WWE Night of Champions 2014 Pay Per View Matches, Schedule & Predictions: Brock Lesnar's First Title Defense; Who Will Replace Injured Roman Reigns?

By Michael Oleaga First Posted: Sep 20, 2014 05:43 PM EDT

WWE will honor their five championship titles in one three-hour event known as "Night of Champions," where every title gets defended.

"Night of Champions" will see the first pay per view title defenses from several superstars following wins at August's "SummerSlam," including Brock Lesnar, Sheamus and Paige. The Authority hasn't been too prominent leading up to this Sunday's show, but perhaps they have some plans up their sleeves. The WWE will begin their night 30-minutes early with the "Kickoff" show starting at 7 p.m. EST Sunday with "The Peep Show" featuring Christian and special guest Chris Jericho.

Intercontinental Championship: Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. The Miz:

The WWE Universe has seen Dolph Ziggler and The Miz compete dozens of times, but these two superstars always deliver in the ring. With Damien Sandow enhancing The Miz's Hollywood gimmick as his stunt double, it slightly adds more to the feud since a new element has been introduced.

Prediction:

Ziggler's win was a surprise for some fans last month, but the feud doesn't seem close to ending. More can be done with this feud sub as having Sandow compete into a triple threat for a future WWE event. But for this Sunday, Ziggler might retain his title because of Sandow's interference.

WWE Tag Team Titles: The Usos (c) vs. Gold and Stardust:

The Usos have held the WWE Tag Team Titles since March. They've held off competition including The Matadores, Jack Swagger and Cesaro and The Wyatt Family. The Usos also won against Goldust and the superstar formerly known as Cody Rhodes. Goldust and Rhodes were given fresh blood, figuratively, as Rhodes transitioned to the Stardust gimmick. The "Dust" duo have won slightly more matches recently and given a new edge with a heel turn.

Prediction:

The Usos have done well as the tag team champions, but they have held it for far too long. They should have lost the titles to The Wyatt Family months ago. A win for Gold and Stardust is needed to keep the tag team division competitive and not let the new Stardust gimmick freefall from the cosmos.

United States Championship: Sheamus (c) vs. Cesaro:

It's a battle of the one-name-only Europeans for the United States Championship. Only in the WWE. Sheamus has held the U.S. Championship, his second reign with the belt, for several months but had no real feud development until Cesaro resurfaced after consecutive losses. Cesaro has played some mind games against Sheamus, even using his taunts and moves during his matches. It definitely adds more to the feud since the two superstars have competed against each other before.

Prediction:

The WWE appeared to remember the U.S. Championship exists, and it will finally be defended this Sunday. Sheamus, however, had taken a few beatings by Cesaro. As a result, the incumbent champion will prevail and keep his title at "Night of Champions."

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

The Authority strikes again by giving Nikki Bella an opportunity to win the butterfly championship despite AJ Lee and Paige having their own separate feud to settle. Lee has the right to face Paige after the latter's loss at "SummerSlam." Despite the Paige and Lee story, Brie Bella has also been involved with her story against twin sister Nikki. It's a crowded Divas Championship picture, but the victory may be obvious.

Prediction:

Two storylines have mingled in the Divas Championship: AJ Lee against Paige and then there's the Bella sisters. The Bella's could continue their feud acts "Night of Champions" without the Divas Championship, and Paige is still fresh from her title win. It is obviously Lee will recapture the title not this Sunday. Paige will win, and hopefully Stephanie McMahon plays a role during the match.

Rusev vs. Mark Henry:

Rusev and Lana continue their pro-Russia shtick after winning those feud against Swagger. Mark Henry is next in line to defend the U.S. honor in a feud that will see two big guys slug it out.

Prediction:

Rusev wins. Henry will put a good fight, but Rusev is still the new "monster heel" the WWE wants to showcase before sending Big Show or Cena against him.

TBD vs. Seth Rollins:

Two of The Shield brethren were scheduled to compete this Sunday. But Roman Reigns' recent injury has thrown the main event picture into flux and leaves Rollins without an opponent. Unless...

Prediction:

Could Dean Ambrose finally make his return from taping movies and re-ignite his explosive rivalry with Rollins?

Chris Jericho vs. Randy Orton:

We have a match against two veterans that can deliver in the ring, especially from Chris Jericho. Randy Orton has been out of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship picture since "WrestleMania 30" and lost in the Reigns feud. Jericho is coming from two losses against Bray Wyatt, and he is also seeking a pin or submission in the win column.

Prediction:

While the two men are veterans in the WWE, it's Orton that has more value because of his full-time schedule with the company. With the Wyatt feud over, Jericho may be set for his next hiatus. This matchup does seem a bit random as it was mainly developed in the last couple weeks, but it gives both men something to do for "Night of Champions." Orton wins.

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

Brock Lesnar German suplexed his way to a stunning victory against John Cena at "SummerSlam," and it was stunning for the lack of offense by the leader of the Cenation. After Lesnar's dominance, Cena has tried to regain his entitlement as a strong fighter -- or sports entertainer -- by being booked strongly against other WWE superstars, even by crushing over The Wyatt Family. Cena has been persistent to live up his "Never Give Up" mantra, and it might have helped regain security from his fan base as a viable competitor against Lesnar, even if it means bullying non-wrestler and promo genius Paul Heyman.

Prediction:

It is Lesnar's first title defense since his win last month. He should not lose. A loss for Cena, however, could further result in a stronger push and dominance from Cena against fellow wrestlers. Cena could put up a good fight this time around, but the prediction will be for a Lesnar victory.

How to Watch on Television:

Contact your cable or satellite provider for information on how to order the "WWE Night of Champions" pay-per-view with the broadcast set to begin at 8 p.m. EST.

How to Watch Live Online:

Live-coverage stream of "Night of Champions" begins at 7 p.m. EST with the "Kickoff" show, and it can be seen on WWE Network. The "Kickoff" show can also be seen on Facebook, Google+, Pheed, Pinterest, Twitter, WWE.com, the WWE App and YouTube.