Welcome to the Mastermind Analysis review of WWE Payback 2016. The thoughts and opinions expressed below are those of The Mastermind only, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts and opinions of the entire F4R team. Let us know what you think in the comments, or by getting involved on Facebook! But for now, on with the show..
Pre-PPV Thoughts
Safe to say, Wrestlemania was a little underwhelming. That said, while the Payback card may look slightly predictable on paper, the journey in each match should be a fun one. I have high hopes for Zayn & Owens, as well as the Vaudevillains & Cass/Enzo. And while I fully expect Roman Reigns to walk out with the belt, I am hopeful for some entertaining drama in the main event…
Pre-Show
Dolph Ziggler vs Baron Corbin
Prediction: I fully expect Corbin to remain looking strong in this match. Dolph may get his licks in, but he’s getting beat with the End of Days.
Match Analysis: First off, I love Corbins main roster version of his entrance, with his spotlights turning blood red! Whilst I’m not a massive fan of Ziggler’s character, he is a solid performer when it comes to selling emotion, and selling moves. Corbin on the other hand, he may be a bit green in the relm of emotion, but his character is flawless. His lack of indy background is perfect for getting heat with the types of fans who cheer the likes of Kevin Owens. While my prediction for the match may have been wrong, I am fine with it. Corbin is logically inexperienced in the ring, so his actions match his character. Corbin doesn’t lose anything with the loss, and Ziggler gets a much needed win.
[***]
Kalisto © vs Ryback
Prediction: While I love Kalisto as a performer, I don’t see the point of re-packaging Ryback and having him lose his first 2 PPV championship matches in his new character. I predict that Kalisto will show heart, but come up… short…
Match Analysis: Did Ryback really take a pop at CM Punk with his entrance?! Brilliant way of getting heat in Chicago!! I also love the text on the back of Rybacks’ belt “The Pre Show Stopper”. Kalisto’s early offense was impressive, including his second near-botched springboard corkscrew dive. The story throughout this match ran very similar to the Ziggler/Corbin, except the big guy was bigger, and the small guy was smaller. Personally I could watch Kalisto perform all day long. His offence is innovative, and he always seems to be able to show me something I haven’t seen. And once again, whilst my prediction was wrong, I am still happy with the result. Whilst I have no idea where Ryback goes from here, the second rope gorilla press slam was a move I popped for. Kalisto is the embodiment of what cruiserweight wrestling can be in the WWE, so as long as he holds some gold, there will always be hope for the little guys.
[***1/2]
Main Show
Enzo & Cass vs The Vaudevillains
Prediction: I can’t call this one if I’m being honest. Both teams were extremely well established in NXT so this has potential to be an immense match up if they are let off the leash. All this talk of it being a ‘new era’ makes me believe the winner of this match actually has a chance at winning their championship match!
Match Analysis: I was about to bitch about the New Day’s antics taking the attention away from the action in the ring, until the unfortunate events that lead to Enzo Amore’s injury. I won’t claim to know enough about in ring performing to breakdown exactly what happened, but the situation was treated with the upmost professionalism by both those involved in the match, as well as the announce team. I will be keeping a close eye on social media over the next few days for updates, but I really hope Enzo is ok!
Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens
Prediction: I feel that the only way both men can look good coming out of this match is for Kevin Owens to win this. Nobody looks better in defeat than Sami Zayn, so it makes sense for the underdog to go down to the prize fighter tonight to keep the fans hungry for Zayn winning ‘the big one’. I love both these guys so I truly hope they are given the chance to show the universe what they are capable of.
Match Analysis: The match was everything I hoped it would be! I feel both guys would suffer from having to fit the ‘WWE style’ mold, but they managed to break it in this match. Their indy style match was exactly what the Chicago crowd was hungry for. The pinfall was slightly reminiscent of HHH and Stone Cold in their 3 Stages of Hell match. Granted the intensity wasn’t as high as that classic match, but the fact that Kevin Owens made the pinfall whilst completely exhausted shows that Zayn took him to his limit, and it required KO to empty the tank to get the victory. Even the post-match segment with Owens and Saxton was fun.
[****]
The Miz © vs Cesaro
Prediction: Prior to Owens being on commentary, I was going with Miz, but seeing Owens on commentary makes me wonder if shenanigans will ensue and give Cesaro the win. I follow the old school mentality where you stick to heel vs face in all matches. So, Cesaro wouldn’t have beaten Zack Ryder for the IC Belt, so Miz comes in to be the heel placeholder between 2 baby face champions. I’m officially changing my mind, and going for Cesaro
Match Analysis: Firstly, Cesaro looks waaaay less of a douche wearing aviators instead of his old sunglasses. The Chicago crowd are on fire tonight, they know who the like and they are cheering for them like there is no tomorrow. I love Cesaro’s corkscrew uppercut, in fact I love most of Cesaro’s moveset. I wasn’t expecting the return of Sami Zayn during this match, and while my prediction was wrong again, I love the post-match drama! It seems like WWE are getting things right with Owens, Zayn and the Intercontinental title picture. It’s simply storytelling, but the IC belt is one that looks desirable at the moment. People are fighting tooth & nail for the belt, and that gives it prestige.
[***]
Chris Jericho vs Dean Ambrose
Prediction: I have really been digging Jericho’s latest heel run. I was surprised by his Wrestlemania victory over AJ, but it seems to have really elevated his character to someone who isn’t just brought back to enhance the younger newer talent. That said, I feel Ambrose is in desperate need of a win and an enhanced Chris Jericho would be the perfect win to get some wheels underneath Ambrose.
Match Analysis: The match was what I was expecting, but unfortunately I wasn’t expecting much. Whilst Jericho’s character has been brilliant lately, his matches have just been a bit average. I think it’s potentially showing the difference between the new breed of wrestlers breaking through, and the type of matches they can put on, and the fact they can up a few gears when the occasion calls for it. This match wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t anything memorable.
[**1/2]
Charlotte © vs Natalya
Prediction: Natalya really helped put Charlotte on the womens’ wrestling map back in NXT, and I fully expect this match to follow a similar pattern from their NXT match where they had their respective Hall-of-Fame family members in their corners. Their match at Roadblock this year was one of the strongest on the card (although that wasn’t a hard task to reach), so I have high hopes that this one will be a strong outing for both women again.
Match Analysis: UGH! Are you kidding me!? A f**king screwjob ending?! Why?! That ending just p*sses over the work the ladies put into that match. Is that really the best creative could give these girls? Despite the handful of obvious botches, the match wasn’t that bad, but unfortunately the ending is going to taint the work put into that match.
[**]
Vince's Decision
Jesus Christ that segment went on. I'm going to hold Enzo Amore responsible for the length of that segment... In all seriousness, the reports coming through the show that he's ok are a massive relief, as the injury looked awful. But jeez that segment went on way to long. And all that talking for a relative none-decision? The whole thing just made zero sense, for Vince to change his stance from pro-Steph, to wanting to see both his kids tear each other apart. Ugh Vince! Ugh!
Roman Reigns © vs AJ Styles
Prediction: While I am convinced Roman Reigns is walking out with the belt, my main area of interest is HOW he walks out with the belt. I am hoping that this doesn't go down the simple route that AJ was behind the Gallows & Anderson attacks all along. The Chicago crowd would dump all over turning AJ heel and keeping Reigns the babyface champion. There's a handful of options they could chose, I just hope it's not that one...
Match Analysis: Did Roman Reigns just come out the same way as everyone else?! I think that's the most glaringly obvious sign that WWE acknowledge that the fans don't like Reigns. Like John Cena walking out at ECW One Night Only 2006, the crowd are extremely hostile towards the champ, so having him enter via the ramp shows that they potentially fear for Romans safety going through the crowd. The Phenomenal Forearm through the table was a really nice spot, and I was getting ready to rage-type my disappointment over a countout finish, but luckily Shane O-Mac saved the day... But then the shenanigans continued with the DQ finish, and the predictable interjection from Steph making it a No DQ... I'd call that a nice touch of drama to keep my attention. The mid-air Superman punch was a really nice touch too! As the match wore on I started to wonder if WWE are relying too much on AJ using the Phenomenal Forearm. It seems like he went for the move close to 10 times and it's going to get old very quickly at this rate. The ending of the match was never in doubt for me, and the sprinkling of drama took away most of the sour taste from Roman continuing his run. The match was hard fought and Roman definately tried his best. This was potentially the best PPV outing for AJ Styles since joining the WWE, but he has got so much more in the tank, I can't wait to see him face one of the more athletic performers on the roster.
[***1/2]
Safe to say, Wrestlemania was a little underwhelming. That said, while the Payback card may look slightly predictable on paper, the journey in each match should be a fun one. I have high hopes for Zayn & Owens, as well as the Vaudevillains & Cass/Enzo. And while I fully expect Roman Reigns to walk out with the belt, I am hopeful for some entertaining drama in the main event…
Pre-Show
Dolph Ziggler vs Baron Corbin
Prediction: I fully expect Corbin to remain looking strong in this match. Dolph may get his licks in, but he’s getting beat with the End of Days.
Match Analysis: First off, I love Corbins main roster version of his entrance, with his spotlights turning blood red! Whilst I’m not a massive fan of Ziggler’s character, he is a solid performer when it comes to selling emotion, and selling moves. Corbin on the other hand, he may be a bit green in the relm of emotion, but his character is flawless. His lack of indy background is perfect for getting heat with the types of fans who cheer the likes of Kevin Owens. While my prediction for the match may have been wrong, I am fine with it. Corbin is logically inexperienced in the ring, so his actions match his character. Corbin doesn’t lose anything with the loss, and Ziggler gets a much needed win.
[***]
Kalisto © vs Ryback
Prediction: While I love Kalisto as a performer, I don’t see the point of re-packaging Ryback and having him lose his first 2 PPV championship matches in his new character. I predict that Kalisto will show heart, but come up… short…
Match Analysis: Did Ryback really take a pop at CM Punk with his entrance?! Brilliant way of getting heat in Chicago!! I also love the text on the back of Rybacks’ belt “The Pre Show Stopper”. Kalisto’s early offense was impressive, including his second near-botched springboard corkscrew dive. The story throughout this match ran very similar to the Ziggler/Corbin, except the big guy was bigger, and the small guy was smaller. Personally I could watch Kalisto perform all day long. His offence is innovative, and he always seems to be able to show me something I haven’t seen. And once again, whilst my prediction was wrong, I am still happy with the result. Whilst I have no idea where Ryback goes from here, the second rope gorilla press slam was a move I popped for. Kalisto is the embodiment of what cruiserweight wrestling can be in the WWE, so as long as he holds some gold, there will always be hope for the little guys.
[***1/2]
Main Show
Enzo & Cass vs The Vaudevillains
Prediction: I can’t call this one if I’m being honest. Both teams were extremely well established in NXT so this has potential to be an immense match up if they are let off the leash. All this talk of it being a ‘new era’ makes me believe the winner of this match actually has a chance at winning their championship match!
Match Analysis: I was about to bitch about the New Day’s antics taking the attention away from the action in the ring, until the unfortunate events that lead to Enzo Amore’s injury. I won’t claim to know enough about in ring performing to breakdown exactly what happened, but the situation was treated with the upmost professionalism by both those involved in the match, as well as the announce team. I will be keeping a close eye on social media over the next few days for updates, but I really hope Enzo is ok!
Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens
Prediction: I feel that the only way both men can look good coming out of this match is for Kevin Owens to win this. Nobody looks better in defeat than Sami Zayn, so it makes sense for the underdog to go down to the prize fighter tonight to keep the fans hungry for Zayn winning ‘the big one’. I love both these guys so I truly hope they are given the chance to show the universe what they are capable of.
Match Analysis: The match was everything I hoped it would be! I feel both guys would suffer from having to fit the ‘WWE style’ mold, but they managed to break it in this match. Their indy style match was exactly what the Chicago crowd was hungry for. The pinfall was slightly reminiscent of HHH and Stone Cold in their 3 Stages of Hell match. Granted the intensity wasn’t as high as that classic match, but the fact that Kevin Owens made the pinfall whilst completely exhausted shows that Zayn took him to his limit, and it required KO to empty the tank to get the victory. Even the post-match segment with Owens and Saxton was fun.
[****]
The Miz © vs Cesaro
Prediction: Prior to Owens being on commentary, I was going with Miz, but seeing Owens on commentary makes me wonder if shenanigans will ensue and give Cesaro the win. I follow the old school mentality where you stick to heel vs face in all matches. So, Cesaro wouldn’t have beaten Zack Ryder for the IC Belt, so Miz comes in to be the heel placeholder between 2 baby face champions. I’m officially changing my mind, and going for Cesaro
Match Analysis: Firstly, Cesaro looks waaaay less of a douche wearing aviators instead of his old sunglasses. The Chicago crowd are on fire tonight, they know who the like and they are cheering for them like there is no tomorrow. I love Cesaro’s corkscrew uppercut, in fact I love most of Cesaro’s moveset. I wasn’t expecting the return of Sami Zayn during this match, and while my prediction was wrong again, I love the post-match drama! It seems like WWE are getting things right with Owens, Zayn and the Intercontinental title picture. It’s simply storytelling, but the IC belt is one that looks desirable at the moment. People are fighting tooth & nail for the belt, and that gives it prestige.
[***]
Chris Jericho vs Dean Ambrose
Prediction: I have really been digging Jericho’s latest heel run. I was surprised by his Wrestlemania victory over AJ, but it seems to have really elevated his character to someone who isn’t just brought back to enhance the younger newer talent. That said, I feel Ambrose is in desperate need of a win and an enhanced Chris Jericho would be the perfect win to get some wheels underneath Ambrose.
Match Analysis: The match was what I was expecting, but unfortunately I wasn’t expecting much. Whilst Jericho’s character has been brilliant lately, his matches have just been a bit average. I think it’s potentially showing the difference between the new breed of wrestlers breaking through, and the type of matches they can put on, and the fact they can up a few gears when the occasion calls for it. This match wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t anything memorable.
[**1/2]
Charlotte © vs Natalya
Prediction: Natalya really helped put Charlotte on the womens’ wrestling map back in NXT, and I fully expect this match to follow a similar pattern from their NXT match where they had their respective Hall-of-Fame family members in their corners. Their match at Roadblock this year was one of the strongest on the card (although that wasn’t a hard task to reach), so I have high hopes that this one will be a strong outing for both women again.
Match Analysis: UGH! Are you kidding me!? A f**king screwjob ending?! Why?! That ending just p*sses over the work the ladies put into that match. Is that really the best creative could give these girls? Despite the handful of obvious botches, the match wasn’t that bad, but unfortunately the ending is going to taint the work put into that match.
[**]
Vince's Decision
Jesus Christ that segment went on. I'm going to hold Enzo Amore responsible for the length of that segment... In all seriousness, the reports coming through the show that he's ok are a massive relief, as the injury looked awful. But jeez that segment went on way to long. And all that talking for a relative none-decision? The whole thing just made zero sense, for Vince to change his stance from pro-Steph, to wanting to see both his kids tear each other apart. Ugh Vince! Ugh!
Roman Reigns © vs AJ Styles
Prediction: While I am convinced Roman Reigns is walking out with the belt, my main area of interest is HOW he walks out with the belt. I am hoping that this doesn't go down the simple route that AJ was behind the Gallows & Anderson attacks all along. The Chicago crowd would dump all over turning AJ heel and keeping Reigns the babyface champion. There's a handful of options they could chose, I just hope it's not that one...
Match Analysis: Did Roman Reigns just come out the same way as everyone else?! I think that's the most glaringly obvious sign that WWE acknowledge that the fans don't like Reigns. Like John Cena walking out at ECW One Night Only 2006, the crowd are extremely hostile towards the champ, so having him enter via the ramp shows that they potentially fear for Romans safety going through the crowd. The Phenomenal Forearm through the table was a really nice spot, and I was getting ready to rage-type my disappointment over a countout finish, but luckily Shane O-Mac saved the day... But then the shenanigans continued with the DQ finish, and the predictable interjection from Steph making it a No DQ... I'd call that a nice touch of drama to keep my attention. The mid-air Superman punch was a really nice touch too! As the match wore on I started to wonder if WWE are relying too much on AJ using the Phenomenal Forearm. It seems like he went for the move close to 10 times and it's going to get old very quickly at this rate. The ending of the match was never in doubt for me, and the sprinkling of drama took away most of the sour taste from Roman continuing his run. The match was hard fought and Roman definately tried his best. This was potentially the best PPV outing for AJ Styles since joining the WWE, but he has got so much more in the tank, I can't wait to see him face one of the more athletic performers on the roster.
[***1/2]