WWE Payback 2016: Reactions & Review

Here’s our final review of WWE Payback 2016!

Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin

Reactions: This opener was a bit too slow for our tastes. Corbin’s intimidating look and impressive presence in the ring is nothing to scoff at. But his in-ring skills leave a lot to be desired. While he was in control of the match, everything moved at a very methodical pace (but far from an intriguing one, however). Once Ziggler made his comeback, we woke up from our slumber. Corbin got us interested again when he punished Ziggler on the outside of the ring. The finish came quick as soon as Corbin made his return to the ring and got shocked by a surprise roll-up. This was nothing special, to be quite honest with you all. This feud is obviously going to continue. We just hope their next match is a lot better than this one.

Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars

Kalisto (c) vs. Ryback (WWE United States Championship)

Reactions: This was so, so, so much better than their previous ‘Mania 32 bout. We cared so much more for Ryback this time around thanks to his blatant disrespect for Chicago’s own CM Punk. Once the match got underway, Kalisto made us care due to his wild offensive start. Ryback got in control but this time, his mistreatment of the small title holder was actually fun to watch. It was nice to see and hear the crowd actually give a damn this time. Kalisto pulled some more amazing moves out of his arsenal and Ryback pulled off an insane Gorilla Press Slam off the top rope. The back and forth struggle between both Superstars was a vast improvement over their last encounter. Kalisto winning was quite the shock, too. This was pretty decent.

Rating: 2 & a Half out of 5 Stars

Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady vs. The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch) (Tag Team Match to Determine the #1 Contender for the WWE Tag Team Championship)

Reactions: Everything got off a great start with the pre-match mic work from The New Day and Enzo & Cass. But sadly, the match came to an early and disappointing close after Enzo got injured after being thrown face first into the middle rope. We hope Enzo’s okay…

Rating: No Stars

Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens

Reactions: We’ve witnessed these guys tear it up on the Indy scene. And we’re happy we got see them push each other to the limit on WWE’s main stage. Zayn and Owens put on a great matchup that went back and forth. Zayn clearly had the crowd behind him, but Owens’ heelish ways got him some crowd appreciation as well. Zayn pulled out his best moves and so did Owens. The biggest moments had to be Zayn backdropping Owens onto the ring apron, Owens hitting two Cannonball Splashes on Zayn and Zayn spiking Owens on the outside with his Tornado DDT through the ring apron. These Superstars looked impressive during their ongoing war. When Owens Superkicked Zayn and laid him out with his Pop Up Powerbomb, we were sad that this match was finally over. We want more and hopefully we get just that. This was a good bout between two rivals who always put on great performances. Owens’ post-match commentary was hilarious as always.

Rating: 3 & a Half out of 5 Stars