4 Surprises we could see at WWE Night of Champions 2026

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Although fans are expecting title defenses and tournament winners, Triple H could have several shocking moments planned.

That said, in this article, we look at four surprises that could take place at WWE Night of Champions 2026.

#4. Liv Morgan wins the Queen of the Ring tournament

Many fans are expecting Liv Morgan to reach the finals of the Queen of the Ring tournament. However, WWE pulling the trigger on her victory would still be a major surprise.

Morgan is already the Women’s World Champion and one of the central figures on Monday Night RAW. She has repeatedly made it clear that she wants to dominate the women’s division. Hence, winning Queen of the Ring would further reinforce that ambition.

Traditionally, the winner of Queen of the Ring earns a world title opportunity at SummerSlam. Hence, Triple H could create an intriguing scenario where Morgan wins the tournament while already holding the championship. This will leave fans wondering where the storyline is heading.

The Judgment Day’s internal tensions have also been increasing in recent weeks. A major victory for Morgan could make her even more power-hungry and accelerate the faction’s eventual collapse.

Although many expect another superstar to emerge victorious, WWE may decide that Liv Morgan’s current momentum is too strong to ignore.

#3. Stephanie Vaquer returns and costs Liv Morgan in the Queen of the Ring final

Alternatively, WWE could decide to deliver one of the loudest crowd reactions of the night by bringing back Stephanie Vaquer.

Vaquer has been absent since suffering an injury following an attack orchestrated by Morgan and The Judgment Day. However, reports and speculation surrounding her eventual return have continued to grow. La Primera remains one of WWE’s biggest female stars despite her absence.

The former Women’s World Champion has unfinished business with Morgan after losing her title at WrestleMania 42. Their rivalry never truly received a conclusion. Hence, the company could revisit that story at Night of Champions.

Imagine Liv Morgan standing just moments away from becoming Queen of the Ring. Suddenly, Stephanie Vaquer’s music hits. The distraction could be enough for Morgan’s opponent to capitalize and secure the victory.

The angle would immediately reignite one of WWE’s hottest women’s rivalries while setting up a major SummerSlam showdown. More importantly, it would give The Miracle Kid a legitimate reason to obsess over revenge rather than focus solely on championship defenses.

Given Triple H’s history of using surprise returns to elevate major storylines, Vaquer’s comeback could easily become one of the most memorable moments of the entire event.

#2. Brock Lesnar costs Oba Femi in the King of the Ring final

Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar III is one of the matches fans are anticipating. Perhaps this is exactly why WWE may choose to pull the trigger at Night of Champions.

The King of the Ring tournament could be the perfect setting for Brock Lesnar’s to continue his rivalry with Oba Femi. If The Ruler reaches the finals, many fans will expect him to complete his coronation moment. That’s exactly why The Beast Incarnate’s interference would be so shocking.

A Brock Lesnar attack could cost Oba Femi the tournament. Thus, instantly launching another intriguing feud heading into SummerSlam. Rather than giving away the match immediately, the company could spend weeks building anticipation around another clash between the two powerhouses.

The move would also protect Femi from suffering a clean loss while simultaneously elevating him into one of the company’s premier storylines.

#1. Sami Zayn becomes the new Undisputed WWE Champion

Perhaps the biggest shock of all would be Sami Zayn leaving Saudi Arabia with the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Recent WWE programming has heavily teased Sami becoming involved in the ongoing rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Gunther. Reports and speculation surrounding a potential Triple Threat Match at Night of Champions have continued to gain momentum, and the company has openly hinted at the possibility.

If that happens, on paper, most fans would expect either Rhodes or Gunther to emerge victorious. However, that assumption is exactly what makes Zayn such an intriguing possibility.

Hence, a Triple Threat Match would create the perfect environment for the company to crown him. Cody Rhodes and Gunther could spend most of the contest focused on each other, allowing Sami to capitalize at the perfect moment.

Imagine Gunther hitting a devastating finishing move on Rhodes, only for Zayn to throw him out of the ring and steal the pinfall. The outcome would immediately send shockwaves throughout the company and WWE Universe.

Night of Champions has delivered major surprises before. However, Sami Zayn standing tall with the Undisputed WWE Championship could easily become the most unforgettable moment of the night.