WWE

WWE Payback 2023 Guide: Match Card, Predictions

WahhajNasirAugust 29, 2023

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Since 2013 marked the tenth anniversary of the premium live event’s debut, Payback has come and gone from the WWE calendar. The last time WWE revived Payback was three years ago, when Roman Reigns won the Universal Championship in that show’s main event. That does imply that Payback’s return will mark The Tribal Chief’s third year as champion. Actually, as Payback will take place on Saturday, September 2, 2023 this year, the third anniversary occurs a few days sooner.

For the first time, Payback is coming out of Pittsburgh. If you’re not fortunate enough to be there in person, you may watch it through all the regular channels, depending on where you are in the world. the WWE Network, Peacock in the US, or whichever platform offers the service where you are. There will be a 60-minute kickoff show before the main card starts at 8 p.m. EST to get you warmed up if you need it. Below is a list of every match that has been so far announced for the card.

Table of Contents

Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the World Heavyweight Championship

After seven years, WWE is now allowing Shinsuke Nakamura to reveal a side of himself that his fans have been wanting to witness. The King of Strong Style is desperate to win the title of World Champion and will stop at nothing to achieve it. That includes focusing on Rollins’ broken spine and making remarks about how that must impact his personal life.

Perhaps it’s a combination of my affection for Nakamura and a dash of naiveté, but I believe the Japanese actor succeeds at last in this scene. Rollins’ first World Title victory in the WWE will allow him to take a well-deserved break so that, after four years of agony, he can go get his back healed.

Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez for the Women’s World Championship

You know what? Rhea Ripley has been moving about Raw like she owns the place. Not that I blame her. She has been working hard, both with and without the rest of The Judgment Day, but has also caused harm to others. Raquel Rodriguez has been one of those individuals, but she will be seeking retribution at Payback.

I’m a big fan of Ripley and Rodrguez feuding, so whatever the result, I hope this match doesn’t bring their rivalry to an end. I do think Ripley wins here, simply because between injuries and how this storyline has needed to play out, Rodriguez hasn’t been on TV nearly as much as Ripley. The Nightmare is a big deal for WWE right now and will remain champion.

I enjoy seeing Ripley and Rodriguez compete, so regardless of the outcome of this bout, I hope their rivalry continues. Because of Ripley’s injuries and the need for this storyline to develop, I do believe Ripley will prevail in this contest. Rodriguez hasn’t appeared on television nearly as much as Ripley has. The Nightmare, who is currently the champion, is a big deal for WWE.

Trish Stratus vs. Becky Lynch in a Steel Cage Match

It’s accurate to say that the plot involving Trish Stratus and Becky Lynch has been developing for the entire year. Friends before WrestleMania but feuding ever since, it’s incredible WWE has been able to sustain this animosity for so long. This animosity needs to come to a conclusion, and it needs to be a major event when they clash inside a steel cage.

The longevity of Stratus is maybe the most astonishing aspect of this. My prediction is that Lynch prevails in this match and eliminates Stratus, effectively resuming her role as a full-time Superstar after all these years since her initial retirement.

Rey Mysterio vs. Austin Theory for the United States Championship

Rey Mysterio successfully ended Austin Theory’s extremely lengthy US Title reign. It was quite unexpected because it didn’t seem like WWE was done with Theory as champion, and even if it was, it seemed like another up-and-coming talent would be the one to dethrone the previous champion.

It was Mysterio instead, but I don’t believe his reign will be as long-lasting as Theory’s. My prediction is that Theory regains the championship this Saturday, with WWE hoping to spark interest in the rising star.

LA Knight vs. The Miz

LA Knight is still incredibly popular with the crowd and WWE has to keep including him in PLE bouts because of this. Now that he’s facing The Miz, the build-up to this bout has been made especially exciting by both men’s skill with a microphone.

WWE’s 2023 has established two things. Knight is well-liked, and Miz is okay with losing. Despite wrestling frequently in 2023, Miz has only won two matches thus yet. This is a quick and efficient technique to get the PLE victory that Knight needs.

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs. The Judgment Day in a Steel City Street Fight for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships

Due in part to Kevin Owens’ brief absence from the match, the Tag Titles seem a little less significant than they are right now. By the time Payback comes around, it will have been more than six weeks since they were last defended on television, so this encounter is essential.

The belts haven’t received much attention, but I don’t anticipate them changing hands in this contest. The titles will also receive a much-needed boost from their link with The Judgment Day’s issues and the furthering of the rift between Finn Balor and Damian Priest caused by their failure to prevail here.