Photo Courtesy of Megan Elice Meadows
With the WWE Payback Pay-Per-View less a little more than 3 days away, one cannot help but wonder what surprises will be in store for the respective competitors. While you wait in anticipation, consider a few predictions to upon which you might ponder:
Prediction #1: El Torito will defeat Hornswoggle in the Kick-Off Show
While these two wee warriors will undoubtedly put on a decent show, it’s not difficult to figure who will come out on top. Given the fact that the match has been billed as “Mask vs. Hair”, El Torito stands to lose so much more than his opponent. The former two-time Mexican National Mini-Estrella Champion and co-holder of the AAA Mascot Tag Team Championship can actually boast an impressive resume. Simply stated, for El Torito to unmask would be nothing less than a disgrace to himself and the Lucha Libre world of Mexican wrestling. WWEhas to please its fans in both the United States and abroad. Therefore, the safest bet will be for Hornswoggle to chop off those meticulously straightened locks he’s been sporting. Ultimately, this match is neither a grand attraction nor will it be a show stealer. The fact of the matter is that El Torito vs. Hornswoggle has been crammed down the throats of WWE fans for far too long. Hopefully, this will be the end of the mini (pun-intended) feud that we’ve seen between the two. On the bright side, 3MB and Los Matadores have received a considerable amount of television time as well as PPV exposure. Thus, a good showing for these for their respective mascots could only enhance their appeal.
Prediction #2: Paige will retain her Divas Championship against Alicia Fox
First of all, credit has to be given where it is due to Alicia Fox. “Little Ms. Foxy” has been stirring up a great deal of bewilderment among fans and commentators alike with her bratty antics. I n case you haven’t been following the Diva’s division closely, Alicia Fox is currently akin to Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games—a girl on fire. She’s made every effort to get noticed and her efforts have paid off with a title shot at Payback. You can most certainly expect a great deal of trash talk and bully beat down moves as Aliciaassaults Paige. Paige will more than likely churn out an impressive, albeit close victory over Foxby using her trademark submission. Don’t be surprised if this is not all she wrote between these two divas. This is a rivalry that could reasonably carry on to another pay-per-view with a great gimmick match to decide the ultimate victor.
Prediction #3: John Cena will be the Last Man Standing over Bray Wyatt
As nauseating and predictable as this may sound, John Cena is highly favored to win against Bray Wyatt at Payback. It would be shocking and surprisingly refreshing to see WWE’s golden boy lose to the master orator that is Bray Wyatt. This match could easily steal the show if Cenahimself would somehow fall victim to a good “Braywashing”. If Cenaputs Bray over as a cerebral opponent who is capable of getting under his skull, then we are in for a real treat. Both of these athletes have proven their uncanny ability to tell a story in the ring and this should be no different. Bray could use a decisive victory over Cena to cement his legitimacy as a threat to the locker room, but a loss will not hurt his momentum. Bray’s true danger is on the mic and not just in the ring. As nice as it would be to see him finish on top, it’s most likely not in the cards for the man who’s got the world in his hands.
Prediction #4: The US Title will Change Hands but Bad News Barrett will retain the IC Title.
Sheamus is a great champion who consistently delivers highlight-worthy matches, but Cesaro has the all makings of a top-tier performer. Cesaro needs this win to catapult his career toward the top where he belongs. A safe bet would be to expect a distraction from Paul Heyman or a slightly under-handed heel tactic from the Swiss Superman. We have yet to see Cesarocheat his way through matches in true heel fashion because he’s just so good. However, a dirty victory at Paybackjust might legitimize his heel persona.
Mr. #BNB has been an entertaining and energetic Intercontinental Champion as of late. He’s worked through injury and come back full circle to take his rightful position in the WWErankings, unlike Rob Van Dam. It’s no secret that RVDwas wrestling for another promotion as recently as early last year and hasn’t quite capitalized on a captivating storyline since his return to WWE. Furthermore, RVD’s part-time status will at some point interfere with a consistent string of title defenses. RVD will most certainly make this match memorable, but will come up unceremoniously short.
Final Prediction: Evolution will Adapt and Cause The Shield to Perish.
At the Payback Pay-Per-View The Shield will go down fighting but Evolution will live up to its championship pedigree. Unfortunately for The Shield, this is the way WWE should end the feud between the two factions because the Shield has no place left to go. WWE has done a fantastic job of putting together six-man matches upon which The Shieldcan cut their teeth, but it’s time for the unit to dissolve permanently. Triple H, Orton, and Batista have all seen the grandest of stages in their singles careers and it’s time for the Hounds of Justice to do the same.
All in all, if thePayback Pay-Per-View is executed well, it will deliver the kind of effort that even the unruly Chicago crowd should appreciate. Putting all speculation aside, nothing is for certain until we see the WWE pull the trigger on its storylines—for better or for worse.
Brian Jemison is a writer for Couchriderreport.net. Follow him on Twitter.