Payback is here! The first post Mania, post Superstar Shakeup PPV is a Raw exclusive event. Kind of. Two current champions from the Smackdown brand will be competing on the card. 7 matches will take place, 3 rematches from Wrestlemania. Let's talk!
Current WWE Champion Randy Orton will compete at Backlash in a House of Horrors match against Bray Wyatt. A match that was suppose to be Wyatt's contracted rematch for the WWE Championship but it seems like it's just for the hell of it now. Orton and Wyatt's Mania clash was lacking and I'm sure this will be better since there will most likely be weapons or something involved, it's pointless. Regardless of the winner, they won't face each other again. With Orton having a scheduled WWE Title match against JINDER MAHAL at Backlash, I can see Orton winning, while Wyatt starts his feud with Wyatt.
The Hardy Boys made their shocking return at Wrestlemania and won the Raw Tag Team Titles and now they will defend the titles against Sheamus and Cesaro at Payback. I like the Hardys but without the Broken gimmick yet, I could care less about them in WWE. For me, they took away what was suppose to be Enzo and Cass' big moment on the grand stage so until either the Hardys become Broken or Enzo and Cass become champions, I don't really care about the division. The Hardys win.
Neville and Aries were the very first match on the Wrestlemania pre show and it was a hell of a contest, one that neither World Title match on the main card could follow. They will do battle again at Payback in a huge rematch. The Cruiserweight division is still struggling and it's baffling why with all the talent they have. I wish they would just unleash them and have them wrestle like they did at the CWC. Neville and Aries will probably steal the show in another great 15 minute match. TJ Perkins just turned heel and it fits him much better. I don't think Aries will dethrone the King of the Cruiserweights with Perkins at his side so thanks to some outside interference, I'm going with Neville to retain. Kalisto is on Raw now so it's only a matter of time before he gets a shot and what about Gran Metalik? You know, the runner up of the CWC? He's way too talented to not be pushed to the top of the division. We'll see. Neville has plenty of challengers though.
Bayley continues her dream run as Raw Women's Champion as she faces new Raw star Alexa Bliss for the title. This will be a nice little match. Alexa was one of the top names who benefited from the draft and now being on Raw makes her the top heel of the women's division. This obviously can go either way. Bliss could win here, eventually drop it to Sasha in June/July, Sasha turns heel while Bayley chases her for the title because face chasing heels is much better on a bigger stage or Bayley could retain and then go through Nia and Emma before the eventual Sasha turn. With both Charlotte and Alexa getting title shots this week, they're both chasing history, to become the first woman to win both brands Women's Titles. I like my scenario better so I'm going with Alexa Bliss to win her first ever Raw Women's Title on Sunday.
Kevin Owens makes his last Raw appearance for awhile when he defends the United States Championship against Chris Jericho in a rematch from Wrestlemania. Jericho is just about on his way out on this current and perhaps final run. Obviously it will be another great match between the two but the winner is obvious. Kevin Owens will retain his championship and head to the Backlash main event against AJ Styles, because Lord knows Orton/Mahal won't close the show.
Seth Rollins got his revenge on Triple H but not the man who put him on the shelf and almost cost him the match against HHH, Samoa Joe. This will be the first meeting between the two in the WWE. It will be a barn burner. certainly a match to watch out for, one that could potentially steal the show. I like both guys, both former NXT Champions, both former ROH Champs and two of the top stars of Raw. It's a compelling match up, one that I hope gets a decent portion of time. Rollins is coming off of his huge victory over The Game at Mania but they need to continue to build Joe as a major ass kicking machine, especially for whenever Lesnar comes back with the Universal Title. Lesnar needs monster heels ready for him between his sporadic appearances. That being said, Samoa Joe needs to win here in convincing fashion. Rollins should and will put up a hell of a fight but Joe will win in the end.
The main event is the much anticipated rematch between Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman. Strowman has been the biggest star post Wrestlemania. His showdown and future set up match with Brock Lesnar, his complete destruction of the roster and his ownage of Roman Reigns. Strowman flipped over an ambulance with Roman in it. I don't think I need to explain any further. This is one of the harder matches to call on the card. Reigns needs the win to back up the biggest win of his career. Strowman needs the win to continue his crazy dominant push. I think Strowman/Lesnar will be happening at the next Raw PPV. If that's the case, Strowman needs the win. Strowman goes over in the main event.
Payback should be good. Aries/Neville II, Owens/Jericho II, Joe/Rollins and Reigns/Strowman II highlight the event. Rematch City yes but at least rematches of good matches. Backlash will be a PPV with more original matches as already we have The Usos VS Breezango and Jinder Mahal VS Randy Orton. The land of opportunity!!
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Thank You Taker
Wrestlemania 33 is in the books and wow, WWE put on a much better show than I anticipated. Most of the top matches delivered, there were epic Mania moments and one moment that will be the talk of the pro wrestling world for years to come. Let's talk.
-Aries/Neville DELIVERED and delivered in a big way. They had the hard task at being the very first match presented at Wrestlemania and the two did not back down from the challenge. A hard hitting match filled with high flying spots, submissions and my favorite, the Red Arrow. A dirty finish which leaves the option open for a rematch at Payback, one rematch I would definitely want to see.
-Mojo Rawley won the Andre the Giant Battle Royale. Bet you didn't see that coming. It came down to Jinder Mahal and Mojo. No, that is not a typo. Kind of pointless, especially seeing how Strowman went out pretty early in the match. Kilian Dane from Sainty last until the final three so there's that.
-Baron Corbin, the overwhelmingly favorite in the IC Title match, lost. Second shocker of the night. I don't know why WWE suddenly changed their minds but everyone was pretty much set on Corbin winning the gold here. Maybe it's coming on Smackdown?
-Styles/Shane opened the main card and had a nice little match. Nothing too amazing but it got the job done. Shane got his fearless moves out the way, much to the crowd's delight. Styles got the much needed win here, which is his first win at the big show. This should put Styles back in the WWE Title picture where he belongs.
-Owens and Jericho had a good match as well. Solid in ring action from both guys. The winner was predictable as Jericho is just about done with this run but knowing Owens was going to win didn't damper the delivery of the match. While I was hoping for another powerbomb after the one on the apron, Owens winning was earned. Like Styles, he got his first big win on the event and now holds onto another title. Hope it's a good reign for him.
-For being an elimination match, the length was pretty short. The ladies did well with what time they got. They jumped Nia as expected but I didn't see it coming down to Charlotte/Bayley. I guess they're holding off on the Sasha/Bayley action until Sasha's heel turn is finalized, which should take place on Raw. Bayley retained in her first Mania match. Very special moment.
-Easily the biggest moment of the night came during the triple threat tag team ladder match. Just when the match was about to start, hosts The New Day came out and announced it was going to be a fatal four way match. The New Day were dressed to compete so one would think they would be the team to come out right?
Nope, MATT AND JEFF HARDY ARE BACK! Yes, one night after losing their ROH Tag Titles, they compete on the grand stage of Wrestlemania! DELIGHTFUL! And better yet, after a short but entertaining match, they won the tag titles, What a way to reintroduce yourself to the WWE Universe! What a freaking moment. THIS is what Wrestlemania was made for. Moments like this. We all thought it was possible Matt and Jeff would show up to Mania but to see it actually happen, what a freaking I got. I'm getting chills just typing this! Congrats!
-Cena and Nikki won as expected, no surprise there. The moment came after the match, where Cena decided to finally propose to Nikki Bella in a heartfelt moment. I don't care if it was just for the promotion of Total Bellas or what, it was a sweet moment and the whole match and storyline made sense after that moment.
-Rollins and Triple H went to war as expected. What did shock me was that there was no appearance by Samoa Joe. Was he too busy in catering to help his boss? That's crazy that Joe got introduced in the storyline but wasn't there for the culmination of it. Anyway, good match between the two ended as expected, Rollins getting the victory. And props on Stephanie taking the table spot. Two McMahons went through tables!
-Orton and Wyat....ugh. They just don't have in ring chemistry. The match never clicked for me. The only interesting parts were when the ring changed to various images. It was different and something that added to the story but it was over so quickly and the finish was so plain that it hurt the match. And of course, Wyatt lost as expected so Wyatt was only holding onto the belt to make Orton champion again. No problem there but I just wish it was a better match.
-Goldberg and Lesnar had the best match in their trilogy here but funny thing is, it only lasted 4 minutes and 45 seconds. Lesnar took Goldberg to Suplex City this night but Goldberg would get his licks in, delivering plenty of Spears, including one through the barricade. Lesnar would kick out of the Jackhammer as well but Lesnar would not be denied. After hitting the F5, Lesnar got the cover and became Universal Champion, making him the first superstar to have held onto to both the WWE and Universal Championships. Now I just hope this doesn't mean Lesnar is holding the title hostage because there are plenty of great stars on the brand who would love to have the title.
-In the six pack challenge for the Smackdwon Women's Title, Naomi made good on her word and walked out of her hometown with the women's title. Much deserved and if it wasn't for her injury she would walked in as champion anyway. Funny little match but it was definitely treated like a bathroom break before the main event.
-Roman Reigns and The Undertaker had the main event slot this year, with Reigns now main eventing three Manias in a row. When the match was first announced, we all knew it was going to happen but seeing is believing. With four spears, Roman Reigns was able to overcome The Undertaker, giving him just his 2 loss at Wrestlemania. Taker then proceeded to get dressed, and starting taking various clothes off, starting with his gloves then his jacket and then his hat. He kissed his wife Michelle McCool, on camera, and left the arena. This was Taker's final Mania. It was a sad moment but it's one that was due to come soon. Undertaker has been hurting lately and is in need of major hip surgery, one that will probably end his career. Reigns winning cleanly solidifies his place as the top face in WWE, much to the chagrin of the crowd. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Good Wrestlemania that will definitely be remembered for Cena's proposal to Nikki, the shocking Hardy's return and The Undertaker's' surprise retirement. All eyes on the next two nights as they will set the course for the next year!
-Aries/Neville DELIVERED and delivered in a big way. They had the hard task at being the very first match presented at Wrestlemania and the two did not back down from the challenge. A hard hitting match filled with high flying spots, submissions and my favorite, the Red Arrow. A dirty finish which leaves the option open for a rematch at Payback, one rematch I would definitely want to see.
-Mojo Rawley won the Andre the Giant Battle Royale. Bet you didn't see that coming. It came down to Jinder Mahal and Mojo. No, that is not a typo. Kind of pointless, especially seeing how Strowman went out pretty early in the match. Kilian Dane from Sainty last until the final three so there's that.
-Baron Corbin, the overwhelmingly favorite in the IC Title match, lost. Second shocker of the night. I don't know why WWE suddenly changed their minds but everyone was pretty much set on Corbin winning the gold here. Maybe it's coming on Smackdown?
-Styles/Shane opened the main card and had a nice little match. Nothing too amazing but it got the job done. Shane got his fearless moves out the way, much to the crowd's delight. Styles got the much needed win here, which is his first win at the big show. This should put Styles back in the WWE Title picture where he belongs.
-Owens and Jericho had a good match as well. Solid in ring action from both guys. The winner was predictable as Jericho is just about done with this run but knowing Owens was going to win didn't damper the delivery of the match. While I was hoping for another powerbomb after the one on the apron, Owens winning was earned. Like Styles, he got his first big win on the event and now holds onto another title. Hope it's a good reign for him.
-For being an elimination match, the length was pretty short. The ladies did well with what time they got. They jumped Nia as expected but I didn't see it coming down to Charlotte/Bayley. I guess they're holding off on the Sasha/Bayley action until Sasha's heel turn is finalized, which should take place on Raw. Bayley retained in her first Mania match. Very special moment.
-Easily the biggest moment of the night came during the triple threat tag team ladder match. Just when the match was about to start, hosts The New Day came out and announced it was going to be a fatal four way match. The New Day were dressed to compete so one would think they would be the team to come out right?
Nope, MATT AND JEFF HARDY ARE BACK! Yes, one night after losing their ROH Tag Titles, they compete on the grand stage of Wrestlemania! DELIGHTFUL! And better yet, after a short but entertaining match, they won the tag titles, What a way to reintroduce yourself to the WWE Universe! What a freaking moment. THIS is what Wrestlemania was made for. Moments like this. We all thought it was possible Matt and Jeff would show up to Mania but to see it actually happen, what a freaking I got. I'm getting chills just typing this! Congrats!
-Cena and Nikki won as expected, no surprise there. The moment came after the match, where Cena decided to finally propose to Nikki Bella in a heartfelt moment. I don't care if it was just for the promotion of Total Bellas or what, it was a sweet moment and the whole match and storyline made sense after that moment.
-Rollins and Triple H went to war as expected. What did shock me was that there was no appearance by Samoa Joe. Was he too busy in catering to help his boss? That's crazy that Joe got introduced in the storyline but wasn't there for the culmination of it. Anyway, good match between the two ended as expected, Rollins getting the victory. And props on Stephanie taking the table spot. Two McMahons went through tables!
-Orton and Wyat....ugh. They just don't have in ring chemistry. The match never clicked for me. The only interesting parts were when the ring changed to various images. It was different and something that added to the story but it was over so quickly and the finish was so plain that it hurt the match. And of course, Wyatt lost as expected so Wyatt was only holding onto the belt to make Orton champion again. No problem there but I just wish it was a better match.
-Goldberg and Lesnar had the best match in their trilogy here but funny thing is, it only lasted 4 minutes and 45 seconds. Lesnar took Goldberg to Suplex City this night but Goldberg would get his licks in, delivering plenty of Spears, including one through the barricade. Lesnar would kick out of the Jackhammer as well but Lesnar would not be denied. After hitting the F5, Lesnar got the cover and became Universal Champion, making him the first superstar to have held onto to both the WWE and Universal Championships. Now I just hope this doesn't mean Lesnar is holding the title hostage because there are plenty of great stars on the brand who would love to have the title.
-In the six pack challenge for the Smackdwon Women's Title, Naomi made good on her word and walked out of her hometown with the women's title. Much deserved and if it wasn't for her injury she would walked in as champion anyway. Funny little match but it was definitely treated like a bathroom break before the main event.
-Roman Reigns and The Undertaker had the main event slot this year, with Reigns now main eventing three Manias in a row. When the match was first announced, we all knew it was going to happen but seeing is believing. With four spears, Roman Reigns was able to overcome The Undertaker, giving him just his 2 loss at Wrestlemania. Taker then proceeded to get dressed, and starting taking various clothes off, starting with his gloves then his jacket and then his hat. He kissed his wife Michelle McCool, on camera, and left the arena. This was Taker's final Mania. It was a sad moment but it's one that was due to come soon. Undertaker has been hurting lately and is in need of major hip surgery, one that will probably end his career. Reigns winning cleanly solidifies his place as the top face in WWE, much to the chagrin of the crowd. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Good Wrestlemania that will definitely be remembered for Cena's proposal to Nikki, the shocking Hardy's return and The Undertaker's' surprise retirement. All eyes on the next two nights as they will set the course for the next year!
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