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Review: WWE Payback

paybackGrowing up I was a huge wrestling fan.  I was a bigger NWA (WCW) guy than I was a WWE fan.   I haven't really followed wrestling that much lately, but I do stop when I'm flipping through the channels from time to time.  I was able to view the WWE pay per view, Payback last night and I figured I'd give those that view this my feedback on the PPV.

 

Match #1

United States Championship Match

Sheamus (c) vs. Cesaro

Paul Heyman took his parting shot at CM Punk to start the match, informing the crowd that Punk was in attendance at the hockey game down the street before introducing Cesaro.

Sheamus looked bad in the match and Cesaro showed why he should be thrust into a bigger role in the company.

Cesaro pretty much controlled the match and even showed his strength when Sheamus blew his superplex spot.

I would have liked to see Cesaro take the Championship, but I understand that the WWE probably has a bigger role in his future.

I gave the match a Solid C

 

Match #2

Ryback and Curtis Axel vs. Cody Rhodes and Goldust

The match was clunky and seemed off for some reason to me.  I would have rather seen this spot filled with a Uso vs. Wyatt Family match.    Ryback and Curtis Axel won and Cody Rhodes told his brother that he deserved a better partner.   Kind of a yawner in my opinion.

I give it a F.

 

Match #3

Rusev vs. Big E

Typical WWE match.  Let's put two behemoths in the ring and see what they can do.  The match was slow and tedious but Big E did hit a nice spot, spearing Rusev off the apron.

Like I said I don't follow wrestling that closely so I don't know the background on Rusev, but he won

I give the match a C+

 

Match # 4

Bo Dallas vs. Kofi Kingston

Bray Wyatt's little brother has got the mic skills but I would have loved to seen what this guy has as far a in ring ability.   Kane came out right after the introductions and Bo high tailed it out of the ring, Kofi decided to stay in and fight him.  Bad choice, Kane manhandled the high flyer and ended his night with a tombstone.

After the carnage, Bo entered the ring and told Kofi he would be alright all he had to do is Bolieve.

I give the spot a B

(yes a non match was better than first 3 matches on the card)

 

Match #5

Intercontinental Championship Match

Bad News Barrett(c) vs. Rob Van Dam

Again, Haven't been following this story line.  Last I saw RVD was in a match with Cesaro and Jack Swagger, so not sure what the story line between Barrett and RVD is.   The match had it's typical RVD spots and Barrett performed decently, but the match was SLOW at times.  RVD went for his Five Star Frog Splash and missed.   Barrett went smashed his elbow on the ring post when he went for the Bull Hammer, but was able to connect with it later to retain the Intercontinental Championship.

I give the match a C+

 

Next Spot was the anticipated Stephanie McMahon/Daniel Byran confrontation.

Not sure what Daniel Bryan injury is or how he got it.  But it was nice to see the WWE Champion on the PPV.  Stephanie's  shot at CM Punk was quite humorous.  Telling Daniel, They want you to quit just like CM Punk did.  Did anyone really think Bryan was going to surrender the title?   I saw the Bree quitting coming from a mile away.  The slap was unexpected and I thought Stephanie sold it well.

I give the spot a B-

 

Match #6

Last Man Standing match

Bray Wyatt vs. John Cena

This is the match that stole the show,  Bray Wyatt's mic skills are pretty awesome and his in ring ability is great.  For someone portraying himself as the necessary evil, the guy got a good pop from the crowd.  Cena to me is over pushed but some fans still like him.   Even with the distractions of the Uso's and Wyatt Family, it didn't take from the match.  Wyatt dancing with an incapacitated Cena was epic, even better was Wyatt standing on the steps in the ring and leading the crowd like a conductor in the singing of he's got the whole world in his hand.

The Luke Harper superplex through a table on the outside ring was just a sick bump, Cena tossing the steps from the ring into Wyatt's face was another high spot.  I hope this match helps to put the Wyatt Family in a match with the Uso's.

Cena won the match after Attitude Adjusting Wyatt through a crate and then pushing a storage type locker on top of the crate to keep Wyatt down for the 10 count

I give the match an  A+

Match #7

Diva Championship match

Paige(c) vs. Alicia Fox

Ah the filler match.   It was just what it was..Filler.   In my opinion Paige is to green and Alicia Fox just doesn't have the skill set to be champion.  Sad they took the belt off AJ.

I give the match a E

Main Event match

Evolution vs. Shield
(No holds Barred, Elimination match)

I thought the match was very well played.  The only thing I would have done differently was the match felt rushed at the end.  Shield not losing a member was unexpected.  I'm sure Triple H will be looking redemption on Raw.  Lots of action and it cemented the Shield as  a solid group.

I give match a A

Payback started off like a dud, but picked up as it went on and finished pretty strongly.