4 WWE championships that should change hands at Night of Champions 2026

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That said, in this article, we look at four championships that should change hands at Night of Champions 2026.

#4. Cody Rhodes drops the Undisputed WWE Championship to Gunther

The rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Gunther has quickly become one of WWE’s most compelling championship feuds of 2026.

The Ring General earned another opportunity against The American Nightmare and is already scheduled to challenge Rhodes on next week’s SmackDown. However, there is a strong possibility that Gunther may not get a fair outcome.

Sami Zayn has remained intertwined with the rivalry in recent weeks. Thus, his involvement could dramatically affect the title match. If Zayn interferes and inadvertently or intentionally costs The Ring General the championship, the company would have a ready-made reason to continue the story heading into Night of Champions.

The most logical outcome would be a rematch between Rhodes and Gunther on a bigger stage. However, Sami Zayn’s involvement could also force management to insert him into the title picture. Hence, creating a Triple Threat Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Either scenario would significantly raise the stakes. If Night of Champions features Rhodes vs. Gunther once again, it would become the fourth singles encounter between the two stars overall and effectively serve as the trilogy match of their 2026 rivalry.

A Gunther victory would also freshen up SmackDown’s main-event scene. The Austrian powerhouse has already proven himself as one of the company’s most dominant performers. Thus, an Undisputed WWE Championship reign would cement him as the face of the blue brand heading into SummerSlam season.

Sometimes the best move is to pull the trigger on a deserving challenger. Hence, Night of Champions may be the perfect moment for the company to do exactly that.

#3. Penta drops the Intercontinental Championship to Ethan Page

Penta’s Intercontinental Championship reign has been entertaining. However, WWE may be approaching the point where a title change benefits both the champion and the championship.

Since arriving on the main roster, Ethan Page has consistently impressed whenever given the opportunity. His confidence, microphone skills, and ability to generate reactions make him a natural fit for a prominent championship position.

The former NXT standout has steadily built momentum. He feels like one of the few stars capable of carrying the Intercontinental Championship into a new era. Hence, a victory over Penta at Night of Champions would instantly establish Page as a major player on RAW.

Also, the title change would free Penta to pursue bigger opportunities. The masked superstar has repeatedly shown that he belongs in the upper card and could easily transition into a world championship storyline following a loss. Meanwhile, Page would gain credibility from defeating one of WWE’s most respected in-ring performers.

The Intercontinental Championship has traditionally been a launching pad for future world champions. Hence, Ethan Page feels like someone the company could build around for years to come.

#2. Rhea Ripley loses the Women’s Championship to Charlotte Flair

Few rivalries in WWE history have delivered as consistently as Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair.

The two women have shared the ring on numerous occasions. They have repeatedly produced some of the best matches in WWE’s women’s division. Their latest chapter could culminate at Night of Champions with Flair finally reclaiming championship gold.

For Charlotte Flair, a championship victory would open several exciting possibilities. The Queen remains one of WWE’s biggest attractions. Hence, placing the title back on her would immediately elevate the championship. More importantly, it would set up a blockbuster rematch between Flair and Ripley at SummerSlam.

The company could return to this rivalry because fans know both women are capable of delivering on the biggest stages. A title switch at Night of Champions would give the company another major match for its biggest event of the summer while keeping the feud fresh.

Sometimes a championship change isn’t about ending a reign; it’s about creating a bigger story. That’s exactly what could happen here.

#1. The Vision should lose the Tag Team Championship

The Vision has enjoyed a dominant run as WWE Tag Team Champions. However, Night of Champions may be the ideal time for the faction to finally lose its grip on the gold.

Recent developments have created uncertainty surrounding the future of the division, particularly regarding Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins. If Dawkins remains unavailable after being brutally attacked by Austin Theory on RAW, the company could pivot toward an intriguing alternative involving Ford and Seth Rollins.

A pairing between Rollins and Ford would immediately become one of the most athletic and exciting teams in WWE. Their combination of charisma, in-ring ability, and star power could bring renewed attention to the tag team division.

On the other hand, if Dawkins is healthy and ready to compete, The Street Profits remain the most deserving candidates to dethrone The Vision.

Ford and Dawkins have consistently proven themselves as one of the company’s top tag teams. Their chemistry, crowd connection, and experience make them ideal champions, especially at a time when WWE needs strong babyface teams near the top of the division.

Whether it’s The Street Profits or the unexpected duo of Montez Ford and Seth Rollins, Night of Champions feels like the perfect stage for a changing of the guard.