Payback 2023 has already passed, and while fans weren't thrilled with how it looked on paper, the show still had its highlights and lowlights. As with most WWE shows, some decisions turned out to be beneficial for both the WWE brand and the participating wrestlers. But, as often happens in wrestling, not everything went smoothly.
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10. Good Decision: Focus on Zoey Stark
]The steel cage match between Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus was magnificent. It not only concluded the long-standing feud between Lynch and Stratus but also started a new chapter. After the match, Trish expressed her disappointment in Zoey Stark, leading to an attack by the young wrestler, to the delight of the audience. A smart move - keeping the focus on the new faces of the women's division.
9. Bad Decision: Rey Mysterio vs. Austin Theory
Including the Austin Theory vs. Rey Mysterio match in the lineup was a mistake. It wasn't an exciting face-off, and the audience seemed indifferent. Instead of speed and dynamics, the match felt slow and boring, cooling the fans' interest.
8. Good Decision: John Cena's endorsement of L.A. Knight
L.A. Knight is gaining popularity, and every week he gets a warm reception from WWE fans. He defeated The Miz at Payback, earning his first PPV win in WWE. On top of that, he got John Cena's endorsement. Cena, being the special guest referee and a bigger star, didn't hog the spotlight, allowing Knight to remain the center of attention.
7. Bad Decision: Off-screen attack on Shinsuke
Seth Rollins claimed victory over Shinsuke Nakamura in a captivating match, and the show ended at that moment. But later on social media, information emerged that Nakamura attacked Rollins from behind in front of the arena. Such a moment should have been aired live to add intrigue.
6. Good Decision: A genuine and quality street brawl
Often matches in WWE don't offer anything new, and many wrestlers hold back. But the tag team title match at Payback was a breath of fresh air. It was a fierce brawl all over the stadium, including the use of original weapons, blood, interference, and total chaos. Not to mention the incredible "Swan Bomb" from Kevin Owens among the audience. This match was definitely worth watching.
5. Bad Decision: Lack of active promotion of Gunther vs. Chad Gable rivalry
It's clear that some matches should be kept in reserve to boost viewer interest, but a match like Gunther vs. Chad Gable should definitely be broadcast live. Such shows should be truly spectacular. By missing the chance to hold this potentially best match of the year, Payback organizers missed an excellent opportunity.
4. Good Decision: "The Judgment Day" becomes tag team champions
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn's management seemed to have not reached its peak. But handing the tag team titles to "The Judgment Day" was the right strategy. "The Judgment Day" is currently at the height of popularity, and to maintain their status in WWE, they needed new titles. With the arrival of stars like Damien Priest and Finn Balor, their team will look even stronger.
3. Bad Decision: Uninteresting women's match
On paper, the Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez match should have been the main event, considering their previous encounters in NXT. However, this match was too slow and failed to captivate the audience. Perhaps a Charlotte Flair vs. Io Shirai match would have been a better choice.
2. Good Decision: Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura in the main event
The heavyweight championship has been in the shadows for a long time, and it was sometimes considered a secondary title. But thanks to the main event at Payback featuring Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura, the title regained its significance.
1. Bad Decision: RAW Segment at PLE
Why did this segment take place at PLE? Fans expected Cody Rhodes' appearance to set the tone for his upcoming rivalry. But instead, it was announced that Jey Uso was joining the RAW team. It felt more like a television show, and wouldn't it have been better to announce Uso's move on the next Monday?
