Payback is WWE’s next Pay-Per-View, and it’s just a week away, but you sure wouldn’t know it by the way they’re preparing for it. So far, there were just two matches officially announced for the card, and after the results of SmackDown on Thursday, it’s still that way. Let’s take a look at the current card and any rumors floating about other matches that may be added.
This week, there wasn’t another match added, but one more superstar was added as the main event was changed.
What once was a Triple Threat for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is now a Fatal 4-Way thanks to the addition of Dean Ambrose. That officially puts all three former members of The Shield into the match against Randy Orton and each other.
That’s where the rumors have really picked up as a major heel turn is being expected at Payback . Some even believe that The Shield could end up reuniting and joining forces with The Authority after taking out Orton.
In an interesting note, WWE just put up an article on Friday to show the best six-man tag team matches for The Shield.
The only other match on the card is the “I Quit” match for the United States Championship between champion John Cena and the challenger Rusev. These two have already had four matches in the past few months, and the focus for their match at Payback really isn’t on the match at all.
For Rusev, everything is focused on his obvious split from Lana that will happen sooner rather than later. It is thought that Lana’s face turn could be happening at Payback when she leaves Rusev high and dry.
On the other hand, John Cena has focused on the U.S. Challenge, and many are wondering if he’s going to turn heel . The feelers are being sent out by WWE, and it looks like they are testing it, but this would be huge if it ever happens.
Now, that’s all on the Payback card at this time and usually, there are six to seven matches on any PPV event night. Rumored matches include:
- Bray Wyatt vs. Ryback
- Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler – Possibly with a stipulation
- Tag Title Match: The New Day vs. Brass Ring Club
- Naomi & Tamina Snuka vs. The Bella Twins
- King Barrett vs. Neville
All of those matches have been rumored for a couple weeks now, but WWE hasn’t pushed forward with them. They could be added to the Payback card or they may not, but something certainly will need to be as there is just one week to go, and two matches won’t fill three hours.
[Images via WWE]