WWE Payback 2016 Matches, Predictions, Schedule, How to Watch: AJ Styles Main Events Against Roman Reigns in Chicago
The WWE is back in the Chicago area for "Payback," where AJ Styles will be in his first pay-per-view main event since signing with the company.
Kickoff Show: WWE United States Championship: Kalisto (c) vs. Ryback:
It's the rematch from the "WrestleMania" preshow, and once again there hasn't been much storyline progression. Kalisto's title reign hasn't had much story and he's been fighting in "Main Event" and "Superstars," twice against Tyler Breeze - who perhaps should have a match against Kalisto since both have proven to deliver brilliant matches.
Prediction: Kalisto should retain with the hope the WWE does given him promo time and a storyline, perhaps with Breeze. Although, Ryback's new attitude is something that needs a push, and it could happen with a title around his waist or across his shoulder. The prediction is Ryback to win.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin:
Since making his main roster debut, Baron Corbin has targeted Dolph Ziggler. Corbin is definitely a WWE superstar who, if booked correctly, has a future as a dominant figure and Ziggler is definitely the man to help showcase what the NXT alum has to offer.
Prediction: Corbin wins. It is Corbin's first pay-per-view showing and hopefully Corbin, new to the main roster, takes the win.
Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens:
A match that was destined to happen, although a bit surprised it's already taking place. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn have a long history, going back to NXT and even beyond in the indies. Now in the main roster, Owens is proving he is the main event guy and believes Zayn is cutting in at his time. Honestly, the storyline doesn't matter since both WWE Superstars will deliver what may be the match of the night at any show, anytime and anywhere.
Prediction: Owens wins. As the heel, and the Headlock Master, Owens should win to continue with the feud as Zayn can be pitched as the underdog.
Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho:
Not much can be said here other than it's the battle for best talk show segment, Ambrose Asylum vs. Highlight Reel?
Prediction: Jericho wins as they two can continue their feud for the next pay-per-view "Extreme Rules."
No. 1 Contender Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship: Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady vs. The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch):
WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day are on their way to become the longest-reigning WWE Tag Team Champions, and the fact they are not competing at "Payback" will ensure they are not losing their titles on Sunday night -- unless the company decides a last-minute change. Instead of defending the tag titles, a tag-team tournament was held during the last few weeks which included new teams entering the main roster from NXT: The Vaudevillains and Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady. Both teams defeated a number of other teams, such as The Usos, The Ascension and The Dudley Boyz, to reach the final, taking place at "Payback."
Prediction: Given The New Day are the face team, The Vaudevillains, as the heels, are the prediction to win. The match will definitely be one of the highlights of the show.
Intercontinental Championship: The Miz (c) (with Maryse) vs. Cesaro:
Cesaro is back from injury and Maryse returns to the WWE to stand by her champion husband The Miz. Fans should expect a physical match that should include charisma from Maryse from ringside.
Prediction: The Miz wins with help from Maryse.
WWE Women's Championship: Charlotte (c) (with Ric Flair) vs. Natalya (with Bret Hart):
Get ready for what will rank in the top 10 women's matches of 2016. Charlotte, carrying on the lineage of the new Women's Championship, battles Natalya in a rematch that has taken place a number of times. Charlotte and Natalya fought at "Roadblock" for the Divas Championship and on "Raw" a couple weeks ago, all which went in Charlotte's favor. What makes Sunday night different? Natalya will try to balance the odds with Bret Hart at her corner while Ric Flair accompanies Charlotte - although this same stipulation did occur in NXT.
Prediction: Charlotte wins since she's still fresh as the WWE Women's Champion.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. AJ Styles:
For the first time ever, AJ Styles competes in his first pay-per-view event against Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. During this storyline, the WWE Universe saw the debut of Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows -- the former did previously compete in the WWE. Anderson and Gallows have been associated with Styles outside of the WWE, namely New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and their links have been disclosed on "Raw" and "SmackDown." Anderson and Gallows have confronted and fought down Reigns and his cousins, The Usos, despite Styles denouncing his friends' actions.
Prediction: Reigns wins, but fans should expect a main event finish that will have people talking. Speculation is Anderson and Gallows could either:
- Betray Styles,
- Join forces with Reigns,
- Be part of a bigger picture that includes the main roster introduction of Finn Balor.
How to Watch:
Television: Contact your cable or satellite provider for information on how to order the "WWE Payback" pay-per-view event, with the broadcast set to begin at 8 p.m. EST.
Online: Live coverage streaming of "WWE Payback" begins at 8 p.m. EST, and it can be seen on the WWE Network, but the "Kickoff" show starts at 7 p.m. EST, which can also be seen on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, WWE.com, the WWE App and YouTube.
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