WWE Payback: Match Card And Predictions
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WWE's first post-Wrestlemania event is the Raw brand-exclusive PPV Payback. It takes place on Sunday, April 30, at the SAP center in San Jose, California. The show starts at 8PM ET/5PM PT. There are a few rematches from Wrestlemania to look forward to, as well numerous title defenses. Here's who is on the card and our predictions for Payback.
Big Cass & Enzo Amore vs. Gallows & Anderson (Kickoff Match)
The former Raw Tag Team Champions--Gallows and Anderson--take on the fan favorites Enzo and Big Cass for the Kickoff Show to Payback.
There isn't a whole lot to say about this match. Both teams feel a bit overshadowed in the tag team division as of late with the return of The Hardy Boyz. It feels like WWE is trying to build a solid mid-card tag team match. We want both these teams to succeed, and we're giving this one to Gallows and Anderson in hopes of continuing the rivalry.
Prediction: Gallows & Anderson win dirty
Neville (c) vs. Austin Aries
(For the Cruiserweight Championship)
At Wrestlemania, Neville and Austin Aries put on one of the best matches of the evening. Sadly, some fans missed it because they passed on the Kickoff Show. Now, the two will fight one more time for the Cruiserweight Championship, but this time, it will be on the main Payback card.
No matter who comes out on top in this match, the fans are going to be the real winners. The last match was great and by far, the best Kickoff Show match in WWE's history. That being said, we think Aries is going to come out on top here, with a rematch coming at the next PPV.
Prediction: Austin Aries wins
The Hardy Boyz (c) vs. Cesaro & Shemus
(For the Raw Tag Team Championship)
When The Hardy Boyz returned at Wrestlemania, fans were stunned. They were even more stunned when the duo won the Raw Tag Team Championships. Now, former champs Cesaro and Sheamus get their rematch.
What's really cool about this match is that it's all babyfaces. There are no "bad guys" in this match. To make sure the Hardy Boyz aren't just a flash in the pan, they have to win this match and retain the titles. While Cesaro and Sheamus have come a long way and make great champions, the Hardy Boyz reign needs to be longer.
Prediction: The Hardy Boyz win
Seth Rollins vs. Samoa Joe
After Seth Rollins beat Triple H at Wrestlemania, we all thought their story was done. However, Triple H had his own hitman in the wings, Samoa Joe. His attacks on Rollins have led to this match at Payback.
This is a pretty cool way to continue the storyline without having Triple H in the spotlight. While Rollins is on the rise, we think this is the perfect time to give Joe a huge push. It will be good for his career and a reason to continue the rivalry between these two stars.
Prediction: Samoa Joe wins dirty
Kevin Owens (c) vs. Chris Jericho
(For the United States Championship)
The Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho saga continues, even though Owens was moved to Smackdown. The two put on one hell of a show at Wrestlemania, so a rematch is welcomed. Can Jericho win the United States Championship or will Owens cement his legacy here?
With all the rumors of Jericho leaving WWE to tour with his band, it seems like Owens will come out on top. Sure, Jericho could win, then lose the title at Smackdown's next PPV, Backlash, but it seems the most logical step here is to have Owens retain, then go on to fighting someone else, maybe Shinsuke Nakamura or Tye Dillinger.
Prediction: Owens wins
Bayley (c) vs. Alexa Bliss
(For the Raw Women's Championship)
Alexa Bliss made the jump from Smackdown to Raw, and she already has her sights set on the Raw Women's Championship. Bayley will defend the title against the newcomer, who thinks she deserves to be champ.
We've seen Bayley overcome a lot of odds since she joined the main roster. That's part of the appeal of her character. While Bliss winning this match makes sense, it feels like this could be another situation where Bayley will come out on top. It will be a nice ego check to Bliss as well.
Prediction: Bayley wins
Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman has been on a bit of a tear, flipping over ambulances and dumpsters while people are inside of them. When it comes to flipping over heavy objects, Strowman is king. However, can he best Roman Reigns?
There has been nothing more entertaining on Raw than what's going on with Strowman right now. It's over-the-top and ridiculous, but it's what the Monday night show needs right now. That being said, we're giving the win to Reigns. Why? Because it will lead to another moment of Strowman smashing everything--and everyone--in sight, much like after his loss to Kalisto in the recent Dumpster Match.
Prediction: Reigns wins and Strowman destroys everything
Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt (House of Horrors Match)
Randy Orton ended up beating Bray Wyatt at Wrestlemania in quite a shocker. During the Superstar Shakeup, Wyatt was moved to Raw, and even though the stars are on two separate shows, they have some unfinished business. Orton agreed to fight Wyatt in a House of Horrors match.
What is a House of Horrors Match? As Orton so eloquently put it on the April 25 episode of Smackdown, "I don't exactly know what a House of Horrors match is, but for some reason, I feel like Sunday, I'm gonna find out." We facepalmed too.
There are little to no details about this match. Maybe it has something to do with the weird effects that took place during their match at Wrestlemania? One thing we do know is that it's going to be bizarre and hopefully interesting. Everything about this match is set up for Wyatt to win, and we don't think Orton will overcome the odds.
Prediction: Bray Wyatt wins