Predictions WWE Payback 2016
I did not intend to be this invested in Payback coming off of that false start of a Wrestlemania. But here I am, WWE, let's do this thing:
Note that these predictions represent what I think will happen, not necessarily what I want to happen.
Who will run RAW? Special announcement involving Shane/Steph and Vince McMahon
I think a brand split can work, but I'm not sure WWE can do it well. I think we are headed that way eventually just in the way that they seem to be amassing (proven) talent and hopefully reduce workrates to prevent injuries. This storyline is messy and makes little sense. I do think The Authority is on the way out though.
Prediction: Vince gives control of RAW back to Steph. Steph will draw the ire of Vince over the next month and a different leadership plan will emerge after Extreme Rules eventually leading to a split around SummerSlam.
WWE United States Title Kickoff Pre-Show Match - Ryback vs. Kalisto (c)
Who cares? I don't think I've seen the US Title since Mania. I heard Ryback was doing some good heeling in Europe, but it's not like I ever want him with a belt. Disappointing that they have forgotten about this belt and Kalisto. It's a joke to have this as a pre-show again. Maybe this is all a holdover until Cena returns. Not even worth speculating at this point.
Prediction: Kalisto retains after a DQ from Ryback to better hammer home the fact that he's a heel.
Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler
I actually kind of hope that Ziggler wins this so that we get a different type of build for a monster heel. I think Corbin is going to protected for a bit though, and he's off to a strong start as the crowd definitely reacts to him. Plus, Ziggler is gonna sell the hell out of that End of Days.
Prediction: Corbin wins a 10 minute match with nothing of note, but the feud continues and Ziggler will win the next round.
Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens
Bah god, this is happening. Bah god, this feels rushed. I mean, they have plenty to build from with the Rumble and Mania moments with these two, but there's a lot that could have been milked here and I just wanted the payoff to be at SummerSlam or Mania. However, I do love a good feud that is actually interesting without a title. This is just the beginning though and I have no idea what payoff we are building toward. If I had to guess, it may involve and be settled at Money in the Bank down the road.
Prediction: Zayn wins with a roll-up pin after getting his ass beat. Zayn gets a rub, Owens makes excuses some angry revenge at Extreme Rules.
Chris Jericho vs. Dean Ambrose
I love that I love me some heel Jericho. His matches used to be predictable in that you assumed he is brought in to elevate new talent, but that hasn't been the case since his surprising win over Neville at Beast in the East. However, Ambrose isn't new talent and is due for a win.
Prediction: Ambrose wins and the crowd is happy. Should be a fun technical match but this is a one off match and Jericho will take some time off. Ambrose will move on to help out Reigns against some new foes.
Finals of the WWE Tag Team Tournament - Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady vs. The Vaudevillians
Great start for Enzo and Cass. Watching them visibly impress the New Day has been making me smile all week. The Vaudevillians have been a tough sell, but I think they've weathered their storm and I'm glad they are using the mic more. I just don't see them as an upper card tag team. Though that being said...
Prediction: Vaudevillians win because building Enzo and Cass is the long-term goal and they need adversity. However, a New Day vs Vaudevillians match at Extreme Rules sounds less fun. I feel like the tag team division is missing a piece here or this is a holdover feud until something bigger happens. New Day will get another challenger (Balor Club?) and Enzo/Cass will continue to feud with Vaudevillians to benefit of both teams.
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match - Cesaro vs. The Miz (c)
The Miz is good at his job and having him build up Cesaro for a long run with the title is a fantastic idea. Cesaro has been better on the mic, but their exchanges haven't been as hot fire as just having them fight.
Prediction: Cesaro beats the hell out of The Miz to win the IC Title. The Miz will lose the rematch and a new heel contender will emerge. Rusev? (Please not Sheamus)
WWE Women’s Championship Match - Natalya with Bret Hart vs. Charlotte (c) with Ric Flair
With all due respect to Nattie. This feud is bullshit and ignoring the Women's Division is the worst thing to happen since Mania. There should be 2-3 active TV storylines in this division at all times (What about Sasha v Summer and Becky v Emma? Where have they been?). The one we do have is about Ric Flair and Bret Hart. The sooner Ric leaves Charlotte alone the better the division will be.
Prediction: Charlotte retains through Bret Hart interference. She's not losing that title any time soon. I don't think Bret wants to be around anymore other than to support Nattie, so nothing he does will have impact beyond this match. The feud continues and hopefully means that the next match has no men and no one ringside where Charlotte will bury Natalya. (Sidenote, Nattie deserves to have the Women's (Not Diva's) Title once before she is done.)
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match - AJ Styles vs. Roman Reigns (c)
Lots of drama around this one. Lots of ways it could go and its impact on the future of the most entertaining aspects of WWE are in the balance. However, none of that actually has anything to do with Roman Reigns so this is weird.
I absolutely believe that Anderson/Gallows interfere and cost AJ the match.
Prediction: Reigns retains after interference from Anderson/Gallows costs AJ the match. AJ is furious and Anderson/Gallows beat the hell out of him until Reigns helps him out. The next night, Balor debuts on RAW to join with Anderson/Gallows. Balor and Styles will feud through Extreme Rules. AJ will get his rematch with Reigns at Money in the Bank. Reigns will just smirk his way through the next month and randomly fight off attacks from Balor Club and team up with AJ and Ambrose to fight them off together inbetween special events.
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