WWE’s first major stop after WrestleMania is just a matter of hours away. Although Payback might not have the legacy which WrestleMania has, it is a crucial pay-per-view in the WWE calendar. If not in the past, it is definitely a crucial pay-per-view this year around as we are going to see a mammoth battle between AJ Styles and Roman Reigns for the WWE championship.
Also read: [Video]WWE Payback 2016: Results and Highlights, Full Show May 1, 2016
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On paper, the level of excitement regarding this match would’ve been average. However, thanks to the introduction of Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows into the mix, things are interesting to the core. If this match was not enough, there is a string of other exciting bouts in the card worth looking forward to. Here is the complete match card analysis and predictions.
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Kalisto vs. Ryback (United States Championship match)
The Kalisto vs. Ryback match, just like last time, is struggling to create any kind of buzz. The lack of momentum for both superstars and WWE’s lack of interest in giving these two some actual limelight has cost the feud big time and it would be a surprise if the fans see this as something more than a toilet break.
The fact that it is placed in the pre-show does not help these superstars. These two did have a good match back in WrestleMania but letting them face off once again was apparently a bad decision. It doesn’t matter who gets the win, but the chances are favoring Kalisto more.
Prediction: Kalisto wins
Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin
The way in which WWE used their NXT talent on main roster was something that was under the scanner. WWE apparently had wasted some talented names like Tyler Breeze, Emma and a handful of others due to this but Baron Corbin were an entirely different story. He announced his entry into the main roster by winning the Andre the Giant battle royal and then went on to make an impact on Monday Night Raw as well.
He got a solid opponent in the form of Dolph Ziggler and at Payback, these two are bound to have a solid match. Corbin should get a win this time around and move forward to bigger things after Payback.
Prediction: Baron Corbin wins
Charlotte vs. Natalya (WWE Women’s Championship)
Natalya and Charlotte are two superstars who have a lot of history. These two had been having spectacular matches from NXT itself and now, they have a big stage to showcase what they are really made of. There is no complexity in terms of storyline as it is a simple babyface vs. heel plot with the championship on the line.
The core part of this feud will perhaps be the actual in-ring action and these two are going to flourish in it. This feud is too good to conclude in just one pay-per-view and for it to continue, Charlotte needs to retain the title, which apparently is the most likely outcome of this match.
Prediction: Charlotte retains.
Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens
The WWE fans are going to get a taste of the immense chemistry that Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn have. To WWE’s credit, they have projected this as a big time feud and deservedly so. The whole best-friend storyline have always worked in the wrestling business and WWE would be riding on the same phenomenon at Payback.
We should have no doubts about the capability of these two to deliver a solid match. The only question that the fans have will be about the winner. And as WWE is maintaining the underdog image of Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens is likely to get a win even if it is not in a clean way.
Prediction: Kevin Owens
Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho
Every week in and week out, Chris Jericho comes out to Monday Night Raw and proves that he is one of the most valuable players in the current WWE roster. The way in which he generates heat among the WWE Universe is unmatched and anyone that gets paired with him is bound to go to a different level.
Dean Ambrose would be no different. Ambrose and Jericho thrives on in-ring psychology and capturing the attention of the crowd wouldn’t be a problem for these two at the end of the day. As much as I would like to see Ambrose win, at this point of this feud, Jericho winning would be the right decision.
Prediction: Chris Jericho wins
Enzo and Big Cass vs. The Vaudevillains
The big blow off of WWE’s tag team tournament is sure to be an exciting one. Two contrasting teams will be locking horns with each other at the pay-per-view and it would be safe to say that both the teams are winners since they have reached this far. Enzo and Big Cass are clearly the more sorted out team in the match.
They are over as hell and are expected to get the win once the final bell rings. This would go down as a turning point in the career of these two guys and for the tag team division, making this a match which cannot be missed. WWE could add New Day to commentary to make things more interesting.
Prediction: Enzo and Cass win.
Cesaro vs. The Miz (Intercontinental Championship)
The Intercontinental championship would be on the line at Payback as Cesaro will face The Miz. The return of Cesaro was well-booked by the WWE creative team and he has some good momentum heading into this match. Miz, on the other hand, has found some fresh fuel to his character thanks to the on-screen addition of his wife Maryse.
The combination of Miz and Maryse is getting some good heat right now and it is benefiting the feud as a whole. But Miz retaining the title would not push forward the story. It is better if WWE gives Cesaro the win and let the fans cheer.
Prediction: Cesaro wins.
Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles (WWE Championship match)
The Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles match is perhaps the most talked about bout in the show. It is not because these two are going to put together a good story in between the ropes, it’s just because the curiosity regarding the future of Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows.
Anderson and Gallows have promise to have AJ’s back at the show but from the looks of it, we are bound to see some big swerve when the story unfolds. Will Roman Reigns turn heel and join with Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows? It is a possibility. There is also a rumor which suggest that Seth Rollins will be backstage for the show. No matter what happens, Reigns is walking out as the champion and believe that.
Prediction: Roman Reigns wins.
