The standard PPV names of WWE occasions is sensible on Saturday night time. WWE Payback is about to happen in Pittsburgh with loads of superstars trying to actual some revenge on their rivals. Most of the matches on Saturday on rematches of previous showdowns the place the one that misplaced is hoping to get the sting this time round.
The highest billing goes to world heavyweight champion Seth Rollins trying to flip away Shinsuke Nakamura’s bid for the title. Plus, girls’s world champion Rhea Ripley takes on Raquel Rodriguez in hard-hitting motion. And the undisputed tag staff titles are on the road when champs Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens takes on Damian Priest and Finn Balor of The Judgement Day.
These are simply a few of the attention-grabbing matches on the Payback card. Let’s have a look by the total card together with predictions from the CBS Sports activities specialists.
2023 WWE Payback viewing info
Date: Saturday, Sept. 2
Location: PPG Paints Area — Pittsburgh
Begin time: 8 p.m. ET (kickoff present begins at 7 p.m.)
Watch reside: Peacock
2023 WWE Payback predictions
World Heavyweight Championship — Seth Rollins (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
This feud has injected new life into Nakamura’s character. By turning him heel and permitting him to chop promos in his native Japanese, he’s getting factors throughout clearer and with extra intention. Nonetheless, it would not appear as if there’s any real looking method WWE places the title on Nakamura, who’s extra of a plug-and-play roster member, capable of be slotted in wherever wanted for a month or two. Nakamura is not the power within the ring he as soon as was, however can maintain up his finish properly sufficient in massive matches. Rollins’ run as champion will proceed on a bit longer — presumably till Damian Priest cashes within the Cash within the Financial institution contract, which should not be written out as a risk on Saturday night time. Decide: Seth Rollins retains the title — Brent Brookhouse (additionally Shakiel Mahjouri)
Ladies’s World Championship — Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Raquel Rodriguez
Ripley’s title run has been dealt with properly and he or she is far more ready to carry the title than she was throughout her first reign, with much more confidence in herself and on the microphone. Rodriguez is a compelling problem as one of many solely girls on the roster who can match Ripley on an influence degree. Nonetheless, Rodriguez would not really feel as if she has been constructed as much as the purpose the place she might be a plausible prime champion, although that might come sooner or later. Ripley and Dominik Mysterio as a title-holding couple, plus Priest as Mr. Cash within the Financial institution — and presumably world champion — being caught with a jealous Finn Balor might be the following step for the group. Decide: Rhea Ripley retains the title — Brookhouse (additionally Mahjouri)
Undisputed WWE Tag Workforce Championship — Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn (c) vs. Damian Priest & Finn Balor (Metal Metropolis Road Struggle)
My idea on the route ahead for Judgment Day is that Balor goes to be the lone member and not using a title very quickly, resulting in his partnership with JD McDonagh taking precedence over his loyalties to Judgment Day. That does not work if he and Priest win the tag titles, although tag champions with an uneasy alliance is a wrestling story as outdated because the “sport.” Owens and Zayn retaining the belts and persevering with their title reign because the tag division picks up a little bit of steam makes good sense, particularly if miscommunication prices Priest and Balor. Decide: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn retain the titles — Brookhouse
The end result of Payback’s matches appear very predictable however one thing has to present. I am selecting the tag title match for Payback’s massive upset. WWE clearly sees Judgement Day as a focus of Uncooked. Regardless of their infighting, it would not appear as if the group is anyplace near a authentic cut up. They should win sufficient to offset their losses. Balor has misplaced consecutive world title matches and is determined for a win, significantly after Ripley’s threats about shaking up the faction. Owens and Zayn successful at WrestleMania is an unforgettable second, however accidents and an absence of route have impeded their title run. A loss will free the champs up for extra fascinating tales whereas giving Judgement Day a wanted increase. Make the change. Decide: Judgment Day wins the titles — Mahjouri
United States Championship — Rey Mysterio (c) vs. Austin Concept
It was odd to see WWE pull a quick one over followers and reward Mysterio with the U.S. title over Santos Escobar. Nonetheless, the masked man is a secure selection as midcard champion and it is nice seeing the 48-year-old compete at this degree. Concept benefitted from an enormous push and beat John Cena at WrestleMania 39. It would not get a lot larger than that. Sadly, his U.S. title run wasn’t memorable and he’d profit from distance from the title. Mysterio ought to retain so the title can profit from some contemporary matchups on SmackDown. Decide: Rey Mysterio retains the title — Mahjouri (additionally Brookhouse)
Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus (Metal Cage Match)
Stratus’ return has been considerably uneven when it comes to her in-ring work. Including Zoey Stark as her protege was a sensible transfer that took a few of the heavy lifting off of Stratus’ plate. WWE loves to border cage matches as one way or the other stopping interference and the extra they lean into that, the extra you recognize that interference will make up an enormous a part of how issues play out. Stark will contain herself lots right here. Had been this the beginning of the feud, it might be very tempting to select Stratus to win after that interference, fueling Lynch on for revenge. Issues between Lynch and Stratus have run their course, nonetheless, and now Lynch, the precise full-time roster member, must get the win and transfer alongside to the following a part of her profession. Decide: Becky Lynch wins — Brookhouse (additionally Mahjouri)
LA Knight vs. The Miz
The followers are treating Knight like a bonafide famous person and it is time for WWE to do the identical. Profitable a sponsor-affiliated battle royal at SummerSlam was comforting however not vital sufficient to curry confidence. His feud with The Miz has been quite entertaining, however dropping to “The A-Lister” can be completely deflating. This is not a feud that should final a very long time. Even when WWE desires to increase this system previous Payback, it mustn’t come on the expense of Knight dropping. This must be Knight’s slow-burn rise in the direction of a world title. Decide: LA Knight wins — Mahjouri (additionally Brookhouse)