|title= Extreme Changes|last=Medalis|first=Kara|publisher=]|date=2009-06-30|access-date=2009-07-10}}</ref> The former champion was given a chance to get back into the title picture by having a match with ] to determine the number one contender. On the July 9 episode of ''ECW on Syfy'', Christian won the match, thus advancing to Night of Champions to challenge Dreamer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/results/?cid=2009EP-00|title=Charismatic Fate|publisher=]|date=2009-07-09|access-date= 2009-07-09}}</ref> After winning the ECW Championship at Extreme Rules,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/history/2009/matches/10329958|title=Tommy Dreamer def. Christian & Jack Swagger in Triple Threat Hardcore Rules Match (New ECW Champion)|date=June 7, 2009|access-date=June 21, 2012|work=]}}</ref> ] had been involved in a scripted rivalry with perennial ally, rival, and ], ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/06302009/|title= Extreme Changes|last=Medalis|first=Kara|work=]|date=June 30, 2009|access-date=July 10, 2009}}</ref> The former champion was given a chance to get back into the title picture by having a match with ] to determine the number one contender. On the July 9 episode of ''ECW on Syfy'', Christian won the match, thus advancing to Night of Champions to challenge Dreamer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/results/?cid=2009EP-00|title=Charismatic Fate|work=]|date=July 9, 2009|access-date=July 9, 2009}}</ref>


] and ] had won the ] at The Bash in a triple threat ] from incumbent champions, ], and Rhodes and DiBiase (collectively known as ]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thebash/matches/10535742/results/|title= Uninvited guests|last=Adkins|first=Greg|publisher=]|date=2009-06-28|access-date=2009-07-14}}</ref> Two weeks following the event on the July 6 episode of ''Raw'', the special guest host for the night, ] (Sr.), announced that The Legacy would challenge Edge and Jericho for the titles.<ref name="DiBiase"/> In the coming week on ''Raw'', it came to light that Edge had ] torn his ], which required surgery, as well as sidelining Edge for a projected several months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/vms/overtheropes/2009/july8-14/10816838|title=Edge undergoes surgery on his Achilles tendon|publisher=]|date=2009-07-10|access-date=2009-07-14}}</ref> It was announced on the next week's episode of ''Raw'', Jericho had a storyline contractual loophole, which allowed him to choose a new partner to hold the titles with him if Edge were to be injured, thus allowing him to defend the titles at Night of Champions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/13/10122391.html|title=RAW: Orton sees Green|date=July 13, 2009|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=June 21, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]}}</ref> ] and ] had won the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship at The Bash in a triple threat ] from incumbent champions, ], and Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase (collectively known as ]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/thebash/matches/10535742/results/|title=Uninvited guests|last=Adkins|first=Greg|work=]|date=June 28, 2009|access-date=July 14, 2009}}</ref> Two weeks following the event on the July 6 episode of ''Raw'', the special guest host for the night, ] (Sr.), announced that The Legacy would challenge Edge and Jericho for the titles.<ref name="DiBiase"/> In the coming week on ''Raw'', it came to light that Edge had ] torn his ], which required surgery, as well as sidelining Edge for a projected several months.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/vms/overtheropes/2009/july8-14/10816838|title=Edge undergoes surgery on his Achilles tendon|work=]|date=July 10, 2009|access-date=July 14, 2009}}</ref> It was announced on the next week's episode of ''Raw'', Jericho had a storyline contractual loophole, which allowed him to choose a new partner to hold the titles with him if Edge were to be injured, thus allowing him to defend the titles at Night of Champions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/13/10122391.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105033741/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/13/10122391.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 5, 2015|title=RAW: Orton sees Green|date=July 13, 2009|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=June 21, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]}}</ref>


Following a defense of the ] on the July 10 episode of ''Friday Night SmackDown'', ] was attacked by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/results/|title=Anarchy in Bakersfield|last=Burdick|first=Michael|publisher=]|date=2009-07-10|access-date=2009-07-17}}</ref> The following week on ''WWE Superstars'', Mysterio and Ziggler had a verbal confrontation over what transpired, leading to the announcement of Mysterio defending the Intercontinental title against Ziggler at the pay-per-view.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwesuperstars/results/?cid=2009EP-00|title=Thrill of the fight|last=Vermillion|first=James|publisher=]|date=2009-07-16|access-date=2009-07-17}}</ref> Following a defense of the ] on the July 10 episode of ''SmackDown'', ] was attacked by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/results/|title=Anarchy in Bakersfield|last=Burdick|first=Michael|work=]|date=July 10, 2009|access-date=July 17, 2009}}</ref> The following week on ''WWE Superstars'', Mysterio and Ziggler had a verbal confrontation over what transpired, leading to the announcement of Mysterio defending the Intercontinental title against Ziggler at the pay-per-view.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwesuperstars/results/?cid=2009EP-00|title=Thrill of the fight|last=Vermillion|first=James|work=]|date=July 16, 2009|access-date=July 17, 2009}}</ref>

As part of the ] on April 13, ] was drafted to the Raw brand, and in the process, the Divas Championship became exclusive to Raw. She made her first appearance as part of the brand on April 27, teaming with ], ], and ] in a loss to ], ], ], and ]. Maryse then began feuding with James after she cost James a number one contender's battle royal, which was eventually won by Kelly Kelly, by spraying hairspray in her eyes. On the July 13 episode of ''Raw'' after the Divas championship match between Maryse and Mickie James was announced for Night of Champions, the team of Maryse, Rosa Mendes, and Alicia Fox defeated Kelly Kelly, Gail Kim, and Mickie James in a Six Divas Summer Swimsuit Spectacular tag match, in which Maryse pinned James. The feud would escalate the following week on ''Raw'', whereby Mickie James would have a confrontation with ], whereby she had her face sprayed by Maryse afterwards.


==Event== ==Event==
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===Pre-show=== ===Pre-show===
Prior to the show airing live on pay-per-view, the fans in attendance were shown a ] ] match pitting ] and ] (collectively known as ]) against ] and ] with ] in their corner (the three are known as ]); Gaspard scored his team the victory, ] Kidd to the mat following an ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/111495/WWE-News:-WWE.com-PPV-Issues,-Night-Of-Champions-Dark-Match-Result.htm|title=WWE News: WWE.com PPV Issues, Night Of Champions Dark Match Result|last=Csonka|first=Larry|publisher=411 Mania|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-27}}</ref> Prior to the show airing live on pay-per-view, the fans in attendance were shown a ] pitting ] and ] (collectively known as ]) against ] and ] with ] in their corner (the three are known as ]); Gaspard scored his team the victory, ] Kidd to the mat following an ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/111495/WWE-News:-WWE.com-PPV-Issues,-Night-Of-Champions-Dark-Match-Result.htm|title=WWE News: WWE.com PPV Issues, Night Of Champions Dark Match Result|last=Csonka|first=Larry|work=]|date=July 26, 2009|access-date=July 27, 2009}}</ref>


===Preliminary matches=== ===Preliminary matches===
] retained the ]]] ] was revealed as ]'s partner to hold the ].]]
] was revealed as ]'s partner to hold the ].]]The show commenced with ] and his mystery partner defending the ] against ] (] and ]). It was revealed his partner was ], who started the match taking advantage of his size on his opponents before tagging in his partner, who was double-teamed by the challengers. The match ended when Jericho caught DiBiase with the ], which led to Big Show placing a ] on ], causing DiBiase to ] to retain the titles.<ref name="Keller">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/font_color_770000_KELLER_S_TAKE_font_11/article_33908.shtml|title= Keller's WWE Night of Champions PPV Report July 26, 2009 Philadelphia, PA. at Wachovia Center Live on Pay-Per-View What Happened|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-27}}</ref> The actual pay-per-view began with Chris Jericho and his mystery partner defending the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship against The Legacy (Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase). It was revealed his partner was ], who was originally supposed to be in the six pack challenge for the ] later in the night. Big Show started the match taking advantage of his size on his opponents before tagging in his partner, who was double-teamed by the challengers. The match ended when Jericho caught DiBiase with the ], which led to Big Show placing a ] on ], causing DiBiase to ] to retain the titles.<ref name="Keller">{{cite web|url=https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/font_color_770000_KELLER_S_TAKE_font_11/article_33908.shtml|title= Keller's WWE Night of Champions PPV Report July 26, 2009 Philadelphia, PA. at Wachovia Center Live on Pay-Per-View What Happened|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=July 26, 2009|access-date=July 27, 2009}}</ref>


Following was ] defending the ] against ]. The match was fought at a quick pace with both men being able to counter the others attempt at offense. The action made its way out of the arena and to the floor of the arena as Christian threw the champion into the commentator's table. He made his way back into the ring in an attempted a ], who managed to dodge his opponent, who made his way onto the edge of the ring to execute a ] onto his prone opponent on the floor. Once both competitors returned to the ring, they continued to counter each other's moves until Dreamer attempted to deliver a ], only to have Christian deliver a ] to pin his opponent and win his second ECW Championship.<ref name="Caldwell">{{cite web|url= http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_33909.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Night of Champions PPV Report 7/26: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of all-title-match PPV|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=]|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-27}}</ref> Following was Tommy Dreamer defending the ECW Championship against Christian. The match was fought at a quick pace with both men being able to counter the others attempt at offense. The action made its way out of the arena and to the floor of the arena as Christian threw the champion into the commentator's table. He made his way back into the ring in an attempted a ], who managed to dodge his opponent, who made his way onto the edge of the ring to execute a ] onto his prone opponent on the floor. Once both competitors returned to the ring, they continued to counter each other's moves until Dreamer attempted to deliver a ], only to have Christian deliver a ] to pin his opponent and win his second ECW Championship.<ref name="Caldwell">{{cite web|url=https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_33909.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Night of Champions PPV Report 7/26: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of all-title-match PPV|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=]|date=July 26, 2009|access-date=July 27, 2009}}</ref>


] retained the ].]]
The next title to be defended was ]'s ] against ], ] (MVP), ], ] and ]. The match maintained a fast pace with each wrestler making multiple attempts to pin someone. The end of the match came when Carlito performed a ] on Primo. Kingston was behind his challenger in time to perform the ] to the back of Carlito's head, leading to a pinfall victory.<ref name="Keller"/> The next title to be defended was ]'s WWE United States Championship against ], ] (MVP), ], The Miz, and ] who was replacing Big Show. The match maintained a fast pace with each wrestler making multiple attempts to pin someone. The end of the match came when Carlito performed a ] on Primo. Kingston was behind his challenger in time to perform the ] to the back of Carlito's head, leading to a pinfall victory.<ref name="Keller"/>


The bout for the ] was next between ] and ]. As Melina made her way to the ring performing her signature split to enter, the champion ] the challenger to the floor of the arena, starting an aggressively-fought match. The match spent a portion of time on the floor with McCool holding Melina on the barricade, dropping her on her face on the structure with a ]. The match continued with both women trading ] and ]. McCool caught Melina by the shoulders as she went for a pin to retain her championship.<ref name="Caldwell"/> The bout for the WWE Women's Championship was next between ] and ]. As Melina made her way to the ring performing her signature split to enter, the champion ] the challenger to the floor of the arena, starting an aggressively-fought match. The match spent a portion of time on the floor with McCool holding Melina on the barricade, dropping her on her face on the structure with a ]. The match continued with both women trading ] and ]. McCool caught Melina by the shoulders as she went for a pin to retain her championship.<ref name="Caldwell"/>


===Main event matches=== ===Main event matches===
] ] was one of the two challengers for the ].]]
The first main event of the evening was the ] match between ], ], and ]. The match started with Orton attempting to move away from the challengers in an attempt to let both of the fight each other; this was followed by Triple H and Cena following the champion outside of the ring. The three men took turns brawling with one another until Orton was dropped to the floor with a ] from his opponents. Triple H hit Orton with a ]; he went to pin Cena only to have Orton grab him by the leg, and pull him out of the ring, throwing him into the commentator's table. Cena interjected himself into a fight between all three on the table, throwing Orton into the crowd. As Orton recovered and returned to the ring, he was thrown out while Cena caught Triple H in the middle of the ring with the ] in an attempt to make him submit. Orton made his way back into the ring in an attempt to ] Cena while he had Triple H in the hold; Cena quickly dodged, only to be taken down by the champion. This was followed by Orton ] down on both of his opponents. Once both challengers recovered, Triple H took down Orton with a ] while Cena also applied a ]. Orton proceeded to tap out, only for the referee to declare the match would continue, as he couldn't decide who won the match. Orton's protégés, Rhodes and DiBiase, interfered to assault the challengers. As Cena was looking to hit Rhodes with the ], Orton hit Cena with an ], leading to a pin on Cena.<ref name="Caldwell"/> The first main event of the evening was the WWE Championship match between Randy Orton, Triple H, and John Cena. The match started with Orton attempting to move away from the challengers in an attempt to let both of the fight each other; this was followed by Triple H and Cena following the champion outside of the ring. The three men took turns brawling with one another until Orton was dropped to the floor with a ] from his opponents. Triple H hit Orton with a ]; he went to pin Cena only to have Orton grab him by the leg, and pull him out of the ring, throwing him into the commentator's table. Cena interjected himself into a fight between all three on the table, throwing Orton into the crowd. As Orton recovered and returned to the ring, he was thrown out while Cena caught Triple H in the middle of the ring with the ] in an attempt to make him submit. Orton made his way back into the ring in an attempt to ] Cena while he had Triple H in the hold; Cena quickly dodged, only to be taken down by the champion. This was followed by Orton ] down on both of his opponents. Once both challengers recovered, Triple H took down Orton with a ] while Cena also applied a ]. Orton proceeded to tap out, only for the referee to declare the match would continue, as he couldn't decide who won the match. Orton's protégés, Rhodes and DiBiase, interfered to assault the challengers. As Cena was looking to hit Rhodes with the ], Orton hit Cena with an ], leading to a pin on Cena.<ref name="Caldwell"/>


]]] ].]]
] defended the ] next against ]. The match centered around Maryse keeping her distance from James before descending to the floor in an attempt to use a can of hair spray to unleash onto the challenger's eyes; James snatched away the can to use it herself. The referee caught James and grabbed it away from her. The match returned to the ring as Maryse went to finish the match with the ] only to have James counter with her ] to pin Maryse and win the title.<ref name="Caldwell"/> Next, Maryse defended the WWE Divas Championship against Mickie James. The match centered around Maryse keeping her distance from James before descending to the floor in an attempt to use a can of hair spray to unleash onto the challenger's eyes; James snatched away the can to use it herself. The referee caught James and grabbed it away from her. The match returned to the ring as Maryse went to finish the match with the ] only to have James counter with her ] to pin Maryse and win the title.<ref name="Caldwell"/>


Next was ] defending the ] against ]. Ziggler gained an early advantage by muscling his opponent into the ] with a ]. In attempt to ground his opponent, Ziggler locked Mysterio in a ] and rode him into the mat. Mysterio managed to escape his opponent's onslaught by connecting with a ] to his opponent. He ascended the top turnbuckle in an attempt to ], who countered with a ]. The challenger ascended the turnbuckle himself with Mysterio on his shoulder and performed a ] off the second rope. After an attempt to pin him, Mysterio retaliated by hitting the ] and a ] to pin the challenger and retain the title.<ref name="Caldwell"/> In the penultimate match, Rey Mysterio defended the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler gained an early advantage by muscling his opponent into the ] with a ]. In attempt to ground his opponent, Ziggler locked Mysterio in a ] and rode him into the mat. Mysterio managed to escape his opponent's onslaught by connecting with a ] to his opponent. He ascended the top turnbuckle in an attempt to ], who countered with a ]. The challenger ascended the turnbuckle himself with Mysterio on his shoulder and performed a ] off the second rope. After an attempt to pin him, Mysterio retaliated by hitting the ] and a ] to pin the challenger and retain the title.<ref name="Caldwell"/>


] ] lost the ] to ].]]
The main event of the show was ] defending the ] against ]. Punk dominated the challenger early with a series of ] and ]s before Hardy escaped to the floor. Punk performed a ] on Hardy, only to crash as his opponent moved away only to have Hardy go for a dive of his own and Punk reciprocate with his own dodge. The champion made his way back to the ring in the hopes of the referee declaring him the winner via ], the act of a wrestler failing to appear in the ring for the referee's count of 10; Hardy made his way back in the ring by nine. A frustrated Punk continued his assault with knees before Hardy countered with a ] followed by a pin attempt. Punk escaped the pin with a riding ] for a submission attempt. Hardy escaped with some offense before ascending the top turnbuckle and attempting with his finishing maneuver, the ], only to have the champion lift his knees up, driving them into Hardy's back. Punk exploited his advantage, and hit Hardy with the ]. He went for the pin, only to have Hardy respond by the referee's count of two. Punk decided to leave the ring at that time in hopes of getting counted out, which would allow him to retain his championship. Hardy headed him off on the entrance ramp, and threw him in the ring. Once both men were back in the ring, Punk made one more attempt at the GTS only to have the challenger counter with the ]. He then attempted the Swanton Bomb again, which fully connected for Hardy to pin Punk, winning the World Heavyweight Championship for the second time, his third World Championship overall.<ref name="Keller"/> In the final match, CM Punk defended the World Heavyweight Championship against Jeff Hardy. Punk dominated the challenger early with a series of ] and ]s before Hardy escaped to the floor. Punk performed a ] on Hardy, only to crash as his opponent moved away only to have Hardy go for a dive of his own and Punk reciprocate with his own dodge. The champion made his way back to the ring in the hopes of the referee declaring him the winner via ], the act of a wrestler failing to appear in the ring for the referee's count of 10; Hardy made his way back in the ring by nine. A frustrated Punk continued his assault with knees before Hardy countered with a ] followed by a pin attempt. Punk escaped the pin with a riding ] for a submission attempt. Hardy escaped with some offense before ascending the top turnbuckle and attempting with his finishing maneuver, the ], only to have the champion lift his knees up, driving them into Hardy's back. Punk exploited his advantage, and hit Hardy with the ]. He went for the pin, only to have Hardy respond by the referee's count of two. Punk decided to leave the ring at that time in hopes of getting counted out, which would allow him to retain his championship. Hardy headed him off on the entrance ramp, and threw him in the ring. Once both men were back in the ring, Punk made one more attempt at the GTS only to have the challenger counter with the ]. He then attempted the Swanton Bomb again, which fully connected for Hardy to pin Punk, winning the World Heavyweight Championship for the second time, his third World Championship overall.<ref name="Keller"/>


==Reception== ==Reception==
With over 17,000 fans in hand, Night of Champions received mixed reviews from fans and critics. Most of the praise comes in the form of the World Heavyweight title match. ] of the ] gave overall credit for all participants in the World title match, specifically Punk's work as a ] and the ending, which was seen as a surprise due to the rumor circulating that Hardy would be taking time off imminently.<ref name="Keller"/>.<ref name="Meltzer">{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/10070/|title=WWE Night of Champions live coverage from Philadelphia – new tag champ partner|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|publisher=]|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-27}}</ref> ] writer Brian Elliott reviewed the show, saying nothing was "of ill-note... (no, not even the Divas Championship match)"; like with other reviews, the World title match was his match of the night, rating it 7/10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/07/26/10270086.html|title=Night of Champions: Punk loses title, but keeps star performer tag|last=Elliott|first=Brian|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-27}}</ref> .<ref name="Meltzer"/> The Women's Championship match was well received by the fans and considered the best Divas match of 2009 by many women's wrestling supporters. With over 17,000 fans in hand, Night of Champions received mixed reviews from fans and critics. Most of the praise comes in the form of the World Heavyweight title match. ] of '']'' gave overall credit for all participants in the World title match, specifically Punk's work as a ] and the ending, which was seen as a surprise due to the rumor circulating that Hardy would be taking time off imminently.<ref name="Keller"/> ] of the ] reviewed Punk's ], calling it "very good".<ref name="Meltzer">{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/10070/|title=WWE Night of Champions live coverage from Philadelphia – new tag champ partner|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|work=]|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-27}}</ref> ] writer Brian Elliott reviewed the show, saying nothing was "of ill-note... (no, not even the Divas Championship match)"; like with other reviews, the World title match was his match of the night, rating it 7/10.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/07/26/10270086.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019023438/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/07/26/10270086.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 19, 2015|title=Night of Champions: Punk loses title, but keeps star performer tag|last=Elliott|first=Brian|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-27}}</ref> Another match that received praise was the Intercontinental title match, which was described as "strong" by reviewers with the biggest problem, as pointed out by Meltzer, that Ziggler was "not as well-known yet with the crowd".<ref name="Meltzer"/> The Women's Championship match was well received by the fans and considered the best Divas match of 2009 by many women's wrestling supporters.


The show received some mild criticisms. While many people were left intrigued with the double submission portion of the WWE Championship match, James Caldwell of the Torch was especially critical of the moment by questioning the logic behind the confusion of the referee and commentators; the consensus gave the match a good review until the end, which Caldwell called "lame".<ref name="Caldwell"/> The show received some mild criticisms. While many people were left intrigued with the double submission portion of the WWE Championship match, James Caldwell of the Torch was especially critical of the moment by questioning the logic behind the confusion of the referee and commentators; the consensus gave the match a good review until the end, which Caldwell called "lame".<ref name="Caldwell"/>
Line 113: Line 118:
==Aftermath== ==Aftermath==
{{See also|SummerSlam (2009)}} {{See also|SummerSlam (2009)}}
The following night on ''Raw'', it was announced by the night's guest host, ], that Randy Orton would defend his title next at ] against the winner of the ], with the one wrestler out of five- ], Montel Vontavious Porter, Triple H, Jack Swagger, and John Cena- who defeats their respective opponent the fastest would challenge Orton for the title. Henry set a pace at 6:49, which went unbroken for three straight competitors until Cena wrestled, which had him beat the time, thus going to SummerSlam.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/28/10283961.html|title=RAW: The Big Show? No it's The Big Shaq!|date=July 28, 2009|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=June 21, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', it was announced by the night's guest host, ], that Randy Orton would defend his title next at ] against the winner of the ], with the one wrestler out of five- ], Montel Vontavious Porter, Triple H, Jack Swagger, and John Cena- who defeats their respective opponent the fastest would challenge Orton for the title. Henry set a pace at 6:49, which went unbroken for three straight competitors until Cena wrestled, which had him beat the time, thus going to SummerSlam.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/28/10283961.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807224940/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/28/10283961.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 7, 2016|title=RAW: The Big Show? No it's The Big Shaq!|date=July 28, 2009|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=June 21, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]}}</ref>


CM Punk, after showing ] towards Jeff Hardy after their match, came out to address Hardy following a title defense against ] on the July 31 edition of ''SmackDown'', only to assault him before he invoked his contractual rematch clause the following week, only to lose due to interference from ], the match's guest enforcer, leading to Punk assaulting the champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07312009/|title=Sore loser|last=Passero|first=Mitch|publisher=]|date=2009-07-31|access-date=2009-08-08}}</ref> Theodore Long announced immediately following the match that there would be one more between the two at SummerSlam, which was announced to be a ] (TLC).<ref name="TLC">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/results/|title= Family conundrum|last=Burdick|first=Michael|publisher=]|date=2009-08-07|access-date=2009-08-08}}</ref> CM Punk, after showing ] towards Jeff Hardy after their match, came out to address Hardy following a title defense against ] on the July 31 episode of ''SmackDown'', only to assault him before he invoked his contractual rematch clause the following week, only to lose due to interference from ], the match's guest enforcer, leading to Punk assaulting the champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07312009/|title=Sore loser|last=Passero|first=Mitch|work=]|date=July 31, 2009|access-date=August 8, 2009}}</ref> Theodore Long announced immediately following the match that there would be one more between the two at SummerSlam, which was announced to be a ] (TLC).<ref name="TLC">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/results/|title= Family conundrum|last=Burdick|first=Michael|work=]|date=August 7, 2009|access-date=August 8, 2009}}</ref>


Dolph Ziggler continued his crusade for the Intercontinental title by attacking Rey Mysterio during a match with ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwesuperstars/results/|title=It's good to be bad|last=Vermillion|first=James|publisher=]|date=2009-08-06|access-date=2009-08-08}}</ref> This led to Ziggler regaining his contendership the following night on ''SmackDown'' by defeating Knox, ], and ] in a ].<ref name="TLC"/> Dolph Ziggler continued his crusade for the Intercontinental title by attacking Rey Mysterio during a match with ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwesuperstars/results/|title=It's good to be bad|last=Vermillion|first=James|work=]|date=August 6, 2009|access-date=August 8, 2009}}</ref> This led to Ziggler regaining his contendership the following night on ''SmackDown'' by defeating Knox, ], and ] in a ].<ref name="TLC"/>


This was the final Night of Champions event to feature the ECW Championship, as well as the ECW brand, as the brand was disbanded in February 2010, deactivating the championship along with it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/results/13527692//|title=Results:Dominant farewell|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|publisher=WWE|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2010-02-16|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220085946/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/results/13527692/|archivedate=February 20, 2010}}</ref> It was also the final Night of Champions to feature the World Tag Team Championship, as it was deactivated in August 2010 in favor of continuing the WWE Tag Team Championship, which dropped the "unified" moniker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1062778-abandoned-the-history-of-wwes-world-tag-team-championship-pt-2|title=Abandoned: The History of WWE's World Tag Team Championship, Pt. 2|date=February 12, 2012|last=Schadler|first=Kyle|publisher=Bleacher Report|access-date=September 13, 2016}}</ref> This was the final Night of Champions event to feature the ECW Championship, as well as the ECW brand, as the brand was disbanded in February 2010, deactivating the championship along with it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/results/13527692//|title=Results:Dominant farewell|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|work=]|date=July 26, 2009|access-date=February 16, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220085946/https://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/results/13527692/|archive-date=February 20, 2010}}</ref> It was also the final Night of Champions to feature the World Tag Team Championship, as it was deactivated in August 2010 in favor of continuing the WWE Tag Team Championship, which dropped the "unified" moniker.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1062778-abandoned-the-history-of-wwes-world-tag-team-championship-pt-2|title=Abandoned: The History of WWE's World Tag Team Championship, Pt. 2|date=February 12, 2012|last=Schadler|first=Kyle|work=]|access-date=September 13, 2016}}</ref>


==Results== ==Results==
{{Pro Wrestling results table {{Pro wrestling results table
|times = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/night.html#2009|title=Night of Champions 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=2009-09-18}}</ref><ref name="NOC">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/|title=Night of Champions|publisher=]|date=2009-07-03|access-date=2009-07-03}}</ref> |times = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/night.html#2009|title=Night of Champions 2009|work=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=September 18, 2009}}</ref><ref name="NOC">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/|title=Night of Champions|work=]|date=July 3, 2009|access-date=July 3, 2009}}</ref>
|dark1 = yes |note1 = dark
|match1 = ] (] and ]) defeated ] (] and ])<ref name=dark>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_33922.shtml|title=WWE News: Live Report from Night of Champions PPV - pre-show dark match, WWE crew reinforces announce tables|date=July 27, 2009|last=David|first=Benjamin|access-date=March 28, 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> |match1 = ] (] and ]) defeated ] (] and ]) by ]<ref name=dark>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_33922.shtml|title=WWE News: Live Report from Night of Champions PPV - pre-show dark match, WWE crew reinforces announce tables|date=July 27, 2009|last=David|first=Benjamin|access-date=March 28, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
|stip1 = ] |stip1 = ]
|time1 = - |time1 = 5:13
|match2 = ] (] and ]) (c) defeated ] (] and ]) by submission<ref name=TagChampionship>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/matches/10728352/results/|title=Results:Big announcement; enormous combination|publisher=]|last=Burdick|first=Michael|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-26}}</ref> |match2 = ] (] and ]) (c) defeated ] (] and ]) by submission<ref name=TagChampionship>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/matches/10728352/results/|title=Results:Big announcement; enormous combination|publisher=]|last=Burdick|first=Michael|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-26}}</ref>
|stip2 = ] for the ] |stip2 = ] for the ]
|time2 = 9:32 |time2 = 9:32
|match3 = ] defeated ] (c)<ref name=ECWChampionship>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/matches/10798472/results/|title=Results:Charismatic history|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|publisher=]|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-26}}</ref> |match3 = ] defeated ] (c) by ]<ref name=ECWChampionship>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/matches/10798472/results/|title=Results:Charismatic history|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|publisher=]|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-26}}</ref>
|stip3 = ] for the ] |stip3 = ] for the ]
|time3 = 8:28 |time3 = 8:28
|match4 = ] (c) defeated ], ], ], ] and ]<ref name=USChampionship>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/matches/10907940/results/|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-20|last=Vermillion|first=James|title=Results:No trouble in paradise|publisher=]}}</ref> |match4 = ] (c) defeated ], ], ], ], and ] by ]<ref name=USChampionship>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/matches/10907940/results/|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-20|last=Vermillion|first=James|title=Results:No trouble in paradise|publisher=]}}</ref>
|stip4 = ] for the ] |stip4 = ] for the ]
|time4 = 8:35 |time4 = 8:35
|match5 = ] (c) defeated ]<ref name=WomensChampionship>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/matches/10842366/results/|title=Results:Simply the best?|last=Raymond|first=Katie A.|publisher=]|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-26}}</ref> |match5 = ] (c) defeated ] by ]<ref name=WomensChampionship>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/matches/10842366/results/|title=Results:Simply the best?|last=Raymond|first=Katie A.|publisher=]|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-26}}</ref>
|stip5 = ] for the ] |stip5 = ] for the ]
|time5 = 6:12 |time5 = 6:12
|match6 = ] (c) defeated ] and ]<ref name=WWEChampionship>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/matches/10729722/results/|title=Results:The Viper repeats hisss-tory|last=Tello|first=Craig|publisher=]|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-26}}</ref> |match6 = ] (c) defeated ] and ] by ]<ref name=WWEChampionship>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/matches/10729722/results/|title=Results:The Viper repeats hisss-tory|last=Tello|first=Craig|publisher=]|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-26}}</ref>
|stip6 = ] for the ] |stip6 = ] for the ]
|time6 = 22:19 |time6 = 22:19
|match7 = ] defeated ] (c)<ref name=DivasChampionship>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/matches/10682076/results/|title=Results:Mickie nets the butterfly|last=Adkins|first=Greg|publisher=]|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-26}}</ref> |match7 = ] defeated ] (c) by ]<ref name=DivasChampionship>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/matches/10682076/results/|title=Results:Mickie nets the butterfly|last=Adkins|first=Greg|publisher=]|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-26}}</ref>
|stip7 = ] for the ] |stip7 = ] for the ]
|time7 = 8:36 |time7 = 8:36
|match8 = ] (c) defeated ] (with ])<ref name=ICChampionship>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/matches/10842378/results/|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-26|title=Results:Rey Mysterio reigns supreme|last=Passero|first=Mitch|publisher=]}}</ref> |match8 = ] (c) defeated ] (with ]) by ]<ref name=ICChampionship>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2009/matches/10842378/results/|date=2009-07-26|access-date=2009-07-26|title=Results:Rey Mysterio reigns supreme|last=Passero|first=Mitch|publisher=]}}</ref>
|stip8 = ] for the ] |stip8 = ] for the ]
|time8 = 14:20 |time8 = 14:20
|match9 = ] defeated ] (c)<ref name=WorldChampionship/> |match9 = ] defeated ] (c) by ]<ref name=WorldChampionship/>
|stip9 = ] for the ] |stip9 = ] for the ]
|time9 = 14:56 |time9 = 14:56
}} }}
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==External links== ==External links==
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{{2009 WWE pay-per-view events}} {{2009 WWE pay-per-view events}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Night Of Champions (2009)}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Night Of Champions (2009)}}
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Latest revision as of 07:43, 23 August 2024

World Wrestling Entertainment pay-per-view event

Night of Champions
Promotion poster featuring CM Punk holding the World Heavyweight Championship
PromotionWorld Wrestling Entertainment
Brand(s)Raw
SmackDown
ECW
DateJuly 26, 2009 (2009-07-26)
CityPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
VenueWachovia Center
Attendance17,774
Buy rate267,000
Tagline(s)Every Championship Is on the Line
Pay-per-view chronology
← Previous
The Bash 		Next →
SummerSlam
Night of Champions chronology
← Previous
2008 		Next →
2010

The 2009 Night of Champions was the third annual Night of Champions professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw, SmackDown, and ECW brand divisions—the final to feature ECW. The event took place on July 26, 2009, at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The concept of the show was that every championship in the company at the time was defended. All eight matches on the card were championship matches; three were won while five were retained.

This show was considered a supercard, which featured more than one main event match. The main event matches featured were: Jeff Hardy defeating CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship, Randy Orton retaining the WWE Championship against Triple H and John Cena, Mickie James winning the WWE Divas Championship against Maryse, and WWE Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio retaining his title against Dolph Ziggler. The undercard, featured Chris Jericho and The Big Show defending the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship against The Legacy, Christian defeating Tommy Dreamer for the ECW Championship, Kofi Kingston defending the WWE United States Championship in a six-pack challenge against Montel Vontavious Porter, The Miz, Carlito, Primo, and Jack Swagger, and Michelle McCool defending the WWE Women's Championship against Melina. The event had 267,000 buys, down on the 2008's Night of Champions figure of 273,000 buys.

Production

Background

The event was held as the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Night of Champions was an annual pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) since 2007. The 2009 event was the third event in the Night of Champions chronology. It was held on July 26, 2009, at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and featured wrestlers from the Raw, SmackDown, and ECW brands.

As per the theme of the event, every championship promoted by WWE at the time was defended. These included the three championships on Raw—the WWE Championship, the United States Championship, and the WWE Women's Championship—the three championships on SmackDown—the World Heavyweight Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, and the WWE Divas Championship—ECW's sole championship—the ECW Championship—and the promotion's two tag team championships—the World Tag Team Championship and WWE Tag Team Championship, which had been unified at WrestleMania 25 in April as the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship, the umbrella term for two titles that were independently active but defended together on any brand. This was also the first Night of Champions to feature the Divas Championship, which had been established in July 2008, just after the previous year's event.

Storylines

Night of Champions featured professional wrestling matches that involved different wrestlers from pre-existing scripted feuds, plots, and storylines that were played out on Raw, Friday Night SmackDown, ECW on Syfy, and WWE Superstars—World Wrestling Entertainment's (WWE) television programs. Wrestlers portrayed a villain or a hero as they follow a series of events that built tension and culminated in a wrestling match or series of matches. All wrestlers were from WWE's Raw, SmackDown, and ECW brands—a storyline division in which WWE employees are assigned to a television program of the same name.

Jeff Hardy defeated CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship.

The main rivalry from SmackDown heading into Night of Champions was between CM Punk and Jeff Hardy in their conflict over the World Heavyweight Championship. One month prior to the show, at Extreme Rules, Punk invoked the guaranteed title match he earned by winning the Money in the Bank ladder match against Hardy; he defeated him, and won the World Heavyweight title, after Hardy had already defeated Edge in a ladder match to win the championship. Hardy received his rematch against Punk on the June 15 episode of Raw in a triple threat match also involving Edge, who Punk pinned to retain the title after Hardy had hit a Swanton Bomb on him. The two had constant confrontations in the following weeks over the legitimacy of Punk's reign before they met at The Bash in a match for the championship that saw Punk get disqualified for striking the referee, leading to Hardy attacking Punk for what he saw as dodging competition (a title cannot change hands on a disqualification). On the July 2 episode of WWE Superstars, it came to light that Punk had suffered a storyline eye injury. Punk's rebuttal to Hardy's accusation was that he struck the referee due to his inability to clearly see a target. To clear up any dispute on to who the rightful champion was, SmackDown general manager, Theodore Long, announced another match for the World Heavyweight Championship between the two at Night of Champions, which was accepted by both competitors.

Randy Orton defended the WWE Championship against John Cena and Triple H in a triple threat match.

The Raw brand was represented by Randy Orton defending his WWE Championship. After defeating Triple H in a 3 Stages of Hell match at The Bash, Orton was without a contender for the championship, so on the June 29 episode of Raw, it was announced by the special guest host of the week, as well as onscreen matchmaker, Batista, that the title would be defended at Night of Champions against the winner of a single-elimination tournament. The semifinals commenced that night with Triple H defeating Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and John Cena defeating The Miz. Triple H and Cena faced each other on the following week's episode of Raw, only to see Orton's protégés, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase, interfere in the match and attack both men. As a result, it was announced Orton would defend the title against both Triple H and Cena in a triple threat match.

After winning the ECW Championship at Extreme Rules, Tommy Dreamer had been involved in a scripted rivalry with perennial ally, rival, and former ECW Champion, Christian. The former champion was given a chance to get back into the title picture by having a match with Vladimir Kozlov to determine the number one contender. On the July 9 episode of ECW on Syfy, Christian won the match, thus advancing to Night of Champions to challenge Dreamer.

Edge and Chris Jericho had won the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship at The Bash in a triple threat tag team match from incumbent champions, The Colóns, and Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase (collectively known as The Legacy). Two weeks following the event on the July 6 episode of Raw, the special guest host for the night, Ted DiBiase (Sr.), announced that The Legacy would challenge Edge and Jericho for the titles. In the coming week on Raw, it came to light that Edge had legitimately torn his Achilles tendon, which required surgery, as well as sidelining Edge for a projected several months. It was announced on the next week's episode of Raw, Jericho had a storyline contractual loophole, which allowed him to choose a new partner to hold the titles with him if Edge were to be injured, thus allowing him to defend the titles at Night of Champions.

Following a defense of the WWE Intercontinental Championship on the July 10 episode of SmackDown, Rey Mysterio was attacked by Dolph Ziggler. The following week on WWE Superstars, Mysterio and Ziggler had a verbal confrontation over what transpired, leading to the announcement of Mysterio defending the Intercontinental title against Ziggler at the pay-per-view.

As part of the 2009 WWE Draft on April 13, Maryse was drafted to the Raw brand, and in the process, the Divas Championship became exclusive to Raw. She made her first appearance as part of the brand on April 27, teaming with Beth Phoenix, Rosa Mendes, and Jillian Hall in a loss to Santina Marella, Mickie James, Brie Bella, and Kelly Kelly. Maryse then began feuding with James after she cost James a number one contender's battle royal, which was eventually won by Kelly Kelly, by spraying hairspray in her eyes. On the July 13 episode of Raw after the Divas championship match between Maryse and Mickie James was announced for Night of Champions, the team of Maryse, Rosa Mendes, and Alicia Fox defeated Kelly Kelly, Gail Kim, and Mickie James in a Six Divas Summer Swimsuit Spectacular tag match, in which Maryse pinned James. The feud would escalate the following week on Raw, whereby Mickie James would have a confrontation with The Miz, whereby she had her face sprayed by Maryse afterwards.

Event

Other on-screen personnel
Role: Name:
English commentators Michael Cole
Jerry Lawler
Matt Striker
Spanish commentators Carlos Cabrera
Hugo Savinovich
Interviewer Josh Mathews
Ring announcers Tony Chimel
Justin Roberts
Referees Charles Robinson
John Cone
Scott Armstrong
Chad Patton

Pre-show

Prior to the show airing live on pay-per-view, the fans in attendance were shown a dark match pitting Shad Gaspard and JTG (collectively known as Cryme Tyme) against Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith with Natalya in their corner (the three are known as The Hart Dynasty); Gaspard scored his team the victory, pinning Kidd to the mat following an STO.

Preliminary matches

The Big Show was revealed as Chris Jericho's partner to hold the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship.

The actual pay-per-view began with Chris Jericho and his mystery partner defending the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship against The Legacy (Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase). It was revealed his partner was The Big Show, who was originally supposed to be in the six pack challenge for the United States Championship later in the night. Big Show started the match taking advantage of his size on his opponents before tagging in his partner, who was double-teamed by the challengers. The match ended when Jericho caught DiBiase with the Codebreaker, which led to Big Show placing a camel clutch on Ted DiBiase, causing DiBiase to submit to retain the titles.

Following was Tommy Dreamer defending the ECW Championship against Christian. The match was fought at a quick pace with both men being able to counter the others attempt at offense. The action made its way out of the arena and to the floor of the arena as Christian threw the champion into the commentator's table. He made his way back into the ring in an attempted a dive onto Dreamer, who managed to dodge his opponent, who made his way onto the edge of the ring to execute a senton bomb onto his prone opponent on the floor. Once both competitors returned to the ring, they continued to counter each other's moves until Dreamer attempted to deliver a DDT, only to have Christian deliver a Killswitch to pin his opponent and win his second ECW Championship.

Kofi Kingston retained the United States Championship.

The next title to be defended was Kofi Kingston's WWE United States Championship against Jack Swagger, Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), Carlito, The Miz, and Primo who was replacing Big Show. The match maintained a fast pace with each wrestler making multiple attempts to pin someone. The end of the match came when Carlito performed a Backstabber on Primo. Kingston was behind his challenger in time to perform the Trouble in Paradise to the back of Carlito's head, leading to a pinfall victory.

The bout for the WWE Women's Championship was next between Michelle McCool and Melina. As Melina made her way to the ring performing her signature split to enter, the champion dropkicked the challenger to the floor of the arena, starting an aggressively-fought match. The match spent a portion of time on the floor with McCool holding Melina on the barricade, dropping her on her face on the structure with a DDT. The match continued with both women trading knee strikes and kicks. McCool caught Melina by the shoulders as she went for a pin to retain her championship.

Main event matches

Triple H was one of the two challengers for the WWE Championship.

The first main event of the evening was the WWE Championship match between Randy Orton, Triple H, and John Cena. The match started with Orton attempting to move away from the challengers in an attempt to let both of the fight each other; this was followed by Triple H and Cena following the champion outside of the ring. The three men took turns brawling with one another until Orton was dropped to the floor with a double suplex from his opponents. Triple H hit Orton with a spinebuster; he went to pin Cena only to have Orton grab him by the leg, and pull him out of the ring, throwing him into the commentator's table. Cena interjected himself into a fight between all three on the table, throwing Orton into the crowd. As Orton recovered and returned to the ring, he was thrown out while Cena caught Triple H in the middle of the ring with the STF in an attempt to make him submit. Orton made his way back into the ring in an attempt to punt Cena while he had Triple H in the hold; Cena quickly dodged, only to be taken down by the champion. This was followed by Orton stomping down on both of his opponents. Once both challengers recovered, Triple H took down Orton with a Sharpshooter while Cena also applied a crossface hold. Orton proceeded to tap out, only for the referee to declare the match would continue, as he couldn't decide who won the match. Orton's protégés, Rhodes and DiBiase, interfered to assault the challengers. As Cena was looking to hit Rhodes with the Attitude Adjustment, Orton hit Cena with an RKO, leading to a pin on Cena.

Maryse as the WWE Divas Champion.

Next, Maryse defended the WWE Divas Championship against Mickie James. The match centered around Maryse keeping her distance from James before descending to the floor in an attempt to use a can of hair spray to unleash onto the challenger's eyes; James snatched away the can to use it herself. The referee caught James and grabbed it away from her. The match returned to the ring as Maryse went to finish the match with the French Kiss only to have James counter with her Mickie-DT to pin Maryse and win the title.

In the penultimate match, Rey Mysterio defended the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler gained an early advantage by muscling his opponent into the turnbuckle with a powerbomb. In attempt to ground his opponent, Ziggler locked Mysterio in a headlock and rode him into the mat. Mysterio managed to escape his opponent's onslaught by connecting with a kick to his opponent. He ascended the top turnbuckle in an attempt to dive on his opponent, who countered with a dropkick. The challenger ascended the turnbuckle himself with Mysterio on his shoulder and performed a gutbuster off the second rope. After an attempt to pin him, Mysterio retaliated by hitting the 619 and a body press to pin the challenger and retain the title.

CM Punk lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Jeff Hardy.

In the final match, CM Punk defended the World Heavyweight Championship against Jeff Hardy. Punk dominated the challenger early with a series of kicks and armlocks before Hardy escaped to the floor. Punk performed a suicide dive on Hardy, only to crash as his opponent moved away only to have Hardy go for a dive of his own and Punk reciprocate with his own dodge. The champion made his way back to the ring in the hopes of the referee declaring him the winner via countout, the act of a wrestler failing to appear in the ring for the referee's count of 10; Hardy made his way back in the ring by nine. A frustrated Punk continued his assault with knees before Hardy countered with a Whisper in the Wind followed by a pin attempt. Punk escaped the pin with a riding dragon sleeper for a submission attempt. Hardy escaped with some offense before ascending the top turnbuckle and attempting with his finishing maneuver, the Swanton Bomb, only to have the champion lift his knees up, driving them into Hardy's back. Punk exploited his advantage, and hit Hardy with the GTS. He went for the pin, only to have Hardy respond by the referee's count of two. Punk decided to leave the ring at that time in hopes of getting counted out, which would allow him to retain his championship. Hardy headed him off on the entrance ramp, and threw him in the ring. Once both men were back in the ring, Punk made one more attempt at the GTS only to have the challenger counter with the Twist of Fate. He then attempted the Swanton Bomb again, which fully connected for Hardy to pin Punk, winning the World Heavyweight Championship for the second time, his third World Championship overall.

Reception

With over 17,000 fans in hand, Night of Champions received mixed reviews from fans and critics. Most of the praise comes in the form of the World Heavyweight title match. Wade Keller of Pro Wrestling Torch gave overall credit for all participants in the World title match, specifically Punk's work as a heel and the ending, which was seen as a surprise due to the rumor circulating that Hardy would be taking time off imminently. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reviewed Punk's monologue, calling it "very good". Canadian Online Explorer writer Brian Elliott reviewed the show, saying nothing was "of ill-note... (no, not even the Divas Championship match)"; like with other reviews, the World title match was his match of the night, rating it 7/10. Another match that received praise was the Intercontinental title match, which was described as "strong" by reviewers with the biggest problem, as pointed out by Meltzer, that Ziggler was "not as well-known yet with the crowd". The Women's Championship match was well received by the fans and considered the best Divas match of 2009 by many women's wrestling supporters.

The show received some mild criticisms. While many people were left intrigued with the double submission portion of the WWE Championship match, James Caldwell of the Torch was especially critical of the moment by questioning the logic behind the confusion of the referee and commentators; the consensus gave the match a good review until the end, which Caldwell called "lame".

Aftermath

See also: SummerSlam (2009)

The following night on Raw, it was announced by the night's guest host, Shaquille O'Neal, that Randy Orton would defend his title next at SummerSlam against the winner of the Beat the Clock challenge, with the one wrestler out of five- Mark Henry, Montel Vontavious Porter, Triple H, Jack Swagger, and John Cena- who defeats their respective opponent the fastest would challenge Orton for the title. Henry set a pace at 6:49, which went unbroken for three straight competitors until Cena wrestled, which had him beat the time, thus going to SummerSlam.

CM Punk, after showing sportsmanship towards Jeff Hardy after their match, came out to address Hardy following a title defense against John Morrison on the July 31 episode of SmackDown, only to assault him before he invoked his contractual rematch clause the following week, only to lose due to interference from Matt Hardy, the match's guest enforcer, leading to Punk assaulting the champion. Theodore Long announced immediately following the match that there would be one more between the two at SummerSlam, which was announced to be a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match (TLC).

Dolph Ziggler continued his crusade for the Intercontinental title by attacking Rey Mysterio during a match with Mike Knox. This led to Ziggler regaining his contendership the following night on SmackDown by defeating Knox, R-Truth, and Finlay in a fatal four-way match.

This was the final Night of Champions event to feature the ECW Championship, as well as the ECW brand, as the brand was disbanded in February 2010, deactivating the championship along with it. It was also the final Night of Champions to feature the World Tag Team Championship, as it was deactivated in August 2010 in favor of continuing the WWE Tag Team Championship, which dropped the "unified" moniker.

Results

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes
1Cryme Tyme (Shad Gaspard and JTG) defeated The Hart Dynasty (Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith) by pinfallTag team match5:13
2Jeri-Show (Chris Jericho and Big Show) (c) defeated The Legacy (Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase) by submissionTag team match for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship9:32
3Christian defeated Tommy Dreamer (c) by pinfallSingles match for the ECW Championship8:28
4Kofi Kingston (c) defeated Montel Vontavious Porter, The Miz, Carlito, Primo, and Jack Swagger by pinfallSix-pack challenge for the WWE United States Championship8:35
5Michelle McCool (c) defeated Melina by pinfallSingles match for the WWE Women's Championship6:12
6Randy Orton (c) defeated Triple H and John Cena by pinfallTriple threat match for the WWE Championship22:19
7Mickie James defeated Maryse (c) by pinfallSingles match for the WWE Divas Championship8:36
8Rey Mysterio (c) defeated Dolph Ziggler (with Maria) by pinfallSingles match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship14:20
9Jeff Hardy defeated CM Punk (c) by pinfallSingles match for the World Heavyweight Championship14:56
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match
D – this was a dark match

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