On Saturday, June 28, 2025, WWE Night of Champions turned Riyadh into the epicenter of professional wrestling chaos — and history. In front of a roaring crowd under the Saudi desert sky, John Cena, the 48-year-old WWE Undisputed Champion from West Newbury, Massachusetts, survived a brutal, interference-filled showdown with CM Punk to retain his title. But the night wasn’t just about Cena. It was a seismic shift — a debut that shook the roster, a new king crowned, and a faction reborn.
The Main Event That Defied Logic
When John Cena and CM Punk locked eyes in the ring, you expected a classic. What you got was madness. Punk, 46 and razor-sharp, had spent months building toward this — the final chapter of a rivalry that spanned two decades. He hit the GTS. Cena kicked out at two. Then came Seth Rollins, storming the ring with a stomp that sent Punk reeling. The crowd gasped. Was this betrayal? Redemption? The ref was distracted. Cena grabbed the title belt — and for a moment, it looked like he’d use it. But he didn’t. He dropped it. And in that hesitation, Punk surged. Another GTS. Cena rolled through. The pinfall came moments later. Cena retained. The crowd roared. The commentators were speechless. Why didn’t he use the belt? Because Cena’s legacy isn’t about cheating. It’s about surviving. Even when the world tries to break him.
The Debut That Changed Everything
But the real shockwave came in the United States Championship match. Solo Sikoa, 31, already the de facto leader of The Bloodline, faced Jacob Fatu, 40, in a brutal, high-stakes bout. Just as Fatu looked poised to pull off the upset, the lights dimmed. A familiar figure emerged from the ramp — Tonga Loa, back from injury, smirking. Then came the moment no one saw coming. A 6’7”, 300-pound beast in a tribal mask dropped from the rafters. Hikuleo. The man who’d been training in Samoa for years. He didn’t just enter the ring — he destroyed the announce table, chokeslamming Fatu through it. The referee was distracted. Sikoa delivered the Samoan Spike. Pinfall. New champion. And then — the mask came off. The crowd erupted. WWE confirmed: Hikuleo is now Talla Tonga. He’s not just a new star. He’s the monster The Bloodline needed.
King and Queen of the Ring: SummerSlam’s New Champions
Earlier in the night, Cody Rhodes, 31, ended Randy Orton’s 2025 King of the Ring run with a Cross Rhodes off the middle rope — a move that felt like destiny. Orton caught him with an RKO. Near fall. But Rhodes shoved him into the exposed turnbuckle, then hit the finisher. The crowd chanted "Cody! Cody!" as he raised the crown. His reward? A title shot against Cena at SummerSlam 2025. Meanwhile, Jade Cargill, 32, ended Asuka’s reign as Queen of the Ring with a devastating powerbomb. The Japanese legend fought like a warrior, but Cargill’s raw athleticism was too much. She now holds the key to the WWE Women’s Championship at SummerSlam. Both wins weren’t just victories — they were coronations.
The Quiet Storm: Zayn, Ripley, and the Bloodline’s New Shape
While the world watched the main event, Sami Zayn delivered a clinic against Karrion Kross. Zayn, 39, used Kross’s arrogance against him — baiting him into a corner taunt, then unleashing the Helluva Kick. The crowd stood. The win wasn’t just about the belt. It was about Zayn reclaiming relevance. And then there was the Street Fight: Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez. Just 2 minutes and 29 seconds. Brutal. Fast. No disqualifications. No mercy. Ripley won, but not without a broken nose and a bloodied arm. The message? She’s not just a champion. She’s a force.
Behind the scenes, The Bloodline is no longer just Roman Reigns’ family. It’s Sikoa’s. And now, with Talla Tonga on the roster, it’s a dynasty. CBS Sports noted: "Fatu is left out to pasture." The implication? Roman Reigns might be returning — not to lead, but to reclaim. And if he does, he’ll have to fight his own bloodline to get back in.
Why This Matters Beyond the Ring
WWE’s partnership with the Saudi General Sports Authority isn’t just about money. It’s about global legitimacy. Holding Night of Champions in Riyadh — with a 3:00 a.m. local start time — signals a new era. The company is betting its future on international expansion. And it’s working. Ratings are up. New stars are emerging. The audience isn’t just American anymore. It’s global. And for the first time in years, WWE feels unpredictable again.
What’s Next? SummerSlam 2025 Looms
SummerSlam is no longer just a summer show. It’s the climax of a narrative arc that began in Riyadh. Cena vs. Rhodes. Cargill vs. the Women’s Champion. Talla Tonga’s first title defense. And Roman Reigns — if he returns — will have to answer for what’s become of The Bloodline. The pieces are set. The stakes are higher than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Talla Tonga’s debut impact The Bloodline’s future?
Talla Tonga’s debut transforms The Bloodline from a family unit into a full-blown faction. With Solo Sikoa as the new leader and Tonga as the enforcer, Roman Reigns may return not as the boss, but as the outsider. This sets up a potential civil war within the group — one that could dominate WWE’s storylines through late 2025 and into 2026.
Why didn’t John Cena use the championship belt to win?
Cena’s decision not to use the belt was a deliberate character choice. After 20 years in WWE, his legacy isn’t built on cheating — it’s built on resilience. By refusing to take the easy way out, he reinforced his status as a symbol of integrity, even in chaos. It made his victory more meaningful, not less.
What does Cody Rhodes’ King of the Ring win mean for his career?
Winning the King of the Ring tournament gives Rhodes a direct path to challenge Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam — his first shot at the top title since 2022. This isn’t just a title opportunity; it’s a legacy-defining moment. If he wins, he joins the elite tier of modern WWE champions.
Is this the end of CM Punk’s WWE career?
Not necessarily. Punk’s performance was one of his best in years — emotionally charged, technically flawless. His loss wasn’t a failure; it was a statement. WWE may be positioning him for a farewell tour in 2026, possibly ending with a match against his protégé, Seth Rollins. But for now, he’s still a top star.
How did WWE manage to hold the event at 3:00 a.m. local time in Riyadh?
WWE scheduled the King of the Ring Final at 3:00 a.m. Riyadh time to accommodate North American broadcast windows. The event was live-streamed globally, with key matches replayed during prime time in the U.S. and Europe. It’s a calculated risk — but one that paid off, with record international viewership and social media engagement.
What’s the significance of WWE returning to Riyadh for major events?
WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia, now in its seventh year, represents a strategic pivot toward global markets. Riyadh offers massive venues, tax incentives, and a growing fanbase. Holding Night of Champions there signals WWE’s intent to become a truly international brand — not just a U.S.-centric company. It’s reshaping how wrestling is marketed worldwide.