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Payback has never been a "big" PPV for the WWE, and if there's anything that you need to remind yourself of this, just look at the card. The main matches are repeats from Extreme Rules, while the new ones are all midcard feuds -- or not even feuds, as the case may be. About the only thing to get excited about going into Payback is the fact that it's set in Chicago, and it'll be interesting to hear exactly when the "CM Punk" chants begin. My guess? During the Pre-Show match, which is a Hair vs. Mask bout between our favorite former leprechaun and a man dressed as a bull. Oh, boy.
<color=red>Hair vs. Mask Match: Hornswoggle vs. El Torito
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/09/70/40/clipbo41.jpg
Prediction: The 50/50 booking by which the WWE is run would suggest that it's Hornswoggle's turn to pick up the victory, but removing the mask of El Torito wouldn't make any sense, as that would ruin the character. Hornswoggle, on the other hand, can do without hair. El Torito should pick up the victory in our Payback Pre-Show match (still only available to Americans).
Random Thoughts: When this feud first started, it felt as if it was being done to bring Hornswoggle back into the spotlight to promote the new Leprechaun movie. That still hasn't even been brought up, let alone promoted. Could it be that this feud might continue on past Payback? I certainly hope not, as this seems like a fitting conclusion. Also, I'm sick of it. Its comedy has run out, and the feud has really only benefited El Torito to this point.
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Bad News Barrett vs. Rob Van Dam
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/09/70/40/clipbo42.jpg
Prediction: At this point in his career, Rob Van Dam doesn't need a big victory. What he needs is some evolution to his character, as after almost two decades, it's gotten stale. Somehow, he's still really over with the crowd, and that won't change with a loss here. Bad News Barrett's reign will gain some legitimacy with a win over RVD at Payback, and that's what will probably happen here. RVD will put over Bad News Barrett.
Random Thoughts: This will likely be a good wrestling match, but the feud has been so completely ... non-existent, really. Barrett and RVD have barely even seen each other as we build up to this match.
Rusev (with Lana) vs. Big E
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/09/70/40/clipbo43.jpg
Prediction: In just a month, Big E went from holding a midcard title to (probably) jobbing to Rusev. That's pretty bad, but I'm pleased with it, as I don't think there's much value to Big E. Anyway, Rusev is slowly working his way through the ranks, and Big E is apparently seen as just a step up from Xavier Woods and R-Truth, so there's no way he should win this match. Rusev will pick up the victory, probably in a very short amount of time.
Random Thoughts: With whom does Rusev feud after this? Given how he's targeted black wrestlers since his debut, one has to think that Mark Henry is the next step, even if a face Mark Henry is about as threatening as a puppy dog. It would still be a step up from Big E, and if they're sticking with the #RacistRusev thing for a big longer, then Henry makes sense to me. That match will probably be terrible, though.
<color=red>Last Man Standing Match: John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/09/70/40/clipbo44.jpg
Prediction: I don't care who wins, but I want the feud to end here and now. Cena/Wyatt has gotten boring and stale since that awful Steel Cage match at Extreme Rules, and both men need to move on. Unfortunately, that would probably require Cena to win this match, and I don't think that's what's going to happen. As has always been said, Wyatt needs the win more than Cena does, and it's his turn to pick up the victory. But if the villain wins, the feud is unlikely to end. I'm probably not going to get my way. Wyatt is the favorite going into the match, and I'm going to predict he'll pick up the victory.
Random Thoughts: The Usos vs. Luke Harper/Erick Rowan should have been on this card. It would allow the sidekicks of the feud's leads to have something to do earlier on, and would allow Cena and Wyatt to have a one-on-one match later. It would also give the card the match that's now missing because of Bryan's injury. Perhaps it'll be announced on the Pre-Show or during the PPV. I hope it will.
WWE United States Championship Match: Sheamus vs. Cesaro (with Paul Heyman)
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/09/70/40/clipbo45.jpg
Prediction: Cesaro, assuming he's kept on his current trajectory, is on a path that would make giving him the United States Championship pointless. He'll be "above it" in no time. He'll probably be feuding with Brock Lesnar in a matter of months. Sheamus just won the title, and giving him an incredibly short run also wouldn't make a lot of sense. He's also been performing better in the ring as of late, and he should be rewarded for that. Sheamus should pick up the victory, even though Cesaro will come out looking strong.
Random Thoughts: Anyone else feeling as if pairing Cesaro with Paul Heyman just hasn't worked out at all. Cesaro was building so much momentum as a babyface, but that's all but disappeared with Heyman as his advocate. It just hasn't worked.
WWE Divas Championship Match: Paige vs. Alicia Fox
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/09/70/40/clipbo46.jpg
Prediction: It's safe to say that Paige's title run hasn't been as spectacular as it should have been. Paige has put on consistently good matches, but the crowds aren't responding to her like they should have. Alicia Fox, in the last few weeks, has adopted a "crazy" persona, and now has more personality than pretty much every other Diva. The favorite is probably still Paige, especially since Fox hasn't had an especially good win-loss record lately, but I think this could be the upset of the card. It doesn't look as if any of the other titles will change hands, so this could very easily be the one to do it. I'm taking Fox for the win (possibly thanks to interference from a hopefully returning AJ Lee).
Random Thoughts: Still no kayfabe reason for AJ to not have tried to get the title she loved back. Fingers are crossed for a surprise return, although the betting man would wager she'll be back for the next PPV, not this one.
<color=red>No Holds Barred Elimination Match: The Shield (Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins) vs. Evolution (Triple H, Randy Orton, Batista)
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/09/70/40/clipbo47.jpg
Prediction: The Shield won last time, but look for them to repeat at Payback. Batista is taking a short hiatus after this coming week to promote Guardians of the Galaxy, and it would make sense for Evolution to lose in order for that to happen. We're also still waiting for the Triple H/Roman Reigns feud to happen, which would probably not come to fruition if Evolution is victorious. WWE's 50/50 booking would suggest Evolution wins, but I just don't see it happening here.
Random Thoughts: I hope this moves more toward singles matches as the feud continues. I'm sick of seeing brawls end Raw.
<color=D6D9DA>_________________________________________________________________________________
From a storyline perspective, Payback is probably going to disappoint -- or, it would if there was any portion that had potential to be good, but that's not really the case. From an in-ring perspective, it should surpass all expectations. This is especially true after NXT Takeover, which should never outshine something for which you're paying $50.
<color=D6D9DA>_________________________________________________________________________________
If you wish to be notified whenever I post something new, please join this <url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/groups/view/2-50-Reviews>user group.
For an archive of all my previous WWE reviews, please go <url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.846764-Marters-WWE-Reviews-Archive>here.
Talk to me on the Twitter, <url=https://twitter.com/martertweet>@martertweet.
Payback has never been a "big" PPV for the WWE, and if there's anything that you need to remind yourself of this, just look at the card. The main matches are repeats from Extreme Rules, while the new ones are all midcard feuds -- or not even feuds, as the case may be. About the only thing to get excited about going into Payback is the fact that it's set in Chicago, and it'll be interesting to hear exactly when the "CM Punk" chants begin. My guess? During the Pre-Show match, which is a Hair vs. Mask bout between our favorite former leprechaun and a man dressed as a bull. Oh, boy.
<color=red>Hair vs. Mask Match: Hornswoggle vs. El Torito
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/09/70/40/clipbo41.jpg
Prediction: The 50/50 booking by which the WWE is run would suggest that it's Hornswoggle's turn to pick up the victory, but removing the mask of El Torito wouldn't make any sense, as that would ruin the character. Hornswoggle, on the other hand, can do without hair. El Torito should pick up the victory in our Payback Pre-Show match (still only available to Americans).
Random Thoughts: When this feud first started, it felt as if it was being done to bring Hornswoggle back into the spotlight to promote the new Leprechaun movie. That still hasn't even been brought up, let alone promoted. Could it be that this feud might continue on past Payback? I certainly hope not, as this seems like a fitting conclusion. Also, I'm sick of it. Its comedy has run out, and the feud has really only benefited El Torito to this point.
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Bad News Barrett vs. Rob Van Dam
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/09/70/40/clipbo42.jpg
Prediction: At this point in his career, Rob Van Dam doesn't need a big victory. What he needs is some evolution to his character, as after almost two decades, it's gotten stale. Somehow, he's still really over with the crowd, and that won't change with a loss here. Bad News Barrett's reign will gain some legitimacy with a win over RVD at Payback, and that's what will probably happen here. RVD will put over Bad News Barrett.
Random Thoughts: This will likely be a good wrestling match, but the feud has been so completely ... non-existent, really. Barrett and RVD have barely even seen each other as we build up to this match.
Rusev (with Lana) vs. Big E
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/09/70/40/clipbo43.jpg
Prediction: In just a month, Big E went from holding a midcard title to (probably) jobbing to Rusev. That's pretty bad, but I'm pleased with it, as I don't think there's much value to Big E. Anyway, Rusev is slowly working his way through the ranks, and Big E is apparently seen as just a step up from Xavier Woods and R-Truth, so there's no way he should win this match. Rusev will pick up the victory, probably in a very short amount of time.
Random Thoughts: With whom does Rusev feud after this? Given how he's targeted black wrestlers since his debut, one has to think that Mark Henry is the next step, even if a face Mark Henry is about as threatening as a puppy dog. It would still be a step up from Big E, and if they're sticking with the #RacistRusev thing for a big longer, then Henry makes sense to me. That match will probably be terrible, though.
<color=red>Last Man Standing Match: John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/09/70/40/clipbo44.jpg
Prediction: I don't care who wins, but I want the feud to end here and now. Cena/Wyatt has gotten boring and stale since that awful Steel Cage match at Extreme Rules, and both men need to move on. Unfortunately, that would probably require Cena to win this match, and I don't think that's what's going to happen. As has always been said, Wyatt needs the win more than Cena does, and it's his turn to pick up the victory. But if the villain wins, the feud is unlikely to end. I'm probably not going to get my way. Wyatt is the favorite going into the match, and I'm going to predict he'll pick up the victory.
Random Thoughts: The Usos vs. Luke Harper/Erick Rowan should have been on this card. It would allow the sidekicks of the feud's leads to have something to do earlier on, and would allow Cena and Wyatt to have a one-on-one match later. It would also give the card the match that's now missing because of Bryan's injury. Perhaps it'll be announced on the Pre-Show or during the PPV. I hope it will.
WWE United States Championship Match: Sheamus vs. Cesaro (with Paul Heyman)
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/09/70/40/clipbo45.jpg
Prediction: Cesaro, assuming he's kept on his current trajectory, is on a path that would make giving him the United States Championship pointless. He'll be "above it" in no time. He'll probably be feuding with Brock Lesnar in a matter of months. Sheamus just won the title, and giving him an incredibly short run also wouldn't make a lot of sense. He's also been performing better in the ring as of late, and he should be rewarded for that. Sheamus should pick up the victory, even though Cesaro will come out looking strong.
Random Thoughts: Anyone else feeling as if pairing Cesaro with Paul Heyman just hasn't worked out at all. Cesaro was building so much momentum as a babyface, but that's all but disappeared with Heyman as his advocate. It just hasn't worked.
WWE Divas Championship Match: Paige vs. Alicia Fox
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/09/70/40/clipbo46.jpg
Prediction: It's safe to say that Paige's title run hasn't been as spectacular as it should have been. Paige has put on consistently good matches, but the crowds aren't responding to her like they should have. Alicia Fox, in the last few weeks, has adopted a "crazy" persona, and now has more personality than pretty much every other Diva. The favorite is probably still Paige, especially since Fox hasn't had an especially good win-loss record lately, but I think this could be the upset of the card. It doesn't look as if any of the other titles will change hands, so this could very easily be the one to do it. I'm taking Fox for the win (possibly thanks to interference from a hopefully returning AJ Lee).
Random Thoughts: Still no kayfabe reason for AJ to not have tried to get the title she loved back. Fingers are crossed for a surprise return, although the betting man would wager she'll be back for the next PPV, not this one.
<color=red>No Holds Barred Elimination Match: The Shield (Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins) vs. Evolution (Triple H, Randy Orton, Batista)
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/09/70/40/clipbo47.jpg
Prediction: The Shield won last time, but look for them to repeat at Payback. Batista is taking a short hiatus after this coming week to promote Guardians of the Galaxy, and it would make sense for Evolution to lose in order for that to happen. We're also still waiting for the Triple H/Roman Reigns feud to happen, which would probably not come to fruition if Evolution is victorious. WWE's 50/50 booking would suggest Evolution wins, but I just don't see it happening here.
Random Thoughts: I hope this moves more toward singles matches as the feud continues. I'm sick of seeing brawls end Raw.
<color=D6D9DA>_________________________________________________________________________________
From a storyline perspective, Payback is probably going to disappoint -- or, it would if there was any portion that had potential to be good, but that's not really the case. From an in-ring perspective, it should surpass all expectations. This is especially true after NXT Takeover, which should never outshine something for which you're paying $50.
<color=D6D9DA>_________________________________________________________________________________
If you wish to be notified whenever I post something new, please join this <url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/groups/view/2-50-Reviews>user group.
For an archive of all my previous WWE reviews, please go <url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.846764-Marters-WWE-Reviews-Archive>here.
Talk to me on the Twitter, <url=https://twitter.com/martertweet>@martertweet.