The Raw Tag Team Championships were up for grabs at WWE Payback. Did the Hardy Boyz drop the titles to Cesaro and Sheamus?
WWE Payback featured several championship matches. One of the more anticipated title bouts was the Raw Tag Team Championship match. The Hardy Boyz attempted to defend the titles against Cesaro and Sheamus.
For the past few weeks, all appearances pointed to a mutual respect between the two teams. Still, tensions were running high during a pair of singles matches between members of both sides. Eventually, things would reach their breaking point – and that happened at Payback.
With that, let’s take a look at the highlights from this tag team title match.
FAUGH A BALLAGH! @WWECesaro and @WWESheamus have the #TagTeamTitles in their sights at #WWEPayback! pic.twitter.com/tQANwcIs7D
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2017
San Jose is ON 🔥🔥🔥🔥 courtesy of #Raw #TagTeamChampions @JEFFHARDYBRAND and @MATTHARDYBRAND! #WWEPayback pic.twitter.com/MIaJNnXGBN
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2017
The Hardy Boyz took over early, using their experience advantage to control the flow of the match. Jeff hit Poetry in Motion early on in the contest.
Hey, @WWECesaro, read THIS #PoetryInMotion! #WWEPayback #TagTeamTitles @JEFFHARDYBRAND @MATTHARDYBRAND pic.twitter.com/vA0IWlaq4N
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2017
Not too long after, though, Cesaro and Sheamus showed that they have good chemistry as well. They were able to isolate Matt for a while and use their strength advantage to build momentum.
After Jeff tagged in, Sheamus was able to throw him out of the ring to keep things in the challengers’ favor. Taking a page out of the Hardy playbook, Sheasaro both used some high-flying offense to wear Jeff down.
The big knee of #CelticWarrior @WWESheamus crashing down on the chest of @JEFFHARDYBRAND? Yep, that HURTS! #WWEPayback #TagTeamTitles pic.twitter.com/s4yb0AaIBd
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2017
Speaking of CRASHING DOWN, look at the HEIGHT on display by #SwissSuperman @WWECesaro! #WWEPayback #TagTeamTitles pic.twitter.com/nR0qy32732
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2017
Despite catching a legit knee to the face from Sheamus, Jeff managed to escape the grips of the challengers and made a hot tag to Matt. The elder Hardy took it to Cesaro, hitting a Side Effect for a two count.
Around and around and around goes @MATTHARDYBRAND! #WWEPayback @WWECesaro pic.twitter.com/tXVIQoCEi6
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2017
The Swiss Superman was able to avoid a moonsault, and countered with a springboard uppercut. After a giant swing, Sheamus delivered White Noise from the middle rope – but Jeff broke up the cover.
Sheamus continued to attack Matt, avoiding a Twist of Fate twice. The Celtic Warrior hit Matt with a powerslam, but failed to notice the blind tag from Jeff. As Sheamus attempted a cover, Jeff delivered a Swanton Bomb to his back, making the cover for a victory.
Bodies are EVERYWHERE as @MATTHARDYBRAND & @JEFFHARDYBRAND defend their #RAW #TagTeamTitles against @WWESheamus & @WWECesaro at #WWEPayback! pic.twitter.com/QE3xXGZyFd
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2017
After the match, a disappointed Cesaro and Sheamus offered yet another sign of respect to the Hardys. Despite leaving the ring and allowing the champions to celebrate, they would return with a vicious sneak attack, laying the Hardy Boyz out.
Things just got REAL personal as frustration boils over for @WWECesaro and @WWESheamus! #WWEPayback pic.twitter.com/BoVUz3v24b
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2017
When all was said and done, Matt was a bloody mess after a Brogue Kick, while Jeff was on dream street outside the ring. Meanwhile, the “losers” of the match were standing tall.
Must Read: WWE Payback 2017 Review
What’s next for the tag team division on Raw?