WWE Payback 2017: Updated Match Card After Raw, Apr. 10
The WWE Payback 2017 match card is quickly coming together, and will have a different look than expected.
WWE Payback had been billed as a Raw-exclusive pay-per-view, even by the commentary teams. However, that changed with the Superstar Shakeup on Monday night. This saw SmackDown stars join the Flagship Show, with some becoming part of the event for Sunday, Apr. 30. It quickly made this into a co-branded show.
With the Superstar Shakeup on SmackDown Live still yet to happen, the Payback card could have an even different feel. For now, let’s see how things look for the show:
House of Horrors Match WWE Championship
Randy Orton (c) vs. Bray Wyatt
Surprisingly, Wyatt showed up on Raw and cut a cryptic promo on Finn Balor, indicating that Mondays will be his home. What got lost in the shuffle is the Eater of Worlds saying he has a House of Horrors match with Randy Orton “in three weeks.”
Well, their match will take place at WWE Payback for the WWE Championship. This may be the substitute for Universal Champion Brock Lesnar not sticking around for the show. If so, then this has the chance of being our main event, a risky proposition after what was seen at WrestleMania 33.
WWE United States Championship Match
Kevin Owens (c) vs. Chris Jericho
Following Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose’s move to Raw, it seems inevitable that Kevin Owens is on his way to SmackDown Live. We’ll see if that’s the case on Tuesday night, but either way, he has a date with Chris Jericho for the United States Championship at Payback.
This match could be the last we see of Jericho, who is set for a Fozzy tour this spring. That will take him off TV for an indefinite period, likely meaning he puts Owens over one last time.
Raw Tag Team Championship Match
The Hardys (c) vs. Cesaro and Sheamus
Cesaro and Sheamus won a No. 1 Contender’s match after WrestleMania to earn this opportunity. They’re still subject to the Superstar Shakeup, however, and could be on the move on Tuesday night. That doesn’t mean this bout won’t happen, but it sets up a predictable finish of the Hardys winning.
WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match
Neville (c) vs. Austin Aries
This is our third WrestleMania rematch on the WWE Payback card. Neville and Aries put on a fun showing in their first go-around, and will be given an opportunity to top that at the end of the month.
Lurking will be TJ Perkins, who turned heel and beat down Aries on the recent episode of Raw. Could he make his presence felt in this match?
Next: WWE Raw Review, April 10
What will be added to the WWE Payback match card next? Will we see another championship featured?