WWE Payback 2014 Preview Predictions / Trade possibilities thus far
Posted by: choke Jun 1, 2014 | 1674 views | 3 comments
Hey guys. I haven't been doing my usual Smackdown previews but they will be starting back up in the next week or two. I'm going to start this Payback preview by catching up a bit on the season thus far.
Right now the story of the season a few weeks in is how dominant Evolution has been. Batista and Orton are both in the top 3 and even HHH who wasn't considered as a worthy pick by most is 15th in points and has earned more than Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Wade Barrett, or Roman Reigns. Obviously this could all change once they wrap up the feud with the Shield, which could be tonight but for now anyone who got these three in the mid rounds must be enjoying the ride.
Notable disappointing performances include the aforementioned Shield members, but I dont think that should be any cause for concern. Fandango, Ziggler, Big Show, Goldust, and Kofi Kingstons' lack of points concern me more. It'd be difficult to drop some of those guys off your squad, but the more weeks that pass, you might need to make that call.
Some under the radar wrestlers for you to consider trading for:
1) El Torito: 13th in points in the season, with a nearly certain victory scheduled for tonight (and a stip match nonetheless!) WWE is for the kids man.
2) Alicia Fox: Probably not going to win the title tonight, but they're really trying to give her some sort of angle right now and at least it's INTERESTING. I also think there's a lot more that can be done with a heel divas champ. If Paige beats Fox tonight as she probably will, there's not many options for her to go to for a feud next unless they turn Nattie full blown heel or something.
3) Emma: They gave her a clean win over Fox the week Fox is fighting for the Divas title? What sense does that make? Not that it needs to make sense, since the Divas division rarely, if ever does, but in a typical booking situation, one would think that puts her in the drivers seat for a shot at the belt.
Payback Predictions
1. El Torito vs Hornswaggle in a Mask vs Hair match: No one cares what's under the mask. WWE always loves an opportunity to shave someones head bald which is I guess some huge embarassment? Torito wins
2. Big E Langston vs Rusev: Rusev keeps climbing the ladder. I still think we get Rusev vs Sheamus for the belt sooner than later. Rusev wins easily
3. Paige vs Alicia Fox for the Divas title. I want to predict the upset because in my mind Paige hasnt really clicked with the crowd (though to be fair not many Divas do), and as I said earlier there's a lot more opportunites for a heel Divas champ. I cant do it though, it's just too early. Paige retains, though Alicia should still get some heat for post-match antics.
4. Sheamus vs Cesaro for the US Title: I'm ecstatic WWE ultimately has kept Cesaro heel, and I think both of these guys have been putting in great in-ring work lately. I dont expect this one to disappoint. It's hard for me to see either winning clean, and I think we see Cesaro get DQd so Sheamus retains and they can fight each other again at MITB. Sheamus losing the title so soon would seem like a slap in the face and Cesaro really shouldnt be taking a clean loss right now during this build.
5. Bad News Barrett vs RVD for the IC Title: RVD just doesnt have it anymore IMO, and I dont get the love BNB gets. I don't mind his gimmick, I just have never found his in-ring work to be inspiring. As much as I find that true, I'd be even more upset for RVD to win this belt. WWE knows better. BNB retains clean
6. Cena vs Bray Wyatt in a Last Man Standing match: Seems like popular opinion is that Cena wins this to end the feud on top like he ends most of his feuds. Even though Wyatt won that ridiculous match with the little demon child, I think WWE gives him another victory, as difficult as it is to see Cena lose two PPVs in a row, to make up for the awful decision to have Cena go over at Mania. Plus Wyatt is a logical next feud for Bryan once he's back from injury and a loss doesn't get us there. Cena doesn't need it, Wyatt does. Wyatt wins in an "upset"
7. The Shield vs Evolution in a 6 man no holds barred elimination match: That's a lot of points to be handed out. Seems like a spot to give Shield a win to move onto bigger and better things. NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND. Okay I'm gonna go all fantasy fan booking style, but I'd love to see one of Shield turn on the other teammates, or to have Evolution add a member to ultimately replace Batista. The Shield have fought the Wyatts and now Evolution 20 times each, if they simply get a win here, where do they go from there? Turn Rollins Evolution and start a new feud between Orton/Rollins vs Reigns/Ambrose. that sounded a lot better in my head before I typed it. I'm just not a fan of all this 6 man tag stuff. Either make the tag belts into triple belts or split them all up into duos again. Evolution win with one of the Shield turning, or a new member is introduced and helps them win.
8. Daniel Bryan stuff: I think this will be more to set up Steph vs Brie more than to do anything actually with the World Title. Bryan will be close to turning in the belt to protect Brie but Brie will come out and confront Stephanie to make him not do that. Then Kane probably comes out to unfortunately continue that feud.
I'm shocked there's no tag title match scheduled btw and it doesnt seem like there's any room to add one. Perhaps the Usos prevent Harper and Rowan from interfering much with the Cena/Wyatt match which would continue their feud and ultimately lead to a tag title match between them.