What’s the story?
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, a few of the matches planned for Payback are:
Kevin Owens vs. Finn Balor
Seth Rollins vs. Samoa Joe
Although Cesaro & Sheamus are the new #1 contenders to the Hardy Boyz RAW tag team Championships, they could very well have the match on a coming episode of RAW. Bayley is expected to have a big match on the card since it takes place in her hometown of San Jose.
In case you didn’t know...
Payback is a RAW exclusive Pay-Per-View that takes place on April 30th. It is the first PPV after WrestleMania. It appears at the moment that Brock Lesnar will not be defending the Universal Championship at the event.
The main event is likely to be Braun Strowman vs. Reigns. A Superstar shake-up is set to take place in the coming episode of RAW, so that could greatly impact Payback as well.
The heart of the matter
A United States Championship rematch between Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho has already been announced by WWE for Payback. However, according to Dave Meltzer, that match won’t happen as Chris Jericho will be taken out and written off television. Finn Balor is set to take his place, which will likely be for the United States Championship.
Samoa Joe and Seth Rollins facing off at Payback seem like a no-brainer because that was the match that booked to be happening for Fastlane before Seth Rollins got injured. It will be a continuation from before WrestleMania.
Bayley will undoubtedly have a huge Women’s Championship match that will be centred around her homecoming. Charlotte Flair is rumoured to be moving to SmackDown Live, while Alexa Bliss is rumoured to be taking her place on RAW.
The possible opponents for Bayley are Emma, Nia Jax, and Alexa Bliss if she gets drafted. Sasha Banks is a viable option if she turns heel by then. Sasha’s heel turn seems inevitable as the seeds have been planted for a long time now and continue to be planted.
Ideally, the Hardys and Cesaro & Sheamus should have a match at Payback, unless one team gets moved to SmackDown Live in the Superstar shake-up.
What’s next?
Payback is Raw’s next stop after WrestleMania and therefore the red brand will look to make a huge impact and keep its viewers intact.
Author’s take
The Payback card looks to be shaping up solidly, and all the matches impress. If Bayley is to face Sasha Banks at Payback, then it should most definitely be the main event of the show.
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