5 Booking Decisions That Could Turn WWE Night of Champions 2026 Into a Mess

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That said, in this article, we look at five booking decisions that could turn WWE Night of Champions 2026 into a mess.

#5. Jey Uso beating Oba Femi to win the King of the Ring

Jey Uso has enjoyed another strong year as one of WWE’s most popular stars. Arguably, his journey to the King of the Ring final has featured memorable victories and plenty of support from the WWE Universe. He will now face Oba Femi in the tournament final, with a SummerSlam world title match hanging in the balance.

The problem is that The Ruler arguably needs the victory far more. The former NXT powerhouse has been presented as an unstoppable force ever since arriving on the main roster. WWE has spent months building him as a future main-event attraction. Thus, winning King of the Ring would be the perfect next step in that evolution.

Meanwhile, Jey is already a well-established main-event wrestler. He has competed in world title matches and continues to be one of the most consistently impressive performers in the company. Thus, awarding him the tournament victory might not create more excitement than if Oba Femi were to win it.

#4. Jade Cargill losing clean to Tiffany Stratton

Jade Cargill enters Night of Champions with something to prove. Triple H and his creative team have positioned her as one of the top stars in the women’s division. Even after losing the WWE Women’s Championship to Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 42, the company has continued to protect her aura. Thus, making her one of the most physically dominant competitors on the roster.

That’s why a clean loss to Tiffany Stratton could create problems. This is not a knock on Stratton. She has blossomed into one of WWE’s brightest young stars and has become a credible champion. However, Jade is still being presented as a special attraction whose ceiling is far higher than the Women’s United States Championship scene.

If The Storm loses decisively, WWE risks cooling off one of its most marketable stars. A protected finish, interference, or controversial ending would make far more sense if the company wants to preserve Jade Cargill’s aura while keeping the title on Stratton.

Perhaps a clean defeat could leave fans questioning why the company spent so much time building Cargill as a dominant force in the first place.

#3. WWE hinting at resuming The Vision vs. Seth Rollins feud after the Steel Cage Match

The Steel Cage Match between Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker has been advertised as the decisive chapter in a rivalry that dates back to WrestleMania 42. Their feud has included betrayals, faction warfare, and multiple high-profile matches.

WWE has repeatedly emphasized that the cage is designed to settle things once and for all. That is exactly why the company should move on after Night of Champions.

The Vision storyline has been entertaining. However, there comes a point when a rivalry begins to feel repetitive. Fans have already watched Rollins battle Breakker numerous times. Thus, another round of attacks and rematches could make the feud feel stale.

Instead, Night of Champions should serve as the launching pad for something new. Seth Rollins could move into the world title picture, revisit his issues with Roman Reigns, or pursue entirely different opponents heading into SummerSlam.

If WWE teases yet another chapter with The Vision after the cage match, it could undermine the entire purpose of the stipulation. Thus, leaving fans with the feeling that the story never truly progressed.

#2. Liv Morgan winning Queen of the Ring

Liv Morgan’s run as Women’s World Champion has already established her as one of WWE’s top female stars. Even with recent injury concerns, she remains a central figure on RAW and enters Night of Champions as one of the finalists in the Queen of the Ring tournament.

While Morgan’s winning would certainly generate headlines, it may not be the best creative decision. The winner of Queen of the Ring earns a championship opportunity at SummerSlam. Since Liv already holds the Women’s World Championship, her victory would create an awkward situation regarding the title picture.

IYO SKY feels like the better choice. The former champion has built tremendous momentum throughout the tournament. Thus, she could use a Queen of the Ring victory to propel herself back into the main-event scene. Meanwhile, The Miracle Kid can continue focusing on her championship reign without complicating the SummerSlam landscape.

Allowing Liv Morgan to win may feel like WWE prioritizing short-term shock value over long-term storytelling.

#1. Trick Williams dropping the United States Championship

Few stars have experienced a rise quite like Trick Williams. Since arriving on the main roster, he has become one of WWE’s most charismatic performers and a fan favorite. His United States Championship reign has helped establish the title as one of SmackDown’s most important prizes. He now heads into Night of Champions against Ricky Saints.

Having Williams lose the championship at this point would be a major mistake. Ricky Saints is undoubtedly talented, but it still feels like Trick has unfinished business as champion. The company has only recently begun fully capitalizing on his popularity. Thus, ending his reign now could cut off that momentum prematurely.

More importantly, Trick Williams has the potential to become one of WWE’s top babyfaces over the next few years. Hence, a lengthy and successful title run would further solidify his credibility before he eventually moves into the world championship picture.

Night of Champions should be about strengthening the company’s future stars. Taking the title away from Trick too soon would accomplish the exact opposite. Also, it could easily become the booking decision fans criticize most when the show is over.