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WWE is making plans for their next pay-per-view outing, Payback and as usual, the reigning champions in the WWE might be already feeling the heat.After Extreme Rules, the company seemed hell bound in giving some relevance to the midcard titles and the crowning of a couple of new champions seemed to be the right step. Since the major title was unified, giving life to the other priced assets was a great idea which may fill in some voids for the event.Almost all the titles might be defended at Payback and here is a look at the possible opponents and the most likely outcomes for the current WWE champions.
#5 Divas title
After WWE threw in Tamina so early into Paige’s title run, most of the fans were critical that she doesn’t have any more good wrestlers to face.
But apparently WWE has found the solution for the problem as they dug out Alicia Fox who was a great in ring performer to begin with. Fox also showed off her heel credentials in the limited time that she had making her a suitable opponent for Paige.
WWE needs to stretch the run of Paige with fillers till AJ Lee decides to return and Fox would be a more than qualified filler compared to the other Total Divas in the division. However, Paige is sure to keep her title intact, because she is too powerful now to let go of it that easily.
Possible Opponent: Alicia Fox
Outcome: Retains
#4 Intercontinental Title
Bad News Barrett is enjoying one of his best spells in WWE after the fall of the Nexus. The fans are invested in him as the champion since he brings the microphone factor which was missing with Big E.
The most likely scenario that would’ve happened at payback following Extreme Rules was the feud between Big E and Barrett continuing However, Big E seems destined for a collision with Alexandre Rusev leaving Barrett with no one to fight with.
The most probable opponent that Barrett could have at Payback now is Rob Van Dam. Van Dam is a veteran in the trade and was knocked out of the tournament in a tainted way which makes him a good challenger.
Another one who could step in is Dolph Ziggler, it sure is going to be one hell of a match if Ziggler gets the push since the two will bring a different mix which will treat the fans.
Possible Opponents: Rob Van Dam / Dolph Ziggler
Outcome: Retains
#3 United States Title
The latest champion in the pack, Sheamus clearly shot back the United States title into relevance once he won it from Dean Ambrose.
Sheamus came out as a fighting champion on this week’s Raw as well when he defeated two men in row. Even if WWE has plans to turn Sheamus heel in the near future, they will have to give him some kind of opponent at Payback for his title defense.
For the time being, since Sheamus is a face, Alberto Del Rio might be a good opponent for the Celtic Warrior. Damien Sandow was another candidate but Sandow’s career doesn’t look likely to spring up just like that.
Possible Opponent: Alberto Del Rio
Outcome: Retains
#2 Tag Team titles
The tag titles are going through a curious stage at the moment as it has ended up with no relevance whatsoever. The Usos don’t have a good opponent at the moment which explained the absence from Extreme Rules.
But it didn’t go unnoticed and WWE will be looking to make things right by giving the tag titles some time on Payback.
Rybaxel and the Rhodes brothers are the only two possible guys who could face the Usos and from that the Rhodes brothers have the upper hand. They’ve been teasing a breakup for some time now and a loss against Usos at Payback could mark the end of the brother hood.
As far as Usos are concerned, WWE might be keeping the title on them till they have a credible heel team to lose them to.
Possible Opponent: Rhodes Brothers
Outcome: Retains
#1 WWE World Heavyweight title
Everything regarding Daniel Bryan and his title is up in the air at the moment which leaves a big question mark on the title defense at Payback.
Even if Bryan recovers in time to be back at Payback, the company wouldn’t want to risk him getting injured again. So he is off to a good long rest for some time while the title may stay with him till the end of Payback
The reason why WWE won’t strip him of the title before Payback is because they won’t have anyone credible to put it upon.
The Evolution and Shield are having a great feud while Bray and Cena also has a great one which leaves only some “B+” players left to compete for the title if WWE manage to put up a tournament or something.
Best thing to do would be to let Bryan sit out of Payback and then take away the title from him after that.
Prediction: Not going to be defended
