WWE 'Night of Champions' Predictions 2013: Match Card, Rumors, Randy Orton to Defend Title Against Daniel Bryan?

WWE's Night of Champions pay-per-view takes place this Sunday, September 15th. The show is highlighted by the WWE championship match between Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton as well as CM Punk facing Paul Heyman and Curtis Axel in a handicap elimination match. Below is the complete match card for you along with predictions and the latest rumors surrounding the show at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter via Wrestling-Edge, the latest backstage talk is that Orton will retain his title against Bryan at Night of Champions. This could obviously change, but this may lead to another pay-per-view match in October.

The WWE Night of Champions kickoff show will start will start at 7:30pm and feature a tag-team turmoil number one contender's match. The Primetime Players (Darren Young and Titus O'Neill), The Usos, two members of 3MB, The Real Americans (Antonio Cesaro and Jack Swagger), and Tons of Funk (Brodus Clay and Tensai) will face off to see who becomes the number one contender for the tag team championships.

Prediction: The Primetime Players have been getting a push as of late as a face tag team and they seem to be getting good fan support. I see Titus and Darren winning this match.

Match Card:

WWE Championship Match
Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton

Prediction: I see Orton pulling out the victory, likely by some sort of interference. I think this whole Bryan and Orton/Triple H feud is leading up to something bigger at either Battleground, Hell in a Cell, or Survivor Series.

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Rob Van Dam vs. Alberto Del Rio

Prediction: The world heavyweight championship needs some new energy. I don't think Del Rio is a bad main event heel, but having RVD win the title could get the fans more excited about the belt. However, I see Ricardo Rodriguez turning on RVD and helping Del Rio retain his belt.

WWE United States Championship Match
Dolph Ziggler vs. Dean Ambrose

Prediction: Ziggler as a face just hasn't gotten anywhere. Based on how Ziggler's been booked recently I just don't see him beating Ambrose here. In fact, I would like to see Ziggler turn heel again after this match. I predict Ambrose wins.

WWE Divas Title Match
Natalya vs. Naomi vs. Brie Bella vs. AJ Lee

Prediction: WWE possibly has its first interesting feud in the women's division in a while, surrounding AJ's terrific "Total Divas" promo. I see AJ retaining the belt for a while longer.

WWE Tag Team Title Match
The Primetime Players vs. Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns

Prediction: WWE has been pushing The Primetime Players pretty hard as of late and the fans seem to be getting behind them. However, I think it's too soon to put the belts on them. Assuming of course I'm correct in my prediction that Young and O'Neill win the kickoff show match, I see The Shield winning this match and leading to a feud going into Battleground.

Handicap Elimination Match
CM Punk vs. Paul Heyman and Curtis Axel

Prediction: The Punk/Heyman feud has been going on longer than the Bryan and Orton feud and I think this feud is in its final stages. I see Punk beating Axel and finally getting his hands on Heyman.

So there you have it, those are your predictions heading into Sunday's Night of Champions pay-per-view. Agree and/or disagree with any of my predictions? Comment below and let me know.