NEWS: WWE Payback - Final Card & Predictions
5/1/2016
WWE Payback
Chicago, IL
FINAL CARD & PREDICTIONS
United States Champion Kalisto vs Ryback
Kalisto defeated Ryback before a nearly empty stadium at WrestleMania's Kickoff show. The two are being graced with another opportunity to wrestle before an actual live audience and a traditionally impressive one at that. The two will have to put on quite the match to get over with the usually rabid Chicago fanbase, as the match has little build up and although it is the longest tenured feud on the card, seems to be least important due primarily to the awful build up. Look for Kalisto to use his speed, balance, and superior aerial ability to get the win over a frustrated Ryback, who can't seem to beat "the little guy," despite his superior size and strength. Ryback will attack Kalisto post-match, further adding fuel to his heel turn
Dolph Ziggler vs Baron Corbin
These two wrestlers career trajectories are on opposite paths. Corbin's ceiling is high and the sky is the limit for his future in the world of wrestling. The former NFL star has been on quite a streak since leaving NXT for the main roster, even outlasting the likes of Kane and Big Show to win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at this year's WrestleMania. Ziggler, on the other hand, seems lost on the main roster and after years of failed attempts to get over, just can't seem to get his footing in the WWE. Corbin will continue his meteoric rise, getting the clean victory over Ziggler; however, the real question is how Ziggler will rise to the occasion, after his brother was charged with murder earlier this week. Look for Ziggler to overcome his personal family tragedy to put on a hell of an effort in getting Corbin over.
Dean Ambrose vs Chris Jericho
Ambrose is one of the most over Superstars in all the WWE. His appeal to the WWE Universe is simply unparalleled; however, he and his former rival Bray Wyatt share similar curses. Like Wyatt, Ambrose's fan appeal hasn't translated to a great win loss record. The trend continued at this year's WrestleMania, where, despite his best efforts, Ambrose lost to Brock Lesnar. Look for Ambrose's losing streak to end at WWE Payback. Chris Jericho is one of the greatest technical wrestlers of all time, so look for the two to steal the show with a great back and forth match that will highlight the two wrestler's contrasting styles: Ambrose as the brawler and Jericho as the technical wrestler. Jericho will lock the Walls of Jericho in; but, Ambrose, never one to exhibit a lack of heart, will fight out of the hold. While there will be times that Jericho dominates throughout this match, Ambrose will out-heart Jericho and get the clean win over the future WWE Hall of Famer.
Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens
When doesn't Sami Zayn wrestle in a Match of the Year caliber match? Zayn took on Shinsuke Nakamura in this year's obvious Match of the Year at NXT Takeover Dallas. Zayn and Owens have come up with each other and have great familiarity with one another, so this match should be special, as it is the first time the two long-time real-life friends will wrestle each other in the WWE's main roster. That has been a goal of their for quite some time, so look for a highly emotional bout. The two also "hate one another," in the WWE, so that must show in this bout. Owens will brutalize Zayn; but, Sami doesn't quit. Owens also has the tendency to stray toward arrogance....just a bit. Look for Owens to get overconfident and for Zayn to take advantage of that overconfidence, by rolling Owens up for the upset victory.
WWE Intercontinental Champion the Miz (with Maryse) vs Cesaro
Having a talent with Cesaro's abilities is a huge asset for the WWE. He can stand toe to toe with any competitor in the WWE and was greatly missed when he was lost to injury. Cesaro is back and returned just as he left us, as a Championship contender. While Cesaro does not have a flashy personality like his counterpart the Miz, he is arguably the best wrestle on the entire roster. With that stated, Cesaro does not need a Title to get over. His wrestling abilities already have him over with a new generation of WWE fans that prefer wrestling over pizzazz. The Miz' advantage is his wife, Maryse, a former WWE Women's Champion who was recently signed to the main roster to be her high maintenance husband's higher maintenance side-kick. Although Cesaro is a superior wrestler, the Miz will pull all the tricks out of his bag and they will work, especially with Maryse distracting Cesaro. Look for Maryse to be the major factor in getting the Miz a win, although it will certainly not be a clean victory.
Vince McMahon's Big Decision
Vince McMahon will decide who will run RAW: his daughter Stephanie McMahon or his son Shane McMahon. Although Shane has been running an effective show since WrestleMania, the fact remains: Shane lost to the Undertaker at the Show of Shows and therefore lost his chance to run RAW on a permanent basis. That will ultimately be the deciding factor in Vince's decision to remove his son from RAW. Stephanie; however, has proven ineffective as RAW's GM, often putting on lackluster shows that have legitimately been ratings busts. Vince will appreciate Shane's efforts over the last several weeks and will give SmackDown to Shane. Vince will remove Stephanie from RAW, as she has proven to be undeserving and incapable. Vince McMahon will announce that he, himself, will run RAW. The two brands will split (as has long been rumored) and tomorrow's RAW will feature a draft that will spark WWE into a new era: Shane's SmackDown vs Vince's RAW.
#1 Contender's Tag Team Match: The Vaudevillains vs Enzo Amore & Big Cass
These two teams departed from NXT and were a huge gain for WWE's main roster. Both teams worked their way through the tag tournament and now meet in the finals, to decide who will receive an opportunity to fight the New Day for the WWE World Tag Team Championships. Both teams are superb; but, Enzo and Big Cass are special and have an energy that is unparalleled in the world of wrestling. Look for the team that is super over with the WWE Universe (Enzo and Big Cass) to dominate the match against their long-time NXT rivals. Enzo and Big Cass get the victory and become the number one contenders to New Day's Titles.
WWE Women's Champion Charlotte (with Ric Flair) vs Natalya (with Bret Hart)
Bret Hart recently took some shots at Charlotte on his new podcast, saying that Charlotte isn't that good and should not be the Women's Champion. Flair followed Bret's assault on his daughter by telling Natalya (Bret's niece) to kill herself before a live SmackDown audience. Hart also gave away the ending to this match on his podcast. Although he believes (as does much of the WWE Universe) that Natalya is a superior talent, he also stated that Natalya is in this feud only to make Charlotte look good. Charlotte and Natalya wrestled each other a couple of years ago in a classic NXT bout, also with Flair and Hart in their respective corners. Charlotte defeated Natalya that night to become the NXT Women's Champion. Ric and Bret did not interfere in the bout, leaving the spotlight on the two wrestlers, who put on one of the greatest women's matches in history. To repeat, even though the two women came out with two of the biggest legends in wrestling history, the match they put on, kept the spotlight away from the two Hall of Famers and on Charlotte and Natalya. Look for a similar match; however, this time, when Ric tries to interfere, Uncle Bret will take matters into his own hands, slugging Flair and putting him in his legendary Sharp Shooter submission finisher. Charlotte; however, will retain and get the clean win over Natalya, in what should be a superb bout; but, a different bout than their first match together, where both Natalya and Charlotte were baby faces.
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns vs A.J. Styles
This is the most unpredictable match of the evening. With the Bullet Club making their main roster debut and A.J. reluctantly benefiting from their assistance, no one knows where Styles really stands. Reigns has publicly declared that he isn't a good guy; but, he has also publicly declared that he isn't a bad guy, only adding to the confusion around this match and his character. The WWE has tried to get Reigns over as a face; but, have been unsuccessful, as the WWE Universe continues to turn on anyone they see as forced. Look for Gallows and Anderson to interfere in this matchup. They will; however, be met by the Usos. A huge brawl will ensue between the two teams; but, Gallows and Anderson, arguably the greatest tag team in Japanese history, will dominate the Usos outside of the ring. Jimmy and Jey will be left beaten, marred and unconscious on the outside of the ring. Roman and A.J. will wrestle intensely inside the ring; but, the referee will be knocked out, perhaps in an attempt to stop the brawl between the Usos and the Bullet Club. Reigns will hit his Super Man punch. As A.J. slowly gets up, he is hit with Reigns' Spear; but, there is no one to count the pin. The Bullet Club enter the ring and simply destroy Roman, as they did to his cousins, the Usos. As Reigns lays unconscious on the floor, the referee wakes up and so does Styles. A.J. is confused as to why Roman is unconscious. He looks at the Bullet Club, looks down at Reigns, looks out to the fans. Styles refuses to pin Reigns. He engages in a war or words with his former Bullet Club compadres. While he is doing this, Reigns makes his way to his feet. As A.J. turns, Reigns hits him with yet another Spear for the victory. After the match, the Bullet Club attack Styles. The Usos make their way back to the ring and attack the Bullet Club. This time Roman Reigns completes his heel turn and helps the Bullet Club destroy both Styles and his own cousins, the Usos. The three join forces, despite their earlier differences. Reigns was once in one of the greatest factions in WWE history (the SHIELD) and he knows what greatness looks like. He will join the other two as their leader and they will run roughshod over the WWE for a long-time to come.
WWE Payback
Chicago, IL
FINAL CARD & PREDICTIONS
United States Champion Kalisto vs Ryback
Kalisto defeated Ryback before a nearly empty stadium at WrestleMania's Kickoff show. The two are being graced with another opportunity to wrestle before an actual live audience and a traditionally impressive one at that. The two will have to put on quite the match to get over with the usually rabid Chicago fanbase, as the match has little build up and although it is the longest tenured feud on the card, seems to be least important due primarily to the awful build up. Look for Kalisto to use his speed, balance, and superior aerial ability to get the win over a frustrated Ryback, who can't seem to beat "the little guy," despite his superior size and strength. Ryback will attack Kalisto post-match, further adding fuel to his heel turn
Dolph Ziggler vs Baron Corbin
These two wrestlers career trajectories are on opposite paths. Corbin's ceiling is high and the sky is the limit for his future in the world of wrestling. The former NFL star has been on quite a streak since leaving NXT for the main roster, even outlasting the likes of Kane and Big Show to win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at this year's WrestleMania. Ziggler, on the other hand, seems lost on the main roster and after years of failed attempts to get over, just can't seem to get his footing in the WWE. Corbin will continue his meteoric rise, getting the clean victory over Ziggler; however, the real question is how Ziggler will rise to the occasion, after his brother was charged with murder earlier this week. Look for Ziggler to overcome his personal family tragedy to put on a hell of an effort in getting Corbin over.
Dean Ambrose vs Chris Jericho
Ambrose is one of the most over Superstars in all the WWE. His appeal to the WWE Universe is simply unparalleled; however, he and his former rival Bray Wyatt share similar curses. Like Wyatt, Ambrose's fan appeal hasn't translated to a great win loss record. The trend continued at this year's WrestleMania, where, despite his best efforts, Ambrose lost to Brock Lesnar. Look for Ambrose's losing streak to end at WWE Payback. Chris Jericho is one of the greatest technical wrestlers of all time, so look for the two to steal the show with a great back and forth match that will highlight the two wrestler's contrasting styles: Ambrose as the brawler and Jericho as the technical wrestler. Jericho will lock the Walls of Jericho in; but, Ambrose, never one to exhibit a lack of heart, will fight out of the hold. While there will be times that Jericho dominates throughout this match, Ambrose will out-heart Jericho and get the clean win over the future WWE Hall of Famer.
Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens
When doesn't Sami Zayn wrestle in a Match of the Year caliber match? Zayn took on Shinsuke Nakamura in this year's obvious Match of the Year at NXT Takeover Dallas. Zayn and Owens have come up with each other and have great familiarity with one another, so this match should be special, as it is the first time the two long-time real-life friends will wrestle each other in the WWE's main roster. That has been a goal of their for quite some time, so look for a highly emotional bout. The two also "hate one another," in the WWE, so that must show in this bout. Owens will brutalize Zayn; but, Sami doesn't quit. Owens also has the tendency to stray toward arrogance....just a bit. Look for Owens to get overconfident and for Zayn to take advantage of that overconfidence, by rolling Owens up for the upset victory.
WWE Intercontinental Champion the Miz (with Maryse) vs Cesaro
Having a talent with Cesaro's abilities is a huge asset for the WWE. He can stand toe to toe with any competitor in the WWE and was greatly missed when he was lost to injury. Cesaro is back and returned just as he left us, as a Championship contender. While Cesaro does not have a flashy personality like his counterpart the Miz, he is arguably the best wrestle on the entire roster. With that stated, Cesaro does not need a Title to get over. His wrestling abilities already have him over with a new generation of WWE fans that prefer wrestling over pizzazz. The Miz' advantage is his wife, Maryse, a former WWE Women's Champion who was recently signed to the main roster to be her high maintenance husband's higher maintenance side-kick. Although Cesaro is a superior wrestler, the Miz will pull all the tricks out of his bag and they will work, especially with Maryse distracting Cesaro. Look for Maryse to be the major factor in getting the Miz a win, although it will certainly not be a clean victory.
Vince McMahon's Big Decision
Vince McMahon will decide who will run RAW: his daughter Stephanie McMahon or his son Shane McMahon. Although Shane has been running an effective show since WrestleMania, the fact remains: Shane lost to the Undertaker at the Show of Shows and therefore lost his chance to run RAW on a permanent basis. That will ultimately be the deciding factor in Vince's decision to remove his son from RAW. Stephanie; however, has proven ineffective as RAW's GM, often putting on lackluster shows that have legitimately been ratings busts. Vince will appreciate Shane's efforts over the last several weeks and will give SmackDown to Shane. Vince will remove Stephanie from RAW, as she has proven to be undeserving and incapable. Vince McMahon will announce that he, himself, will run RAW. The two brands will split (as has long been rumored) and tomorrow's RAW will feature a draft that will spark WWE into a new era: Shane's SmackDown vs Vince's RAW.
#1 Contender's Tag Team Match: The Vaudevillains vs Enzo Amore & Big Cass
These two teams departed from NXT and were a huge gain for WWE's main roster. Both teams worked their way through the tag tournament and now meet in the finals, to decide who will receive an opportunity to fight the New Day for the WWE World Tag Team Championships. Both teams are superb; but, Enzo and Big Cass are special and have an energy that is unparalleled in the world of wrestling. Look for the team that is super over with the WWE Universe (Enzo and Big Cass) to dominate the match against their long-time NXT rivals. Enzo and Big Cass get the victory and become the number one contenders to New Day's Titles.
WWE Women's Champion Charlotte (with Ric Flair) vs Natalya (with Bret Hart)
Bret Hart recently took some shots at Charlotte on his new podcast, saying that Charlotte isn't that good and should not be the Women's Champion. Flair followed Bret's assault on his daughter by telling Natalya (Bret's niece) to kill herself before a live SmackDown audience. Hart also gave away the ending to this match on his podcast. Although he believes (as does much of the WWE Universe) that Natalya is a superior talent, he also stated that Natalya is in this feud only to make Charlotte look good. Charlotte and Natalya wrestled each other a couple of years ago in a classic NXT bout, also with Flair and Hart in their respective corners. Charlotte defeated Natalya that night to become the NXT Women's Champion. Ric and Bret did not interfere in the bout, leaving the spotlight on the two wrestlers, who put on one of the greatest women's matches in history. To repeat, even though the two women came out with two of the biggest legends in wrestling history, the match they put on, kept the spotlight away from the two Hall of Famers and on Charlotte and Natalya. Look for a similar match; however, this time, when Ric tries to interfere, Uncle Bret will take matters into his own hands, slugging Flair and putting him in his legendary Sharp Shooter submission finisher. Charlotte; however, will retain and get the clean win over Natalya, in what should be a superb bout; but, a different bout than their first match together, where both Natalya and Charlotte were baby faces.
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns vs A.J. Styles
This is the most unpredictable match of the evening. With the Bullet Club making their main roster debut and A.J. reluctantly benefiting from their assistance, no one knows where Styles really stands. Reigns has publicly declared that he isn't a good guy; but, he has also publicly declared that he isn't a bad guy, only adding to the confusion around this match and his character. The WWE has tried to get Reigns over as a face; but, have been unsuccessful, as the WWE Universe continues to turn on anyone they see as forced. Look for Gallows and Anderson to interfere in this matchup. They will; however, be met by the Usos. A huge brawl will ensue between the two teams; but, Gallows and Anderson, arguably the greatest tag team in Japanese history, will dominate the Usos outside of the ring. Jimmy and Jey will be left beaten, marred and unconscious on the outside of the ring. Roman and A.J. will wrestle intensely inside the ring; but, the referee will be knocked out, perhaps in an attempt to stop the brawl between the Usos and the Bullet Club. Reigns will hit his Super Man punch. As A.J. slowly gets up, he is hit with Reigns' Spear; but, there is no one to count the pin. The Bullet Club enter the ring and simply destroy Roman, as they did to his cousins, the Usos. As Reigns lays unconscious on the floor, the referee wakes up and so does Styles. A.J. is confused as to why Roman is unconscious. He looks at the Bullet Club, looks down at Reigns, looks out to the fans. Styles refuses to pin Reigns. He engages in a war or words with his former Bullet Club compadres. While he is doing this, Reigns makes his way to his feet. As A.J. turns, Reigns hits him with yet another Spear for the victory. After the match, the Bullet Club attack Styles. The Usos make their way back to the ring and attack the Bullet Club. This time Roman Reigns completes his heel turn and helps the Bullet Club destroy both Styles and his own cousins, the Usos. The three join forces, despite their earlier differences. Reigns was once in one of the greatest factions in WWE history (the SHIELD) and he knows what greatness looks like. He will join the other two as their leader and they will run roughshod over the WWE for a long-time to come.
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