WWE Payback Predictions

Post Wrestlemania season can be a bit of a lull in terms of storyline progression within WWE. This is usually the time the creative team and story writers are feeling out their next big rivalries as they move towards the second most important PPV of the year, Summerslam. Serving as the midway point between then and now, WWE Payback looks to clear up what several title scenarios will look like. In addition to that, expect to see a few rivalries come to a close, while new ones are forged. Here is a look at the card for WWE Payback, and my prediction for each match.

Payback Kickoff Show: Macho Mandow & Curtis Axel v. The Ascension

This match has snoozefest written all over it. WWE pretty much took 3 guys that no one cares about, and tosses them into a match together with a guy not named Dolph Ziggler who just can’t seem to catch a break. The Ascension hit the main roster several months ago, and despite their best efforts, they just cannot connect with the crowds. Curtis Axel has been entertaining as of late, but most of his matches lately have been used as means to put Neville over. Then there’s Damien Sandow. Sandow has done an incredible job turning chicken crap into chicken salad, essentially working EVERY gimmick Vince and co. toss his way. He was over with the crowd heavy while still under his Mizdow persona, but the moment that ended, his popularity seems to have waned. To top this all off, Axel has been pushing this ‘Axelmania’ gimmick and now WWE decides to turn Sandow into a Macho Man wannabe, and are pushing the two of them as the new ‘Mega Powers’. This isn’t 1988, Axel isn’t Hogan, and Sandow isn’t Savage. Don’t kill what few great memories left from wrestling’s past.

Winners: Sandow and Axel

The Bella Twins v. Naomi and Tamina Snuka

The Bella Twins have seemingly been on a roll as of late, and Naomi fresh off a heel turn, in doing some of her best work in years. WWE has a bit of confusion to clear up though, as most fans still don’t know if the Bellas are faces or heels. This will be the match to clean those murky waters up. Look for Naomi and Tamina to use very familiar heel tactics in the match to make it more obvious for fans, but in the end, the Bellas will walk away with the win thanks to some help from a returning Paige. This will start a short rivalry that will see Paige and Naomi trade victories in singles matchups, and will set up a three-way for the Divas title at Summerslam.

Winners: The Bellas

Ryback v. Bray Wyatt

This match came literally out of nowhere, as Bray Wyatt and Ryback have been on complete and total opposite track the past few months. After his loss at Wrestlemania, Wyatt immediately started cutting promos talking about another mysterious person that had seemingly caught the attention of the eater of worlds. Turns out that guy was Ryback, and after trading verbal barbs and a few confrontations on Raw and Smackdown, these two are set for a collision at Payback. Although Bray Wyatt seems to be elevated to familiar heights only to lose, this one seems different, and I am expecting to see Bray pull this one off. From here, Wyatt will build up steam headed into this year’s Money In The Bank where I think he’ll make an even bigger impact.

Winner: Bray Wyatt

Sheamus v. Dolph Ziggler

Sheamus and Dolph Ziggler have been embroiled in a heated feud ever since the Celtic warrior made his return after Wrestlemania. Dolph is in need of some big wins, and big matches and Sheamus is……well Sheamus is Sheamus. If Ziggler impresses, he’ll for sure be a front-runner to compete in the recently revived Elimination Chamber match for the vacant IC Title. Sheamus on the other hand will get thrown into the mix win or lose, so he’s set already. I’m looking forward to a hard-hitting match between these two, and something tells me that Ziggler’s recent obsession with ‘Payback’ will wind up costing him this match.

Winner: Sheamus

King Barrett v. Neville

Neville continues to impress, showing up huge in recent weeks in big matches against high-caliber opponents. Barrett has also been putting together an impressive portfolio of wins, two of which coming against Neville. WWE is obviously very high on Neville and his abilities, and I don’t think this match will be any different. Look for a fast-paced, back and forth matchup between the two. While I’m also a big fan of Neville, I think it’s too early to push this young man to the moon, and therefore I think King Barrett will walk away with the win by any means necessary.

Winner: King Barrett

Tag Team Title 2 out of 3 Falls Match: The New Day (c) v. Tyson Kidd and Cesaro

Tyson Kidd and Cesaro may very well have the best Tag Team chemistry since The Usos first step foot on the scene. They continue to wow fans and impress backstage with each match. They are a fundamentally sound team, who, in reality should have been given a much longer run with the titles than they had. Then along came The New Day. The New Day and their overly positive, cheery face gimmick lured the WWE Universe into the biggest swerve in recent memory. The New Day have almost nuclear heat with audiences around the country, and are easily turning into WWE’s most entertaining act, and most consistent. They’ve put on stellar matches since Wrestlemania and show no signs of slowing down. Making this match a 2-out of-3 Falls match, lends way to a shady ending, which I’m pretty sure Xavier Woods will play a big role in. Look for New Day to retain, and keep their momentum rolling into the Elimination chamber PPV.

I Quit Match For The US Title: John Cena (c) v. Rusev

Well as much as I’d love to write an impassioned paragraph or two about how great this match will be, I feel it will be a standard affair for Mr. Cena. Besides, he’s undefeated at both Payback PPVs and I Quit Matches. The man’s mantra is NEVER GIVE UP. And he won’t.

Winner: John Cena 

Fatal 4-Way For WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Dean Ambrose v. Randy Orton v. Roman Reigns v. Seth Rollins (c)

This is my pick for match of the night. There are so many combustible elements in this match, and each participant holds an upper midcard roster spot. Also, let’s not forget three out of the four men in this match were members of The Shield. Like him or hate him, Seth Rollins has turned in an impressive resume over the last 12 months, culminating in a World Heavyweight Title reign starting at Wrestlemania. Roman Reigns seemed to be the chosen one, but is fighting an uphill battle of getting over with the WWE Universe. Dean Ambrose is exactly where Roman Reigns probably should be. Good on the mic, good in the ring, and over with the fans. It also helps that adding Dean Ambrose to the mix certainly enhances the feeling that Seth’s title reign could be cut short. Randy Orton also adds an element of danger to this match as he, like the Big Show is capable of pulling off a heel or face turn at the drop of a hat. Kane will also seek to play a role in the final outcome of this match. All things considered, I’d love to see someone like Dean Ambrose get a shot at having a title reign, but all signs point to Seth retaining. But then there’s those rumors about Brock v. Randy Orton happening at SummerSlam….

Winner: Seth Rollins

WWE Payback is this Sunday, May 17th live on the WWE Network.