WWE Payback 2023 is set to be a thrilling event, airing live from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
This year marks the seventh edition of the Payback premium live event, and it’s the first one since 2020, following a three-year hiatus.
With six matches scheduled, including four championship bouts, fans are in for a treat. Let’s dive into the predictions for this electrifying event.
WWE Payback – United States Championship Match: Rey Mysterio vs Austin Theory
Rey Mysterio, the new United States Champion, is gearing up to defend his title against former champion Austin Theory. This SmackDown match is anticipated to be the show opener.
Prediction: Rey Mysterio will triumph over Austin Theory, retaining the United States Championship. However, post-match, Theory might lash out at Rey and Escobar, setting the stage for a prolonged feud leading up to Survivor Series.
LA Knight vs The Miz
The Miz’s envy of LA Knight’s newfound fame, especially after a significant victory at SummerSlam, has led to this clash.
The Miz’s frustrations boiled over when he labelled Knight an “Attitude Era Fanboy” and criticised his catchphrases. This verbal spat quickly turned physical, setting the stage for their Payback showdown.
Prediction: LA Knight will emerge victorious, solidifying his rising status. Given LA Knight’s current momentum, it’s improbable he’ll face defeat in such a high-profile match.
Steel Cage Match: Becky Lynch vs Trish Stratus
The animosity between Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus has been brewing since WrestleMania 39. After a betrayal by Trish, she proclaimed herself the greatest women’s wrestler of all time, attributing the women’s division’s success to her.
Their previous encounters have been marred by interference, leading to this steel cage match to keep external factors at bay.
Prediction: Becky Lynch will clinch the win, even with potential interference from Zoey Stark. There’s a high chance of Lita making a return to assist Becky.
WWE Payback: Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Match
The Judgment Day’s ongoing feud with the Raw roster’s champions and babyfaces has culminated in this match.
Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, the Undisputed World Champions, have been at the forefront of this battle, especially after assisting Rollins against Judgment Day’s onslaught.
Prediction: Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens will retain their titles, even with potential interference from The Judgment Day members and JD McDonagh. Cody Rhodes might play a pivotal role in this match, aiding Zayn and Owens. This could lead to internal strife within The Judgment Day, putting Priest under pressure to cash in his contract.
Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley vs Raquel Rodriguez
Rhea Ripley’s continuous assaults on Natalya led to Raquel Rodriguez stepping in. However, Rhea’s relentless aggression resulted in an injury to Raquel.
Now medically cleared, Raquel is challenging Rhea for the Women’s World Championship at Payback.
Prediction: Rhea Ripley will successfully defend her title with assistance from Dominik Mysterio. Yet, this rivalry is far from over and will likely continue in upcoming events.
World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins vs Shinsuke Nakamura
After teaming up with Seth Rollins for a Six-Man Tag Team Match against The Judgment Day, Nakamura turned on Rollins, revealing his ambition for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Nakamura’s mind games and hints about targeting Rollins’ back injury have added more fuel to this fiery rivalry.
Prediction: Seth Rollins will overcome Nakamura, retaining his championship. However, the drama might not end there. Priest could attempt to cash in his Money in the Bank contract, only to lose it due to interference from Balor and McDonagh. This could result in Priest’s expulsion from The Judgment Day, with McDonagh potentially taking his place
