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Night of Champions, Seth Rollins & Latest WWE News & Rumors from Ring Rust Radio

Mike Chiari

Ring Rust Radio is the best wrestling show on the airwaves, and this week was no different. With strong opinions on Night of Champions, Seth Rollins and more, this is where you need to go to get all of your weekly WWE nuggets.

Bleacher Report featured columnists Mike Chiari, Donald Wood and Brandon Galvin give the lowdown on everything going on in the wrestling world. WWE Hall of Famer Bob Backlund also joined the show to offer his inside perspective on the business.

With another unpredictable episode of Ring Rust Radio in the books, you can't afford to miss another second of the action. Catch us live every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET (some language NSFW) or follow us on Twitter @RingRustRadio.

We may just read your questions and comments live on the air. Visit our website at RingRustRadio.com. You can also email us here: RingRustRadio@Yahoo.com.

Some language NSFW.

Upcoming Guests/Events

Sept. 22: Ring of Honor star Dalton Castle

Seth Rollins to Defend WWE World Heavyweight and United States Titles

Seth Rollins has been atop WWE since winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania in March, but his run as face of the company is in grave danger entering Night of Champions, as he will not only put the world title on the line against Sting but also defend his United States Championship against John Cena.

Question on Everybody's Mind: How Will Rollins Fare at NOC?

Although Rollins has held the title for several months, he has been lucky in many ways, as evidenced by the fact he overcame the likes of Randy Orton, Dean Ambrose, Brock Lesnar and John Cena as a result of outside interference.

The former architect of the Shield may need more than that to have a positive showing at Night of Champions, though, as he will have to wrestle a pair of matches in the same night against two of the biggest names in the history of wrestling.

In addition to having to worry about Cena and Sting, Rollins must also have Money in the Bank contract holder Sheamus in the back of his mind, as he can cash in at any time. It seems as though WWE often stacks the deck against Superstars in order to make it look even more incredible when they overcome the odds, but since Rollins is a heel who many want to see receive his comeuppance, Night of Champions could be a rough event for the self-proclaimed future of WWE.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

With regard to Rollins' U.S. title match against Cena, it is especially difficult to envision him retaining save for an intentional disqualification.

The primary focus will be on Rollins' clash with Sting, which means there is unlikely to be much interference in the Cena bout. Since there is essentially no chance of Rollins beating Cena in a straight-up match, look for the leader of the Cenation to come out on top and reclaim the championship he put back on the map.

Rollins' chances of defeating the Vigilante are far better. However, he may not leave Houston as world champion even if he does prevail in that match. WWE's recent usage of Sheamus suggests he will cash in on Sunday. He isn't currently advertised for a match, which suggests WWE is trying to hide him in the background. Also, the Celtic Warrior would look foolish if he doesn't attempt to cash in on someone who has wrestled two matches in one night.

Because of that, look for Rollins to get past Sting initially but ultimately relinquish the title to the first Ireland-born WWE champion of all time.

Rumor Mill

Backstage talk on John Cena (F4WOnline via WrestlingInc.com)

Divas, Tag Team and Intercontinental Titles On the Line at Night of Champions

Night of Champions is billed as the only event at which every title is guaranteed to be defended, and WWE will make good on that promise. In addition to Rollins' matches, Nikki Bella and Charlotte will square off for the Divas Championship, New Day will put the Tag Team Championships on the line against the Dudley Boyz and Kevin Owens will go for the intercontinental title against Ryback.

Question on Everybody's Mind: How Will the Midcard Title Matches Play Out?

After getting herself disqualified against Charlotte on Monday in order to become the longest-reigning Divas of all time, Nikki will have to defend the title against Ric Flair's daughter at Night of Champions. She was lucky and crafty enough to escape with the belt the first time around, but a more decisive result seems likely at the pay-per-view.

It hasn't been long since the Dudleys returned to WWE, but they are already No. 1 contenders for New Day's Tag Team Championships. Bubba Ray and D-Von defeated Kofi Kingston and Big E in a non-title match previously, but it could be a different story when the titles are up for grabs, especially with Xavier Woods coming into play outside the ring.

Owens has locked in on Ryback and the IC title since failing in his bid to take the United States Championship from Cena. The feud between KO and Ryback has been unique to this point since there hasn't been much physical contact between them, but that will change in what promises to be the hardest-hitting bout of the night.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

Now Nikki has the Divas title record, many will be assuming WWE will take the championship away from her. Such thinking may be a bit premature, though, since WWE seems to be subtly teasing a Paige heel turn. Don't be surprised if Paige turns on Charlotte and costs her the title at Night of Champions, which would then allow Sasha Banks to vie for the championship.

The Dudley Boyz have been a dominant force since returning to WWE, and their feud with New Day has been the saving grace the tag team division needed. That rivalry is one that should continue for at least a couple more pay-per-views, and since it seems a little to early for the Dudley Boyz to win the straps, New Day will get themselves intentionally disqualified.

While Cena has helped elevate the United States Championship, the intercontinental title needs a similar rub. Ryback hasn't made it seem truly meaningful, but Owens most definitely could. Based on the sheer amount of momentum Owens has on his side right now, he figures to take the belt from Ryback on Sunday.

Rumor Mill 

Backstage talk on Divas title plans (Wrestling Observer Radio via WrestlingInc.com)

RRR Interview with WWE Hall of Famer Bob Backlund

Bob Backlund is unquestionably one of the biggest names in the history of professional wrestling, and he has quite a story to tell with regard to his journey in the business. The WWE Hall of Famer does precisely that with his new book, Backlund: From All-American Boy to Professional Wrestling's World Champion. Backlund recently joined Ring Rust Radio to discuss his book as well as his legendary career.

Question on Everybody's Mind: What's Next for Backlund?

Backlund was a superstar amateur wrestler before getting involved in the professional wrestling business in 1973, and it didn't take him long to reach the pinnacle of the business, as he won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in 1978.

The Minnesota native went on to become the second-longest-reigning world champ in WWE history, and he remembers his in-ring performances fondly:

I loved wrestling. I couldn't wait to get in the arena and get in the ring. I love the arena, and I love the people. I didn't love the dressing room, and I didn't care for the activity in the dressing room back then. I'd go in there, get dressed and go out and do the Harvard step test and the wheel for an hour.

I enjoyed the time in the ring because I was trying to entertain people and give them a show for their hard-earned money they spent to come to the show. I worked as hard as I could in the ring to make the matches enjoyable as much as I could.

Backlund's technical ability and stamina have been matched by very few over the years, and they are the hallmarks of a highly successful career that stretched across four decades. Because of his longevity and passion for the craft, Backlund will long be remembered as one of the all-time greats.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

There is no question Backlund is an interesting character who became successful in professional wrestling in a much different manner to many of his peers. His road to the world title was unlikely, and it featured plenty of obstacles along the way.

The 66-year-old Backlund has long wanted to share his full story with the world, and he is hopeful those who read his book will gain some measure of inspiration from doing so:

I have been working on this project ever since I stopped wrestling. I actually didn't think anything was going to happen with it. I was turning 60 years old, and didn't think I was going to find the right person to write the book. Somebody wrote me a letter back in 2009, he said I was his childhood hero, and his name was Rob Miller. He wanted to write a book about me. ... 

We have been working on it for five years, and now the story of my life is in a book and I am very proud of it. I am very excited, and every day I am enthusiastic to get out there in the world and meet more kids and meet more parents. Our goal is to have mom and dad want to have their children read the book.

Backlund is a wrestler who has transcended eras and managed to remain relevant long after retiring from the business. His book is another way to ensure his legacy is appreciated by fans of all ages, and one can only assume his already sizable fanbase will now grow even larger.

BR Article

Bob Backlund Talks WWE Career, John Cena, Roddy Piper and More (via Donald Wood)

Ring Rust Radio's Season 9 Fantasy WWE Standings

1. Joe Arcidiacono: 215

2. Donald Wood: 100

3. Brandon Galvin: 72.5

4. Mike Chiari: 50

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio. Catch the latest episode in the player below (some language NSFW).

Follow @RingRustRadio on Twitter.

   

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