There’s a feeling of the unknown for the immediate future of the WWE as we roll into WWE Payback tonight. You’ll notice I never asked Sports Events Guide writers Aaron Wrotkowski, James Carlucci, Shawn Wilken, Adam Contant, Jeff DeHaan and Phillipa Hopwood about the question many on the Internet are speculating: if Phil “CM Punk” Brooks will make an appearance in Rosemont, Illinois for the show. The reason I didn’t ask them? When a person says they are retired, I’m going to respect it. I mean, until they Terry Funk it. With that said, let’s get to predictions!
KICKOFF
Hair vs. Mask Match
Hornswoggle vs. El Torito
WINNER:
Shawn, Jeff, Adam, Aaron and James: El Torito
Phillipa: Hornswoggle
THOUGHTS by James Carlucci: There’s no way Torito loses his mask here. I’ve never been a fan of this feud, and while the performers have the potential to get me invested in it I feel ashamed watching it because of the condescending commentary surrounding it. Let’s just hope this is quick and painless.
Rusev w/Lana vs. Big E
WINNER:
Shawn, Phillipa, Jeff, Adam, James and Aaron: Rusev
THOUGHTS by Phillipa Hopwood: Rusev has been a wrecking ball since jumping to the main roster. He’s destroyed everything in his path, making his opponents humble in the process. Yet, looking back at the competition he’s faced, none of them measure up to Big E’s level. Outside of a 2-on-1 handciap match against R-Truth and Xavier Woods, this will be one of the biggest tests to date for Rusev.
United States Championship
Cesaro w/ Paul Heyman vs. Sheamus (c)
WINNER:
Shawn, Philippa, Jeff, James and Aaron: Cesaro
Adam: Sheamus
THOUGHTS by Adam Contant: I’m really looking forward to a hard hitting contest between two of Europe’s best imports to professional wrestling that I’m sure will be exciting bell to bell. Even though Cesaro is on a roll, Sheamus needs the win here, and the King of Swing can take the hit and keep rolling. There is potential for a DQ or countout victory, but I honestly don’t think it’s necessary. I see Cesaro eating a Brogue Kick and looking at the lights.
Divas Championship
Alicia Fox vs. Paige (c)
WINNER:
Shawn, Phillipa, Jeff, Adam and James: Paige
Aaron: Alicia Fox
THOUGHTS by Aaron Wrotkowski: So much of this pay per view feels pretty easy to predict, including this match. It makes more sense for Paige to take out Alicia Fox and continue her reign as Divas champion but I could really see WWE creating a credible heel by having Alicia Fox win this match. I like her intensity.
Intercontinental Championship
Rob Van Dam vs. Bad News Barrett (c)
WINNER:
Shawn, Jeff, Adam, James and Aaron: Bad News Barrett
Phillipa: Rob Van Dam
THOUGHTS by James Carlucci: While RVD is just about the last guy I want to see wrestle for a title, but at least it all but guarantees that there won’t be any bad news for fans of Barrett. RVD will do the same contrived moves he’s been doing for a decade until he runs into the Brit’s elbow.
Last Man Standing Match
John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt
WINNER:
Shawn, Phillipa, Jeff and Adam: John Cena
James and Aaron: Bray Wyatt
THOUGHTS by Jeff DeHaan: This is the rubber match and as I said before WrestleMania, it won’t really hurt Wyatt to eat a loss from Cena. However, I don’t think it will be a complete loss for Bray because I believe this will be the match that Cena finally embraces the ‘monster” that Wyatt has been speaking of for the last several months. The brutality of a Last Man Standing match may cause Cena to need to go further than he has before, and maybe further than he truly wants to go.
No Holds Barred Elimination Six Man Match
The Shield vs. Evolution
WINNER:
Shawn, Phillipa, Jeff, Adam, James and Aaron: Evolution
THOUGHTS by Shawn Wilken: This one has a certain vibe to it. The Shield has their victory over Evolution and actually punked them out a few times in the process. Evolution hasn’t looked half bad though, showing how they can dominate any competition they are faced with — mind you, a sledgehammer can do wonders. Yet, does anybody sense a twist coming? A heel turn perhaps by one of The Shield members? I know I do.
Will Daniel Bryan vacate the WWE World Heavyweight Championship?
Shawn and Aaron: Yes
Phillipa, Jeff, Adam and James: No
Will Brie turn on Daniel Bryan?
Aaron: Yes
Shawn, Phillipa, Jeff, Adam and James: No
Watch WWE Payback on WWE Network, kick off at 7:30PM EST. See you tonight.
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