WWE Payback 2014 Reaction

WWE Payback 2014 took place at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois and featured a total of ten matches, including the pre-show. Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella made a shocking decision regarding the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, John Cena and Bray Wyatt left everything they had inside the squared circle (and outside) and Stephanie McMahon addressed the crowd chanting CM Punk’s name.

Every single match on the card delivered in one way shape or form and the exciting action that took place, mixed in with the hot Chicago crowd made Payback 2014 a night to remember.

I recapped highlights, expressed my thoughts and have given each match and important segment on the card a letter grade. Please feel free to leave a comment letting me know your overall thoughts on the Payback PPV. I’ll be sure to respond to as many as I can.

HORNSWOGGLE VS. EL TORITO (HAIR VS. MASK)

Hornswoggle-vs.-El-Torito
May the smaller man win

HIGHLIGHTS:

– El Torito’s top rope Huricanrana that sent Heath Slater flying into Los Matadores and his 3MB brethren.

– Hornswoggle’s  Sit-Out Power Bomb.

– El Torito’s Springboard Moonsault, which resulted in victory.

REACTION: To quickly some up this match, the crowd chanted “let’s go Hawks” within the first couple minutes and after a well-placed spot, chanted “this is awesome”. El Torito and Hornswoggle’s WeeLC match had tables, step-ladders, mini-chairs; little people ring announcers and commentators – all the ingredients to make a pre-show match memorable. Unfortunately, the two fairly entertaining performers could not live up to their previous bout, but still had a respectable rematch at Payback.

GRADE: C-

SHEAMUS (c) VS. CESARO (UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP)

20140522_Payback_Match_Shaemus_Cesaro_LIGHT_HP
Ireland vs. Switzerland

HIGHLIGHTS:

– Paul Heyman telling the Chicago crowd where CM Punk is.

– Sheamus attempts the Battering Ram, but Cesaro catches him with a stiff uppercut.

– Cesaro’s Brogue Kick reversal turned German Suplex.

– Sheamus reverses the Neutralizer into White Noise.

– Sheamus slithers out of the Neutralizer and wins via rollup.

REACTION: It’s been said before and I’ll say it again – nobody knows how to interact with a hot Chicago crowd like Paul Heyman. The man is a genius and Chicago has too much respect for him, so when he talks, they listen.

As for the match, it at least exceeded my expectations. I knew that Cesaro and Sheamus would showcase a hard-hitting battle, but these two worked so well with one another and both men compliment the other perfectly. Cesaro’s in-ring style is so unorthodox and so exciting – we can expect him to hit at least one new move per match, which is very intriguing. Sheamus has always been a good worker and solid in the ring and I would love to see this feud continue after Cesaro wins the Money in the Bank briefcase.

GRADE: A-

CODY RHODES & GOLDUST VS. RYBAXEL

rybaxel
The Big Guy!

HIGHLIGHTS:

– Goldust’s Sunset Flip Power Bomb.

– Ryback catching Cody Rhodes midair and delivering Shell Shock for the victory.

– Cody tells Goldust that he needs to find a better tag team partner.

REACTION: The Rhodes Brothers and Rybaxel put forth an above-average tag team match that was fairly exciting. Goldust has been outstanding since his return to the ring last year and pairing him with his brother was and is the perfect role for him.

I’m hesitant to admit this, but I am slowly becoming a Rybaxel fan. They’re absolutely hilarious. I’m a huge fan of Ryback and think he is one of the funniest and most charismatic superstars on the current roster. Whenever he has a microphone or is on commentary, expect to laugh.  Axel is a good in-ring worker and solid/but his character is bland.

Now, the bigger story here is the slow dissention of the Rhodes Brothers. WWE is doing a good job with this slow transition instead of Cody just outright attacking Goldust. Everyone can see a Cody vs. Goldust program in the near future; we’re just waiting for WWE to pull the trigger.

GRADE: B

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