Yes, it is not ideal that WWE Payback 2020 is happening just days after WWE SummerSlam and there is generally a sense of fatigue in the WWE Universe, especially if you consider the volume of wrestling that one has to watch just to keep up. However, WWE Payback 2020 just seems like a pay-per-view to watch out for because there are so many combustible elements across the card, which could result in a wide variety of surprises throughout the night.
The following surprises could change the course of WWE Payback 2020 and indeed, the course of WWE as well, in the months that follow. One or more of them is likely to happen, because, without a bunch of surprises, WWE Payback 2020 will just seem like a pale imitation of SummerSlam and little more.
Please share your thoughts in the comments below, ladies, and gentlemen.
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#5 At WWE Payback 2020, Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman are revealed to be the leaders of Retribution
Roman Reigns was supposed to take on Goldberg for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania, but the contest never took place. Paul Heyman had a position of importance backstage but he was let go. Both men want payback. Both men want Retribution in a sense of the word.
At WWE Payback 2020, Roman Reigns could win the big title and then, out of the blue, Paul Heyman could invite the rest of Retribution to the ring. All of them could be men and women who have been wronged in one way or the other. Bo Dallas and Mojo Rawley immediately come to mind as Superstars who deserve better.
Yes, they could be unmasked as members of Retribution and a new era would begin with Paul Heyman at the helm of a brand new movement.
#4 Samoa Joe surprisingly rises from the commentary desk at WWE Payback 2020, laying out the Mysterios during their match
The last time these two teams clashed in the middle of the ring, a great match was ruined by Retribution who chose to inflict punishment upon Rey Mysterio and Dominik ahead of WWE Payback 2020. And now, Rey Mysterio teams up with Dominik again, as they clash with Seth Rollins and Murphy at WWE Payback 2020 in what seems like a very fair and square fight indeed.
At WWE Payback 2020, when the babyfaces are about to pick up a big victory, Samoa Joe could excuse himself from the commentary desk out of the blue and step into the middle of the ring to align with the Monday Night Messiah.
This would be a major development indeed, because Samoa Joe has been little more than an announcer over the last few months and this would officially mark his return to action again.
There's something wrong with a babyface Samoa Joe, and we could see him at his best when he goes heel again at WWE SummerSlam 2020.
#3 Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax turn on each other at WWE Payback 2020, allowing Sasha Banks and Bayley to retain
Everyone expects Sasha Banks and Bayley to implode at WWE Payback 2020 and the way that it's being teased on SmackDown is honestly an indicator that they will not be splitting up anytime soon. Instead, it could be Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax that split up at WWE Payback 2020.
Bear in mind that the two women were in a feud before they decided to come together and put aside their differences to go after Tag Team gold at WWE Payback 2020. But when the bell actually rings, it's not too much of a reach to think that it will be Sasha Banks and Bayley who will be the more well-oiled unit, who will pick up a big win at the show.
Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler could then settle their differences in the months that come and maybe even in a special match on RAW Underground, which would take Shane McMahon's underground concept to the next level.
#2 Alexa Bliss shows up as Abby the Witch during WWE Payback 2020, allowing The Fiend to win
It is clear that Alexa Bliss is undergoing some kind of transformation, especially if you consider the episode of SmackDown right before WWE Payback 2020, where she showed heelish tendencies by breaking a cup that Nikki Cross held in her grasp. And if you consider the post she put up heading into WWE Payback 2020 on her Instagram account, it is obvious that she is teasing some kind of major change. Tom Colohue of Sportskeeda had a very interesting observation about Alexa Bliss during the go-home show of SmackDown before WWE Payback 2020.
Having Alexa Bliss show up as Abby The Witch would be a great way to have The Fiend retain his Championship while making Roman Reigns look strong.
Braun Strowman could get distracted at WWE Payback 2020, seeing his former love interest up the ramp, allowing for The Fiend to pick up a big victory. Such a major twist would also make the fallout episode of WWE SmackDown a must-watch affair.
#1 Ric Flair returns at WWE Payback 2020 to help Keith Lee win his big match
In better times, Ric Flair and Randy Orton were the best of friends, but their relationship was splintered during an episode of WWE RAW where the 'Legend Killer' decided to turn against his mentor. And at WWE Payback 2020, Ric Flair could return from his kayfabe injury to exact revenge against Randy Orton by helping Keith Lee win his first big match.
Yes, WWE is in a bit of a conundrum at WWE Payback 2020, especially if you consider that they have to make Keith Lee look strong for the biggest match of his career but also they cannot have Randy Orton lose clean after losing to Drew McIntyre.
Maybe when Keith Lee is about to get punted, Ric Flair's music hits, causing Randy Orton to be distracted, allowing for Keith Lee to cause a massive upset.
Speaking of Randy Orton, here's a great interview with the man to get you all geared up and ready for WWE Payback 2020.