Last week, WWE had a packed weekend with Takeover XXX and SummerSlam. Now, we move to the Payback 2020 report card.
Since RAW underwent dramatic changes, WWE has attempted to bring back The Riott Squad. Too bad they let go of Sarah Logan and now she is out, expecting a baby.
On the other side, we got a rare appearance from The IIconics. While their in-ring skills are not the best, they are entertaining on the microphone and with their antics.
The IIconics nearly outsmarted Liv Morgan, having her doubt that Ruby Riott had her back. For me, the most memorable moment was Peyton Royce taking a nasty bump and possibly hurting her shoulder. Grade: C
By now, it seems like The Hurt Business has been chasing Apollo Crews and the United States Championship for months. It is time for both parties to move in a new direction.
Bobby Lashley and Crews are very similar with their in-ring style. The biggest and most obvious difference is the size of Lashley.
Heading into the bout, Lashley seemed like clear favorite to win and he took the title home without outside interference. Crews was still looking for a fight after the bell, so the feud does not seem over. Grade: B-
Considering all the noise Matt Riddle has made, it is a little shocking his singles in-ring debut just happened. No matter what, taking on King Baron Corbin is always a great way to generate heat.
Overall, the match did its job. Riddle scores a win as WWE looks to possibly elevate him, while Corbin holds the gatekeeper spot for heels.
The announce team calling Riddle’s win an upset could be considered fake news. Corbin is irate and they will probably battle again on Friday’s SmackDown. Grade: B
Seeing how SmackDown needs a top face, WWE could be grooming Big E. He seems like someone who deserves a chance and has the proper motivation.
The pace of the match was on the tame side and we should have witnessed a slugfest. A hard-hitting affair would have helped what was a slow starting show.
Eventually both superstars began using those impact moves. I feel the Big E win is the beginning of a Universal Championship program before 2020 closes.
We have already seen the ring implode, so that is nothing new. Although, that bump was enough for Reigns to easily enter the match and claim the title. Grade: B
After outcry, WWE promised to change Keith Lee’s entrance music. The music was still off and same goes for the attire.
As for the wrestling aspect, both have the tools to entertain. But, in one of the most shocking moments of 2020, Lee secured secured the pin rather quickly.
Orton spent most of the year destroying legends left and right. At Payback, Lee took his first step towards being a legend. Grade: B
It feels like the Mysterio family have been battling Seth Rollins for months. We already had a tease of this match before Retribution got involved.
The heels tried to keep Dominik away from his father and future WWE Hall of Famer, which makes sense. After everything these four have gone through, you have to end the program and that seems to be the direction.
Considering how impressive Dominik looked at SummerSlam, this match felt unnecessary. Father and son got their first win together under the WWE umbrella. Grade: B
Apparently, Roman Reigns never signed the contract on Friday’s SmackDown. That is the new Reigns with Paul Heyman being his advocate.
Making fans wait for Reigns to join the match was great booking. While he sat in the back, Braun Strowman and “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt tore he each other apart. Grade: B
Out of nowhere, WWE paired Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax. Since returning from injury, we have not seen much from Nia Jax and the same can be said for Baszler.
The big story heading into the title match was if Sasha Banks and Bayley would finally implode. Unlike SummerSlam, Banks and Bayley seemed to be on the same page.
I cannot recall a time when a superstar made another tap by using the ligament of their partner. It only adds another layer to the Bayley-Banks saga. Grade: B+
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