WWE Payback 2015: Early match card predictions for the pay-per-view

After going Extreme, it is time for some Payback. Almost all of the stories that WWE told at Extreme Rules could use one or two chapters and their next pay-per-view outing looks set to be the perfect stage. Payback will prove to be another major step towards SummerSlam, and WWE will be looking to come out all guns blazing due to the same.They have already made a couple of matches for the pay-per-view, but there is still a lot of room left in the match card for additions. So, here is a look at the possible way in which WWE could stack up their match card for the 2015 edition of Payback.

#7 John Cena vs. Rusev (United States Championship)

Immediately after Extreme Rules, WWE announced the match between Rusev and John Cena at Payback. It will be billed as an ‘I Quit’ match and looks all set to be the final chapter in the Cena- Rusev saga. Both superstars deserve credit for delivering solid matches throughout the feud and we might get to see the best outing at Payback.

The entire spotlight, however, will be on Lana. The fans are invested heavily on the Ravishing Russian and just like the rumors suggested, she does have a big future ahead of her once she part away from The Bulgarian Brute. Cena is the easy favorite here as WWE will be looking to keep the gold on Cena for a few more months.

#6 Naomi vs. Nikki Bella vs. Paige (Divas Championship)

The Divas division is having a solid run at the moment thanks to Naomi’s heel turn. She is performing her role to perfection and has managed to pile up some good amount of heat from the WWE fans. The sudden turn of the Bella Twins however proved to be a wrong move from the WWE but it might’ve been because of Naomi’s success as a heel.

Naomi is worthy of getting another shot at the Divas Title in a pay-per-view and just for the purpose of avoiding repetition, WWE could bring back Paige into the mix. Since the Brit was taken out of action by Naomi itself, we are sure to have interesting dynamics if a triple threat happens at Payback.

#5 The New Day vs. Lucha Dragons (Tag Team Championship)

New Day became the Tag Team Champions at Extreme Rules and is likely to keep the title with them till Payback. There is obviously going to be a rematch with Tyson Kidd and Cesaro at some point but knowing how the WWE books their tag team division, this rematch is likely to come somewhere on the road to Payback, with New Day being sure shot winners.

Lucha Dragons will then probably be crowned the No.1 contenders for the championship leading to a match between the two teams at Payback. Whether Lucha Dragons will be able to win the title or not is another question and since WWE is high on the team, they might strike gold.

#4 Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus

The Kiss My Arse match between Sheamus and Ziggler ended up being an embarrassing affair for the Showoff. Although he won the match, Ziggler wasn’t able to get the upper hand over Sheamus and this could serve as the base for their next pay-per-view match.

Heel Sheamus is definetly hitting the right tones with the fans and feuding with Ziggler has actually helped him through the process. Instead of just playing out a plain match, WWE could add some gimmick as well so that it would keep the fans rooted.

Sheamus is going to be the favorite at Payback as well if this match happens as the creative team will not want to ruin his momentum.

#3 Neville vs. Bad News Barrett

Neville is enjoying a dream initial run in the main roster and WWE bringing back the King of the Ring tournament has further boosted his chances. He got a great win against Bad News Barrett at Extreme Rules and if we take a look at the KOTR margin, both superstars are likely to face off in the finals.

Now, WWE saving the final of the tournament for Payback is unlikely even though it is the best for business decision. Save or no save, Barrett and Neville could get another shot in the pay-per-view spotlight and this time, it won’t be on the pre-show. And if Daniel Bryan doesn’t make his return anytime soon, the Intercontinental title might also be up for grabs.

#2 Bray Wyatt vs. Ryback

Bray Wyatt marked Ryback as his new prey this week on Raw. It is an entirely new path for both the superstars and it would be interesting to see who WWE puts over. Bray is coming off an excellent feud with Undertaker and will have more chances of breaking out.

Ryback meanwhile, has not been in a major feud for ages and has a golden opportunity in his hands. His shortcomings in the microphone department might be a big concern for the company. At the same time, WWE needs to mention why Bray is going after the Big Guy at this point since he has no motivation what so ever.

#1 Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton (WWE Championship)

This match has been made official by the WWE so it is technically not a prediction just like the Cena vs. Rusev one. Anyways, adding Roman Reigns into the title picture has broadened the playing field and has added more subplots to the already complex storylines.

Reigns will be trying to bank in on the past that he has with Orton and Rollins to climb the ladders while Kane will be another big factor in the feud. The Big Red monster has a lot of friction with Rollins and could play a crucial role in deciding the winner. There is also the small possibility of Brock Lesnar making his return, which once again, makes the title picture more interesting.

Quick Links