5 Positive Takeaways From WWE Payback 2023

Payback 2023 lived up to the hype. The fans wanted nothing short of 5 star matches and most of them did deliver. The landscape for the WWE Superstars has now changed and with a few shuffles here are 5 positive takeaways from WWE Payback

Storytelling for Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Seth Rollins:

WWE has always placed a significant emphasis on storytelling as a fundamental element of its sports entertainment. Beyond the physicality in the ring, WWE excels at crafting compelling narratives that captivate audiences worldwide. Their ability to blend athleticism with dramatic storytelling has elevated wrestling to a unique art form. WWE invests in character development, crafting heroes and villains that fans passionately rally behind or against. As such, the story-driven feud between Nakamura and Rollins has been a breath of fresh air. Unlike the usual feud with the heel foreigner, WWE took a new route by having Shinsuke take things personally and want to hurt Seth Rollins and damage his career. This gave us viewers something more engaging to invest in than just a match.

L.A. Knight gets the rub from Cena and makes memorable moments with the Miz:

The storyline involving The Miz and L.A. Knight has been thoroughly entertaining to watch, and it’s interesting how it mirrors a lot of Knight’s detractors online. Miz outright denying Knight’s natural charisma and only choosing to draw comparisons between Knight and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin while saying anyone can be L.A. Knight and do catchphrases was truly entertaining.

Knight, on the other hand, would say that he has clawed his way from the bottom to the top and has earned the fans’ approval.

This past weekend, at Payback, fans were delighted to find that Knight got to share the spotlight with one of the greatest of all time, John Cena, but also defeated The Miz.

The Judgement Day on Top after Win:

Finn Balor and Damien Priest, part of The Judgement Day, unquestionably should have clinched the WWE Tag Team Championships. Their partnership embodies excellence in tag team wrestling, with a hint of betrayal between the two, which makes their dynamic very interesting.

Finn’s impeccable technical prowess, coupled with Damien’s sheer power and agility, create a perfect synergy that’s hard to match. Their charisma and magnetic presence captivate audiences, making them true fan favorites. Winning the Tag Team Championships is not only a recognition of their talent but also a way to make the two feud with each other down the line, if need be.

Rey’s retention of the U.S. Championship could make Santos turn on him.

Santos Escobar, a highly accomplished and ambitious WWE superstar, could indeed find himself harbouring jealousy towards Rey Mysterio’s U.S. Championship reign. Escobar, known for his technical mastery and ruthless persona, may perceive Mysterio’s championship success as a threat to his own prominence. The jealousy might stem from a desire to prove superiority in the Hispanic wrestling community or simply to elevate his status within WWE. This storyline could ignite a fiery rivalry, fueled by Escobar’s envy and a burning determination to dethrone Mysterio, leading to an electrifying showdown for the U.S. Championship and intense drama for fans to savour.

Becky and Trish Perhaps had The Match of the Year (so far):

Fans might have expected this showdown at SummerSlam, but looking back, having it at Payback might have been a better choice. While Payback isn’t as grand as the summertime spectacular, it offered the women more time and a more prominent platform than they would have had in August.

Admittedly, the feud extended longer than ideal, and the accompanying storyline didn’t quite measure up to the significance of two wrestling legends facing off. However, the eventual outcome compensated for these shortcomings.

This bout emerged as a legitimate contender for Match of the Year and is a source of immense pride for both women involved.

Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus stand as two of the most remarkable talents in the world of professional wrestling. Becky, often referred to as “The Man,” possesses an unparalleled charisma that instantly connects with the audience. Her in-ring skills are impeccable, and her ability to tell a compelling story within a match is unparalleled.

Trish Stratus, on the other hand, is a legendary figure in the history of women’s wrestling. Her agility, athleticism, and adaptability made her a trailblazer. Trish’s dedication and contributions helped revolutionise women’s wrestling, setting a high standard for future generations.

Both Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus have left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry, showcasing excellence in this match that will be celebrated for generations to come.